’Tis the season for get-togethers with family and friends. Kids are home from school, friends and family are visiting for the holidays, and neighbors are especially, well, neighborly! In the whirlwind of holiday to-dos and festive planning, it's easy to get lost in the chaos. This year, take a moment to carve out some time for a little fun!
With screens and social media dominating our attention, a nostalgic, simple and joyful game night sets the scene for laughter, friendly competition and making memories with those you love.
Check out our guide to creating the best game night ever.
The Guest List
Game nights might just be the perfect party; they’re great for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. And games can be the great equalizer while bringing everyone together. The sweet spot for your game night’s guest size should be manageable but large enough to be lively (somewhere between 6 to 10 people).
Setting the Scene
Clear away the clutter to make space for games and guests. Assemble a comfortable seating area with cozy blankets, cushy poufs and floor pillows to encourage everyone to relax and stay a while. Curate a fun and upbeat playlist to have in the background - just loud enough to create the perfect party ambiance. Indie folk or smooth jazz can keep the energy up without distracting from gameplay. Set up a variety of lighting from string lights to candles to craft a magical mood, ensuring the space feels inviting.
Snack Attack
Keep the rivalry friendly by ensuring your guests are satiated. Set up a popcorn bar, a low-effort but high-impact snack station! Stock up on individual popcorn boxes so your guests can create their own snack sensations. You can rent an old-fashioned popcorn machine for a fun, nostalgic touch or simply provide a large bowl of freshly popped corn. Then, arrange your toppings. Think butter or olive oil, a variety of seasonings from traditional salt to nutritional yeast, sweet candies for that salty-sweet combination, melted chocolate and caramel sauce, and more.
The Games
The best strategy for selecting games is to have a variety at the ready. For large, loud and energetic play, think group party games like Codenames and Wavelength. For smaller, more thoughtful groups, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne and other strategy games may be the way to go. You can’t go wrong with timeless staples such as Pictionary, Scrabble or a deck of cards.
Or take game night outdoors and prepare for a spirited contest with classic outdoor games like ladder toss and cornhole.
No matter who wins the game, we all know the real win is spending time with your loved ones.
No matter who wins the game, we all know the real win is spending time with your loved ones.