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We all love having get-togethers with our friends, but sometimes it can be challenging to find new things to do.
If you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of going out and exploring the city, we suggest hosting a game night at home – a casual and laid-back night with a few of your favorite people! It’s all the fun of hosting a party, but less stress.
Below are some tips on how you can shake up your social life and host the ultimate game night at home.
Plan the Games Beforehand
Obviously, the most important part of game night is the games! And the games depend on how many people plan to attend. If you want to host a small group of people, simple word games, card games, and board games are ideal for groups under 6 people.
For larger groups of people, you can incorporate team games, like charades or trivia. For more game ideas, check out this list of the best games.
For virtual game night ideas, try the app Houseparty. Some games available on this app include Houseparty Heads Up!, Trivia, Quick Draw, and Chips and Guac! Jackbox games are also popular, and can be played on laptops, streaming devices like Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles, including Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
You can also take game night to the outdoors! Play corn hole, giant Jenga and Connect 4, KanJam, or bocce ball. It’s the perfect summer activity!
Or leave the boys at home and have a girl’s night! Check out this list of girls night game ideas.
And if you’re having issues deciding what games to play, take a vote in the group chat.
Base Your Game Night Around a Specific Theme
A fun way to spice up game night is to add a theme! Whether it’s your first game night with friends or you’re a game night regular, adding a theme adds another level of excitement. Tie the theme together with party decorations, specialty drinks, and even your outfit! Host a Family Feud game night, casino party, or base your theme off the holidays. The options are endless!
Be Mindful About Seating
This may be obvious, but it’s important that your game night takes place in a comfortable space that is inclusive to all. If you’re playing a board game with a small group, we recommend playing at some type of table whether it’s your kitchen table or a foldable card table you dug out of the basement.
For larger groups, we recommend arranging your furniture in a circle, so everyone can actively participate and be heard. No one wants to shout across the room at one another, unless the competition is intense.
Prep Food and Drinks
You can’t have a game night without delicious food and drinks! Small bites and appetizers are the way to go for game night success, so your friends can munch on snacks in between turns. Some of our favorite snack ideas include chips and dip, soft pretzels and cheese, a charcuterie board, pigs in a blanket, and of course, Skyline dip – a Cincinnati staple. You can always ask each of your friends to bring a dish too!
And when there’s food, you must have drinks! When hosting a game night at home, make sure you have a variety of drinks, such as soda, water, lemonade, or iced tea. If you want to serve alcohol, try making a punch! Incorporating specialty cocktails and mixed drinks only adds to the fun!
Choose Competitive Game Prizes
You may be wondering how to host a fun game night that also keeps the players attention. Raise the stakes – make your game night interesting and give the players more incentive to win! Some prize ideas include gift cards, a bottle of wine, money, candles, a gift basket, and bragging rights of course.
On the other hand, you can punish the losers. Just make sure everyone agrees on the punishment before the games begin! It’s bound to bring out everyone’s competitive side.
Plan Your Next Game Night
We hope you enjoyed our list of game night ideas. You now have the recipe for hosting the ultimate game night at home!
Just remember to choose the games beforehand, offer food and drinks, consider adding a theme and reward to spice things up, and most importantly: have fun!
If you enjoyed this blog on game night ideas for friends, check out our other blogs:
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