Host the perfect adults-only game night

Games aren’t just for kids. One of the best ways to socialize and have fun with your friends is to host an adults-only game night. All it takes is a little planning, and then let the games begin!

You don’t need a roll of the dice to be a winner here. With these tips, your game-night party is sure to be a winner every time!

• Many games are flexible when it comes to the number of players, so invite as many friends as you want. After all, you can always form or add extra people to teams. The more, the merrier!
• A casual game night can be pulled together quickly and easily, so it’s a perfect, no-fuss way to get together with your friends. But whether it’s a last-minute party or one planned in advance, invite your friends as soon as possible so it will be a smashing success.

• Variety will keep things interesting and is one of the keys to a perfect game night, so try to have at least five games ready to go, and plan on playing a few of them over the course of the party.
• Try to include something for everyone, with such options as Taboo, Cranium and Catch Phrase, all by Hasbro.
• Read up on the rules and instructions for any new games you want to play. That way it’s easy to explain game play to your friends and move from one game to another.

• Before the party, set up a gaming area where there’s plenty of seating, room to set up and play the game, and space for beverages and snacks.
• Games can be played anywhere, but your living room is a great choice since you can keep your guests comfortable by arranging your furniture around a coffee table, pulling in extra chairs from the dining room if necessary. A game night is a relaxed get-together, so feel free to add a few throw pillows to the floor for extra seating.
• A kitchen or dining room is also a good option and a perfect location for grabbing snacks and drinks. Squeeze in as many chairs as you need to so all your guests can see and play the game.

• A party isn’t complete without munchies, but keep it simple, because you don’t want to miss out on a minute of the fun. Beverages and bowls of snacks or a few finger foods are all that are needed to keep your guests satisfied. Another fun idea is to turn game night into a party-food potluck, where everyone brings their favourite appetizer or bite-sized food.
• Keep bowls of party snacks, such as spiced nuts, seasoned popcorn and party mix, in the game area, but if you’re serving a selection of appetizers, serve them buffet style on a separate table.
• Prepare or purchase most of the food ahead of time, so all you need to do is heat or assemble it before joining the gaming fun.

Try these homemade party snacks >> 

• Don’t feel as though you have to rush into the games. Your guests will want to mix and mingle first, so give them a chance to chat before jumping into your first game.
• Have your food ready when your guests arrive so they can have a bite while mingling.
• Plan on replenishing your buffet table in between games so you don’t have to miss your turn.
• Don’t worry about latecomers; just start with a game that people can join even after game play is under way.
• Keep extra supplies on hand, such as paper and pens if any of your games require them.

More on entertaining

Stress-free party planning
Digital party planning for all occasions
Perfect party favours