Game nights are basically parties with an agenda. You definitely have activities planned – all those glorious games! – and you’ve got food to enjoy, but, unlike regular parties, you’ve got less work to do and you’ve got a little bit of a timeline for the night. Board gamers actively engage in selecting, hosting, and enjoying board games, making sure to cater to varying levels of gaming experience and preferences to create an enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees. There are a few key steps to take, too, and one or two rules to follow if you want to have a great game night. One of the biggest rules is spending some time socializing, but actually getting the game going before too long to avoid not playing at all. Even more important? You’ve got to have fun, too!
Here’s the best board game night ideas for putting together a fantastic game night, whether you’re inviting strictly grown-ups or letting the kids join in on the fun.
Decide on a Date and Time
Deciding on a date and time for your game night is crucial to ensure that all your friends can attend. Consider scheduling your game night on a weekend or a weekday evening when most people are free. You can use a shared calendar or a polling app to find a date and time that works for everyone. Make sure to give your guests enough notice so they can clear their schedules. A good rule of thumb is to plan your game night at least two weeks in advance.
Send Out Invites Early
Most folks have a busy schedule and wind up not having free nights. Why? Because everyone else beat you to the invites. Considering the dynamics of your friend group can help in selecting the best date and time for everyone. So, be sure to decide on the date for your game night well in advance (usually 3-4 weeks) to avoid a bunch of “nos” from rolling in. As soon as you have your date set, send out the invites with details: when, where, and what.
Create a Guest List
Creating a guest list is essential to ensure that you have the right number of people for the games you want to play. Consider inviting friends who share your interest in board games and party games. You can also invite friends who are new to gaming, as it’s a great way to introduce them to the world of board games. Make sure to include a mix of experienced and new gamers to create a fun and inclusive atmosphere.
Invite a Lot of Folks
Next, consider inviting a large group to the night. A lot of folks will already have plans or won’t be available because of illness, or things that come up last minute. So, the more people you invite, the more likely you are to have a decent-sized crowd for party games.
If you’d rather keep it small, though, consider inviting folks to a couple of specific dates and times and see who’s available when. Then, plan your game night for the time when the most people from that small group are available.
Consider a Theme
While it’s not necessary by any stretch, a lot of folks enjoy having a theme for their game nights. That might be restricted to the games played, or it might include everything from the food to the games to the clothing folks wear – costume party! If you’re planning a Catan night, for example, you’ll find playlists, decor, and accessories based on the game. You can even find cookbooks based on it. Or you might opt for just a theme for the food – like stadium food, Tex-Mex, or dips.
Choose Your Games Ahead of Time
To make it easier on game night – and to actually get down to play – choose the right games ahead of time. Maybe it’s a new game you just bought or one you played at someone else’s house that you’d like to introduce your friends to. Maybe you’ve been dying to play that large group game or the strategy game your besties would best challenge you in.
Be sure to cater the games to the crowd you’re expecting; don’t plan on Churchill for a group of 10 or Cards for Humanity with a bunch of kids in attendance. Think about the guests who’ve RSVPed and think about the chemistry of that crowd. Are they going to enjoy bluffing games? Deduction and mystery solving? Word games? Thematic or fandom games? Keep your crowd in mind and choose at least one quick party-type or icebreaker game to get things going and one longer game to keep the night rolling. Also, be aware that some folks will probably bow out early, and you might want a game for a smaller crowd to close the night out.
Ideally, have at least 5 or 6 games available and ready that fit your theme and mood. Some folks may want to split off and play smaller, quicker games, while others will be happy with party games or long-form games. Not everyone needs to play the same game as each other to have a good time.
Expect Some People Not to Play
If you have a large enough group, you’ll have folks who sit out a game here or there during the night. Not everyone may be equally passionate about playing games, and that’s okay. They might be tired or the given game may not appeal – or they may just really be enjoying a conversation with someone in the corner. The whole purpose of a game night is to gather for a good time, so don’t feel bad if some people opt not to play.
