Hosting can be stressful for many, but it doesn’t have to be! Some of the best (game) nights in start off by checking off a few easy-enough steps. And remember, a night well-planned practically takes care of itself.
Let’s get organizing, game farmers!
Steps to Plan a Game Night
Get Your Game Night Logistics Planned Out
A night out, in this economy? If your first reaction is a resounding “No thank you”, it’s time to consider hosting a game night with friends. Here at The Game Farm, we’ve hosted a night (or fifty) chock-full of fun games, so we know a thing or two about how to make it a success.
You’ve got the date, time, and location planned out, so what’s next?
Here’s how to plan out the game night people will remember. Get ready for laughter, friendly competition, and fun times all while staying in!
The first step for planning your game night is figuring out the logistics:
- Number of guests as this will inform what games you should consider for the night
- Food and beverages: will you do a theme? Is it going to be a potluck? Are there dietary requirements?
- Optional: a theme – are you going to host a 20’s casino night? An 80’s poker tournament? Let your imagination fly wild!
- Enough seating and tables depending on what you will play
- And of course: choosing the game(s)! But we’ll dive deeper into this later on
Buckle up, game masters, because we’re about to level up your next gathering from casual hangout to legendary soirée!
Choose Your Game and Tell the Guests
Hosting a great game night begins with choosing the game(s) well beforehand as it allows you to plan the entire night, the vibes, as well as the theme. While having the game picked out is step one, make sure to communicate it to your guests, too, to drive excitement and anticipation.
While there are no limits to what kind of game night you can host, here are a few of our favorite types of games to incorporate in your night, in case you need ideas or thought starters:
A Casino Night
Las Vegas but from your living room? Yes please. Consider these tried-and-tested dice games and card games for your night of harmless gambling, all bets are off!
- Yahtzee: Get ready to roll the dice with this true OG
- Bridge: Get to the highest score first!
- Who’ll yell Tenzi! first?
Classic Party Games
What’s a list of game night suggestions without some of the most loved, All-American party games? Here’s a list of classic party games we have had a blast playing with our friends:
- The Drunk Waiter: Stumble into giggles with this slightly drunken balancing act
- Beer Pong: This college classic requires no introductions
- Never Have I Ever? How well do you REALLY know your friends?
Board Game Palooza
Board games are a family and friends favorite, and while we love them all equally, these ones are sure to get the excitement going!
- Take a trip in your living room with Ticket to Ride
- Trivial Pursuit: Test your friend group’s knowledge
- Who will prosper in the Game of Life?
Food and Beverage
In addition to serving a dose of healthy competition, you need to serve up refreshments and provisions to truly make a game night epic.
Food and drinks set the mood, keep energy levels high, and provide delicious fuel for the games. So, let’s dive into creating a menu that’s as epic as your next game-night win.
First things first: Know your players. Consider dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences. Is your crew veggie-loving board game enthusiasts, or a pack of finger-food fiends? Vegetarian chili and crudités with hummus will please the plant-based, while mini pizzas and mozzarella sticks cater to the cheese-obsessed.
Think finger food frenzy! Ditch the utensils and embrace the one-handed feast. Sliders, wraps, and mini quiches offer delicious handheld options. Skewers loaded with veggies, fruit, and protein (think chicken, shrimp, or lean beef) are a visual and culinary treat. Don’t forget the dunkables – chips, crackers, and pretzel bites pair perfectly with dips like guacamole, hummus, and creamy dips of different varieties.
While indulging in deliciousness is paramount, serve lighter options, as well. Fresh fruit salad, veggie sticks with a hummus dip, and popcorn seasoned with herbs or spices offer a refreshing counterpoint to a richer fare.
Between competitive rounds of the game of your choosing, quench your thirst with a variety of beverages. Sparkling water infused with fruits or cucumber adds an upscale touch, while iced tea and lemonade offer refreshing sweetness. For the adult crowd, a selection of beers, wines, or even a fully-stocked mini-bar with spirits and mixers. Balance your drink with a good offering of non-alcoholic drinks, too.
No game night is complete without a sweet finale. A platter of brownies, cookies, or mini cupcakes satisfies the sweet tooth of winners and losers alike.
Bonus tip: Delegate! Ask guests to bring their favorite snacks or dips to share the culinary load and add variety. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage friendly competition – “Whose dip reigns supreme?”
Our Friend – Social Awareness
Game night planning needs the right balance: a sprinkle of organization, a heaping scoop of flexibility, and a dash of “let it flow.” Sure, list out some friends, grab some snacks, and maybe map out a loose schedule. But remember, your friends are the real stars, not a rigid itinerary.
Channel your inner chill game master. Not everyone wants a minute-by-minute plan. Some love the joyful chaos of jumping from charades to Monopoly, while others prefer a laid-back wine-and-catch-up vibe. Read the room! If laughter reigns over Pictionary, don’t force that strategic board game just yet. Embrace the unplanned detours; some of the best memories happen off the script.
Unexpected guests? Extra chairs and snacks, no problem! Does someone want to chat, not compete? Let the board games rest while you spin some tunes. It’s not about ticking boxes, it’s about weaving moments of togetherness. Relax, laugh, and let the good times be your guide. Remember, game nights are friendship celebrations, not regimented marathons. Cheers to the messy joy of connecting with your favorite people!
