Searching for how to host a game night? You don’t have to spend a lot of money or be a professional party planner to host this fun gathering.
Game nights are great opportunities in bringing friends and family together through laughter and playful competition.
Plus, game nights are relatively quick and simple to pull off.
At Home Game Night Ideas
Whether it’s your living room or your backyard, you can have your at-home game night anywhere.
The main restriction to take into account, is that the space has to comfortably accommodate your guests and the types of games that everyone plans on playing.
Take note that guests may be seated in the same spot for a while, depending on the types of games that are played.
To create a comfy and spacious atmosphere, rearrange furniture and incorporate pillows and comfy chairs to adequately seat everyone.
If you’re playing a card game such as Uno, it’s best to sit in a circle/semi-circle so that everyone can see each other’s hands and available cards.
If you want to go above and beyond for your game night or you’re throwing it in celebration of something such as a birthday, you can decorate your space to create a more festive atmosphere.
How to Host a Game Night
A great game night is characterized by great entertainment. From board games to charades, you can carve your entertainment any way that you and your guests want.
Some things to keep in mind when drafting your entertainment offerings:
- Ask your guests what general games they’re interested in prior to the game night. This will help save time and ensure that everyone is playing a game(s) they’re interested in.
- Depending on the size of your group, you can divide everyone and have them play games they’re interested in. Or you can have everyone play one game. (Don’t forget that the goal of the game night is to keep everyone involved and playing games)
Lastly, you can have a fantastic playlist playing in the background to elevate your game night ambiance. (Be mindful of the music volume once the games start so that everyone is able to hear each other comfortably)
Snack Ideas
Regarding food, remember to ask your incoming guests if they have any food allergens/restrictions so that everyone is comfortably accommodated.
You can have a potluck style where everyone brings a dish/snack or you can provide the food.
If you’re providing the food, consider your budget. You may have to ask guests to financially contribute to the purchase of food.
One of the main questions to think about with your game night food options is when guests are able to eat.
1. Do you want a set time for your guests to eat and commence the game(s) afterward?
If you plan on playing tangible games such as board games and cards, then this option is perfect.
As it can prevent sticky/greasy hands, spills, and other messes from physically ruining the game parts.
You can provide any kind of food with this serving option. Since guests will be eating before the start of the game.
- Pizza
- Chips/cookies
- Dips/salsa
- Chicken wings/tenders
- Pasta
2. Do you want your guests to be able to eat throughout the night (Including while playing the games)?
If you plan on playing games that do not require handling physical items such as charades, then this serving option can be paired with finger foods and snacks.
If guests will handle game parts while eating, try to avoid finger foods. Instead, opt for items that can be eaten with silverware, skewers, or toothpicks.
You can further minimize messes by having napkins and hand sanitizer at hand.