Have Some Social Time Before Gameplay
Before you get the gameboard out, allow for some social time. This helps set the stage for friends to play games together. Folks who know each other will want to catch up, and folks who don’t will want a chance to get to know each other a little bit. Give yourself some kind of reminder or timer, though, so you don’t wind up spending the whole night gabbing instead of playing. Let that icebreaker game pull the crowd into the game night when you catch a lull in conversation. Or lure guests to the gaming table with a fresh batch of snacks.
Craft a Playlist (or Use an App)
Crafting a playlist is a great idea to enhance the game night atmosphere. You can use an app like Melodice that pairs playlists with specific game boards. Or you can create one yourself using Spotify or a similar app. Think about the mood of the game and who’s coming to play. If you’re going for something fantastical like Hero Quest or Flamecraft, look for something like “Lord of the Rings” inspired songs and soundtracks from fantasy films or video games. If you’re going with mystery games like Clue Conspiracy or Mystery House, you could call on soundtracks from period piece mystery shows. Have fun planning it out, but don’t get overwhelmed. There’s no need to get caught up in perfection – don’t spend too much time on this. Game nights should be fun, not work!
Plan Your Snacks With Gaming in Mind
When you invite your guests, be sure to discover any food restrictions and allergies they might have. Having the right snacks can complement the great games you have planned. Avoid using ingredients that could cause issues, or, if you’re able, provide a selection specifically for folks with those needs (like “peanut-free” and “gluten-free” in a separate section). Avoid anything greasy or otherwise messy, provide plenty of napkins and toothpicks, and aim for finger foods over foods that require cutlery. We’ve crafted a list of fantastic game night snacks for your reference, in case that helps.
Prepare Snacks Ahead
Because you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun, be sure to prepare as many of the snacks ahead of time as possible. Limit the number of hot foods that need to be cooked while guests are there, and prepare phases of hot foods ahead of time (like wrapping sausages in dough beforehand and baking those tasty pigs in the blanket during a break at the party). Or if you prefer, ask guests to bring their favorite snack to share, too – there’s nothing wrong with that!
Also Read: Flavorfully Fun Game Night Snacks: Elevate Your Board Game Experience
Have a Separate Dessert
To avoid sugar comas, consider preparing just one or two desserts – like cookies or brownies – instead of loading your game night snacks table with them. Hearty snacks like Caprese skewers or sliders will better serve the night overall, and folks will feel better and have more energy than if they eat sugar all night.
Use Paper Plates and Toss Away Cutlery and Cups
Okay, so admittedly, this isn’t the most environmentally friendly way of doing things, but let’s be honest: game nights can get kinda rowdy. That means you want to prevent folks from breaking glasses or plates and getting cut. You’re better off using paper plates, and cups and throw away cutlery and saving yourself both from potentially more expensive messes and from loads of clean-up work after the night is over.
Prepare Your Gameplay Space
Unless you’ve got someone who comes in to clean your house, you probably won’t have a completely spotless place when people arrive. This is okay – and shouldn’t be a source of stress for you. However, you do want to make sure the bathroom is clean, stuff is picked up, and the gameplay space is ready for your evening. Be sure to have designated spots for coats, bags, and shoes, and let folks know if you’ve got a shoe-free home or not. Some people prefer people keep them on, while others don’t permit them in their house – and it’s hard to know when you’re the first to arrive.
Clear the Clutter
Before your game night, make sure to clear the clutter from your living room or game room. Remove any unnecessary items that may distract from the games or make it difficult to move around. This will create a comfortable and spacious environment for your guests to play and socialize.
Comfortable Seating and Lighting
Comfortable seating and lighting are essential for a successful game night. Make sure to have enough seating for all your guests, and consider using floor cushions or pillows to create a cozy atmosphere. Use lamps or dimmable overhead lighting to create a warm and inviting ambiance. This will help your guests feel relaxed and focused on the games.
Provide Drinks
Make sure drinks are on hand – whether you’re hosting a grown-ups-only night with some beer or wine around or focusing on tea, coffee, soda pop, and water. You may also want to make some punch or provide some juice, as well – or even hot cocoa, if the season’s right. All that gabbing during word games and smack talk in strategy games requires hydration, after all!
