Wondering how to host a great game night? Sit back and relax as you follow these tips for a successful and fun event with your friends. You’ll know the perfect people to invite, what board games to play and have a plan in place for the week leading up to your event. Yes, even if you’re an introvert like me!

teal door with silver wire wreath - how to host a great game night

Does the idea of hosting a game night sound fun, but when you think about the details it feels like a daunting task?

Friend, you can host a great game night! Let me help you eliminate the stress of hosting by giving you all the tools that you need!

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know who to invite, what to games play and what you can do to eliminate crazy nerves leading up to the night of the event.

5 Best Tips To Host A Great Game Night for Adults

1. Choose friends and family that will make your game night fun.

Deciding who to invite to your game night can be tricky. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine which friends or family to invite.

  • Which of your core group of friends is most likely to enjoy playing boardgames with you?
  • Who do you wish you could spend more time with but have a hard time getting your schedules together?
  • Who are you drawn to that you’d like to get to know better?

The names that came to mind as you read those questions are the friends that need to be on your guest list!

You don’t have to invite a ton of people to have a good time, but most games are best with at least 3 people.

For a small game night, I recommend inviting at least 8 people. Not everyone will be able to come, and that will leave you with a good number of friends to make a great event.

living room with large windows, white furniture and blue and turquoise accents - a comfortable seating area is a must for game night

2. Decide the perfect venue that will make your event the most successful.

If hosting game night at your home isn’t an option, here are a few ideas to choose from.

Coffee Shop: Some coffee shops have areas with tables and chairs where you can play games. Just make sure to check with the management beforehand and be mindful of other customers.

Outdoor Park or Picnic Area: If the weather is nice, hosting game night outdoors can be refreshing. Choose a park with picnic tables or open space where you can set up games. You’ll want to have a backup plan in place in case of inclement weather.

Community Center: Many community centers have multipurpose rooms that can be rented for events like game nights. They often have tables and chairs available and may even have games or equipment you can use.

A Friend’s Home: Perhaps you have a friend who is willing to open her home for game night. Offer to take care of the all the details and all she’ll need to do is provide the space.

Ultimately, the best location for your game night will depend on the number of guests and the type of atmosphere you want to create. Choose a venue that fits your needs and will help create a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

fruit and vegetable appetizer tray - yummy food is a must friends to much on at game night

3. Plan easy food that people will enjoy during game night.

When planning food for game night, it’s best to go for snacks and finger foods that are easy to eat and don’t require utensils. Here are some yummy ideas:

Snack Platter: Create a variety of snack platters with options like cheese, crackers, sliced fruits, and nuts.

Popcorn: Set up a popcorn station with different flavored popcorn options like butter, cheese, caramel, or even spicy flavors.

Vegetable Platter with Dip: Serve a selection of fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes with dips like hummus, ranch, or spinach dip.

Mini Sandwiches: Prepare mini sandwiches with different fillings like ham and cheese or turkey and avocado.

Mini Pizzas: Make mini pizzas using English muffins, bagels, or naan as the base and let guests customize their toppings.

Dessert Bar: Offer a selection of sweet treats like brownies, cookies, or cupcakes for guests to enjoy between games.

You’ll want to have plenty of beverages like water, soda, tea, or coffee to enjoy during the game night festivities!

4. Choose which games to play to keep everyone entertained and having fun.

Oh my, there are a ton of fun games to play, but here are a few of my favorites! Not sure how a game is played, click the picture to learn more

2-4 Player Games

rummikub
phase 10 cards
blokus

4+ Player Games

scrabble
bananagrams

5. Eliminate stress by putting a plan in place the week before your game night.

Having a plan in place in the week leading up to your game night can significantly reduce stress and ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day of the event. Here’s a suggested plan to help you prepare:

Grocery Shop: Make a shopping list of ingredients you’ll need for your menu. Keep in mind dietary restrictions of your guests.

Gather Supplies: Take inventory of your board games and any other supplies you’ll need, such as extra tables, chairs, plates, cups, and utensils. Purchase or borrow any items you’re missing.

Prep Food: Prepare homemade snacks or dishes in advance and store them properly until the day of the event. You can also purchase pre-made items and snacks to save time.

Set Up Space: Arrange seating and tables to ensure there’s enough room for everyone to move around comfortably.

Communicate Details: Send a reminder to your guests a few days before game night, confirming the date, time, location, and any other relevant details they need to know.

Test Games: If you’re planning to play any new games, take the time to familiarize yourself with the rules and mechanics. You can even do a trial run to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Relax and Enjoy: On the day of game night, take some time to relax and enjoy yourself. Trust in the plan you’ve put in place and focus on having a great time with your friends and family.

You can host a great game night by following this plan and tackling tasks gradually throughout the week. You’ll eliminate last-minute stressors and ensure that hosting your first game night is a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.

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