The Blackout Banquet
A theatrical fine-dining menu served under soft, warm lighting while clear paths and exits stay visible throughout.
Outdoors · Pocket budget
The Neighbourhood Seed Swap
A small seed-sharing circle where guests compare growing stories, sort clearly labelled packets and leave with practical guidance.
PLAN
READY 6–12 people Low-key
READY 6–12 people Low-key
Best for6–12 people
BudgetPocket budgetEstimate: $15+
LocationOutdoors
EnergyLow-key
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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Check Before Sharing
Check Before Sharing: Ask attendees to bring only correctly named, undamaged seed packets. Decline unknown plants, treated or mouldy seed, species restricted in the area and anything you cannot identify confidently.
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Set a Safe Table
Set a Safe Table: Use the host's permission for the site, cover the table, sort packets into clean groups and label every lot with plant name, variety, collection year and germination notes. Do not taste seed or use an unknown plant for food.
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Share the Story
Share the Story: Give each grower two minutes to explain where the seed grew, its sun and water needs and any feeding or pest advice. Provide gloves, wash hands after handling and keep all food out of the seed area.
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Finish the Swap
Finish the Swap: Limit each person to an amount suited to their available space, show the local guide for restrictions or protected species and collect every leftover packet for responsible disposal or donation.
03
Keep the room moving
A practical run of show
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20 min before
Check Before Sharing
Check Before Sharing: Ask attendees to bring only correctly named, undamaged seed packets. Decline unknown plants, treated or mouldy seed, species restricted in the area and anything you cannot identify confidently.
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10 min
Set a Safe Table
Set a Safe Table: Use the host's permission for the site, cover the table, sort packets into clean groups and label every lot with plant name, variety, collection year and germination notes. Do not taste seed or use an unknown plant for food.
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60 min
Share the Story
Share the Story: Give each grower two minutes to explain where the seed grew, its sun and water needs and any feeding or pest advice. Provide gloves, wash hands after handling and keep all food out of the seed area.
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15 min
Finish the Swap
Finish the Swap: Limit each person to an amount suited to their available space, show the local guide for restrictions or protected species and collect every leftover packet for responsible disposal or donation.