Use a Drink Cooler
If you want to avoid folks digging in your fridge or feeling like you have to stay on top of drinks, consider packing a cooler with ice, and tossing in canned drinks for folks to grab on their own. Be sure to keep a trash can or recycle bin nearby, too. The cleanup overall is much easier, and you’ll be free to enjoy the night instead of worrying about who has something to drink.
Use a “Demo” to Teach a New Game
If you’ve got a new game on deck, use that first round of the game as a sort of demo as you teach folks how to play. Many games take just a few minutes to learn, but long-form games could take a while – so plan in time to teach folks as you play. Plus, folks will feel better and more confident if they’ve seen you play out a face-up hand and won’t feel as hindered when it comes time to dominate the game board.
- Easy to learn and play
- Encourages creativity and social interaction
- Suitable for a wide age range
- May be less engaging for highly competitive players
- Requires at least 3 players
- Dependent on player chemistry
Don’t Be Afraid of Creating House Rules
You may want to create some house rules on certain games. This is especially true if you know some of your guests tend to get overly competitive. Be sure to establish the house rules before the game starts, though – and don’t try to slide something in during gameplay. Folks might feel better beforehand knowing that trash talk isn’t acceptable or might prefer to sit out the game if they know all bets are off when it comes time for the showdown.
Provide a “Lounging” Area
Grab some of your quick games, decks of playing cards, and similar quick activities for folks who get eliminated from games as they wait. Many games eliminate players early on (think Ultimate Werewolf or Mafia) and this leaves some people out of the fun and can lead to a less enjoyable evening. If, however, you provide some fun little 1- to 4-player games, you’re more likely to have happy guests all night long.
Play the Game Yourself – Don’t Just Play Host
A lot of people get trapped in perfectionist mode and worry more about keeping people fed or comfortable than they do about enjoying the evening they’ve planned. Your guests like your company and want to play the games with you. So, don’t keep yourself out of the game. Get in there and beat the socks off them!
Invite Regulars
If you’re planning to host regular game nights, consider inviting regulars who have attended your previous game nights. This will create a sense of community and camaraderie among your guests. You can also invite new guests to join your gaming group, which will help to keep the games fresh and exciting. Make sure to communicate with your guests regularly to keep them informed about upcoming game nights and to gather feedback on the types of games they want to play.
Plan Your Next Game Night Before the Crowd Leaves
If your crowd loves the game night – and seriously, who wouldn’t?! – go ahead and get the next one on the calendar before the crowd starts to thin out. Planning for future game nights can keep the excitement going by exploring new games, selecting themes, and considering food and drink ideas. You might want to host again or see who else is eager to pick games and snacks. Make it the rule that whoever hosts gets to choose, and you’ll find more folks are eager to open up their homes and put in some of the work to pull off their own amazing game night.
Let the Fun Fly
You’ve now got the formula for an incredible game night laid out for you. Following these tips will make your game night such a hit. From game night snacks to choosing games in advance, you know what it takes to be an amazing host. The biggest keys to remember are: don’t expect perfection, don’t overthink it, get in on the games, and prepare whatever you can ahead of time so you’re not running around all night instead of enjoying your time with guests.
Game Night FAQ
How far in advance should I send out invitations for a game night?
Send out invitations 3-4 weeks in advance to ensure good attendance.
Should I choose games before the event or wait until guests arrive?
Choose games ahead of time to make the night run smoothly. Have at least 5-6 games ready that fit your theme and group size.
How can I cater to different preferences during game night?
Provide a mix of quick party games, longer strategy games, and have a separate “lounging” area with smaller games for eliminated players or those who want a break.
What kind of snacks are best for game night?
Choose finger foods that aren’t greasy or messy. Prepare snacks ahead of time and consider having a separate dessert to avoid sugar overload.
How can I make sure I enjoy the game night as the host?
Prepare as much as possible in advance, use disposable plates and cutlery for easy cleanup, and most importantly, participate in the games yourself instead of just hosting.