You may be looking for a way to break the monotony of a working week or want to have some fun with friends at the weekend. That’s why people look for ways to splurge on a budget, or organize a game night at home.
If you’ve never thrown a game night before, don’t worry because we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to plan the perfect game night so that everyone has a good time.
Get Some Snacks Ready
Providing some snacks can be key to any successful game night. If you want some pick n mix the internet can help you find high-quality sweets provided by premium manufacturers like Vidal, Kingsway and Haribo. You can buy things like pinballs and milk bottles, request personalized pouches and enjoy free delivery offers. Some other snack examples include:
- chips
- dip
- cookies, brownies or cake
- pizza
- popcorn
You can either put everything out on a table for people, or you can have specific snacks for each person (think about food allergies). If you want to get really fancy, you could even make themed snacks depending on the game night activity.
Get Some Drinks Organized
Make sure you have plenty of water, soda and juice boxes, and maybe even some alcoholic drinks if that’s your thing. If you’re choosing the latter, be sure to also put out some non-alcoholic versions.
As regards food and drink it’s up to you whether you provide everything or whether you ask your guests to bring something each. Just make sure there’s enough for everyone.
Choose The Right Games
If you select the right games everyone will have a good time and no one will be bored. If you have a lot of people coming over, try choosing a variety of games that can be played by different groups of people. For example, if you have some friends who love strategy games and others who prefer party games, choose a mix of both. The same thing applies to lovers of classic board games or card games. Another thing to keep in mind is the age range of your guests. If you have young children coming over, make sure to choose kid-friendly games that they’ll enjoy.
You may decide to use your own games, buy some new ones are ask others to bring their favorites along. Some examples include:
- Cards Against Humanity
- Taboo or Charades
- Scrabble or Bananagrams
- Jenga or Twister
- Tag
- Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride
Set A Time Limit
Your game night can last as long or short as you want. If you have lots of people coming over, it may be a good idea to set a time limit so that everyone has a chance to play all of the games they want to.
This will also help keep things moving along and avoid any potential arguments. It’ll also ensure that people have sufficient time to interact and chat as well.
Create A Comfortable Setting
It’s up to you where you host your game night. Some people prefer the familiarity of their own home, while others like to switch things up and head to a local coffee shop or bar. The event could be held at a friend’s house or even in your backyard. If you hold it outside, be sure to have plenty of seating – and games that can be played indoors if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
No matter where you choose, the important thing is to create a comfortable setting where everyone can relax and have fun. This means having enough space for people to spread out, tables and chairs that are in good condition, and adequate lighting. If possible, try to avoid having any loud noises or distractions in the background (TVs, dogs barking, etc.).
Consider A Themed Evening
This can be anything from a murder mystery evening to a fancy dress party. Not only will this add an extra layer of excitement for your guests, but it will also make the event feel more special.
If you pursue this option, choose suitable decorations to match the theme. Some examples would be a ‘Jungle Book’ themed party with animal print tablecloths, or a ‘Beach Party’ with sand and seashells scattered around.
Create A Playlist
Background music can set the mood and get everyone in the game-playing spirit. Plus, it can help to drown out any background noise from other parts of the house. Start by thinking about what type of games you’ll be playing. If you’re playing party games like Charades or Taboo, you’ll want a mix of upbeat songs and classics that everyone will know. If you’re playing more competitive games like Poker or Scrabble, a slower tempo might be better.
Make sure to have a variety of genres and tempos represented. This will ensure that everyone is happy with the soundtrack and no one gets bored. You can create your playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or another music streaming service. Or, if you’d prefer to have physical copies of the songs, you can create a mix CD.
Plan Ahead And Take Photos
If you organize things well in advance, it will give everyone enough time to clear their schedules and ensure they can attend. It’s also a good idea to send out invites early so people can start making travel arrangements if necessary.
Whilst all the games are being played and people are laughing together, don’t forget to take some pictures! This is a night that you’ll want to remember, so make sure to document it. Plus, it’s always fun to look back on these memories and see how much everyone has changed. Even your phone may be sufficient for your purposes, and you can post the best pictures on social media too.
As you can see, there’s lots to get sorted in advance of your game night. By putting some extra effort into your preparation, you’re sure to have a great evening with your friends. There will be laughter and photos in abundance, and happy memories for all to cherish.
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