Tired of mindless scrolling or yet another “let’s grab drinks” plan? The stylish alternative is here: the weekly game night revival. From the click of Mahjong tiles to the laugh-out-loud energy of Bunco, these nights bring back what we’re missing most—real connection. It’s social, tactile, and the perfect balance of nostalgic charm and modern fun.
Part of the magic is in the mix—games keep our brains buzzing with strategy and luck, while the ritual of showing up week after week deepens friendships in a way no group chat ever could. There’s also a cultural draw: Many players are leaning into the history and heritage behind these classics, finding fresh meaning in traditions that span generations.
Add in modern branding, stylish sets, and easy-to-learn versions, and suddenly board games feel less like grandma’s pastime and more like a trend worth scheduling. In a town where community is currency, groups of friends are carving out regular nights to gather and indulge in a little playful competition. The new wave of game gatherings feels intentional and designed for connection. Here are a few front-runners in the comeback:
Mahjong (typically 4 players)
: Equal parts strategy and artistry. Sets are often as beautiful as they are functional—ivory-toned tiles, lacquered trays. It’s tactile luxury for four. Think of it as poker’s elegant, meditative cousin.
Bunco (12+ players):
Loud, fast, and guaranteed to leave your cheeks sore from laughing. Bunco thrives in big groups, which makes it the perfect energy booster for a gal’s night with wine flowing. It’s less about skill and more about rolling, mingling, and having a blast.
Spades (4 players)
: Classic, competitive, and endlessly replayable. Think partners, strategies, and bragging rights; it’s everything you love about a card game, elevated. If you like a little friendly rivalry, this one keeps the stakes high without ever getting old.
Backgammon (2 players): With roots tracing back over 5,000 years, backgammon is one of the world’s oldest continuously played board games. Equal parts strategy and luck, it’s a dance of risk and reward as players race their checkers off the board before their opponent.
Dominoes (2–6 players):
From block games to Mexican Train, dominoes feel timeless, approachable, and, when paired with a velvety glass of red, unexpectedly chic. It’s simple to learn, satisfying to play, and scales beautifully from two to a whole group.
Roll the Dice in Style
Keep it elevated, not overcomplicated. Rotate houses to share the load. Lock in a recurring weeknight, so game night becomes a ritual. Lean on a luxe-but-simple spread: a charcuterie board, some sweet treats, a round of cocktails or mocktails poured into beautiful glassware. Fresh flowers or a flicker of candlelight instantly sets the mood.
The truth is, the real luxury isn’t in the food or the drink—it’s really in the consistency. It’s about carving out space to make the evening fun and lighthearted. So, dust off those dice, shuffle the cards, and let the games begin.
The Perfect Pair: A Snack & A Drink
Savory Herbed Cheese Ball
A retro favorite made chic again.
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cracked black pepper
½ cup chopped toasted pecans (or pistachios)
To make:
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, chives, parsley, Worcestershire, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth. Shape into a ball and roll in toasted nuts to coat. Chill for at least 1 hour to firm up. Serve with an assortment of crackers, seeded flatbreads or crisp apple slices.
Another fun way to elevate your cheeseball is to make little individual cheeseballs served on their own cracker.
The Lucky Roll
A bubbly, bitter, and festive sipper to keep the games going!
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce gin
- .5 ounce amaro
- .5 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 ounce prosecco, to top
- lemon wheel or peel, to garnish
To make:
Shake all ingredients with ice, except for prosecco. Strain and pour into a stemmed wine glass or coupe, top with prosecco, and garnish with a lemon wheel.