The Blackout Banquet
A theatrical fine-dining menu served under soft, warm lighting while clear paths and exits stay visible throughout.
At home · Medium budget
The 90-Minute Grazing Board Build-Off
Easy party food ideas that need zero cooking: guests build a giant grazing board together, then score its looks and taste.
PLAN
READY 6–12 people Social
READY 6–12 people Social
Best for6–12 people
BudgetMedium budgetEstimate: $60+
LocationAt home
EnergySocial
01
Before you begin
Gather your supplies
Tick these off as you shop, borrow or pull them from the house. The list is a practical starting point, not a claim that every item is required.
02
The plan
How to run it
-
Assign the Shopping
Assign the Shopping: Split guests into teams with a clear budget and permission to shop. Ask about allergies and dietary needs first; keep each item labelled and separate, and include a safe non-nut, non-dairy option where possible.
-
The Build (30 min)
The Build (30 min): Set out boards, serving utensils and ingredients. Start with cheeses spaced apart, fan meats between them and use small bowls for olives, honey and jam. Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat items and supervise the table.
-
The Judging
The Judging: Give each board a number, then score the display and taste each labelled item in normal light. Guests may decline a tasting, and boards with unlabelled ingredients or allergen concerns cannot win.
-
Serve and Store
Serve and Store: Keep perishable food at a safe temperature until serving, use separate utensils for each board and collect leftovers promptly rather than leaving food on the table.
03
Keep the room moving
A practical run of show
-
30 min before
Assign the Shopping
Assign the Shopping: Split guests into teams with a clear budget and permission to shop. Ask about allergies and dietary needs first; keep each item labelled and separate, and include a safe non-nut, non-dairy option where possible.
-
15 min
The Build (30 min)
The Build (30 min): Set out boards, serving utensils and ingredients. Start with cheeses spaced apart, fan meats between them and use small bowls for olives, honey and jam. Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat items and supervise the table.
-
90 min
The Judging
The Judging: Give each board a number, then score the display and taste each labelled item in normal light. Guests may decline a tasting, and boards with unlabelled ingredients or allergen concerns cannot win.
-
20 min
Serve and Store
Serve and Store: Keep perishable food at a safe temperature until serving, use separate utensils for each board and collect leftovers promptly rather than leaving food on the table.