The Blackout Banquet
A theatrical fine-dining menu served under soft, warm lighting while clear paths and exits stay visible throughout.
At home · Higher budget
The Progressive Dinner Party Crawl
Dinner party ideas without one person doing all the cooking: each course happens at a different friend's home and the whole party walks between them.
PLAN
READY 6–12 people Social
READY 6–12 people Social
Best for6–12 people
BudgetHigher budgetEstimate: $150+
LocationAnywhere that fits
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
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Assign One Course Per Home
Assign One Course Per Home: Drinks and nibbles at house one, starter at house two, main at house three, dessert at house four. Confirm every host's permission, access needs, allergies and safe food storage before assigning a course.
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Fix the Times, Not the Menu
Fix the Times, Not the Menu: Publish fixed start times, an accessible route, a wet-weather alternative and one emergency contact. Hosts keep hot food supervised, label ingredients and allergens, and never use unsafe rooms or block a neighbour's exit.
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The Walking Rule
The Walking Rule: Choose lit, public paths or an accessible vehicle route with safe parking, crossing points and toilets. Nobody walks alone after dark, and anyone can skip a leg or return home without penalty.
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Everyone Hosts, Everyone Relaxes
Everyone Hosts, Everyone Relaxes: Each host cleans up their own course, offers a non-alcoholic drink and arranges a safe ride. Do not enter private homes without consent or carry food into a vehicle without a safe, cool transport plan.
03
Keep the room moving
A practical run of show
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30 min before
Assign One Course Per Home
Assign One Course Per Home: Drinks and nibbles at house one, starter at house two, main at house three, dessert at house four. Confirm every host's permission, access needs, allergies and safe food storage before assigning a course.
-
15 min
Fix the Times, Not the Menu
Fix the Times, Not the Menu: Publish fixed start times, an accessible route, a wet-weather alternative and one emergency contact. Hosts keep hot food supervised, label ingredients and allergens, and never use unsafe rooms or block a neighbour's exit.
-
90 min
The Walking Rule
The Walking Rule: Choose lit, public paths or an accessible vehicle route with safe parking, crossing points and toilets. Nobody walks alone after dark, and anyone can skip a leg or return home without penalty.
-
20 min
Everyone Hosts, Everyone Relaxes
Everyone Hosts, Everyone Relaxes: Each host cleans up their own course, offers a non-alcoholic drink and arranges a safe ride. Do not enter private homes without consent or carry food into a vehicle without a safe, cool transport plan.