How to host a stylish games night

Published
10/27/2024

Hosting a games night is one thing, but hosting one that oozes style is another task altogether. Fortunately, with a few simple hacks and considerations, you can pull off an evening your guests are bound to remember. Here’s how you can leave a lasting impression with a stylish yet fun games night.

Choosing the right games

When creating the evening itinerary, be sure to incorporate games that everyone will enjoy. Adding a sense of structure to the evening can help it flow and avoid awkward decision-making in the moment.

Choose games that reflect the vibe you hope to create. You might go for a selection of popular board games to get everyone warmed up, before enjoying a few rounds of bingo together. You could also include some interactive games that encourage everyone to get up on their feet. So long as the games you choose are accessible and appropriate for your guestlist, you’re bound to have a brilliant time together.

Inviting the right mix of guests

A wide array of games available means there’s something for everyone. Simply invite the people you most want to share your evening with. Balance personalities and interests to keep the occasion light-hearted and engaging. If you’re planning to mix different sets of friends, a games night is the perfect opportunity to break the ice compared to a more formal dinner party.

On the other hand, you might have a set of friends you enjoy playing a particular type of game with, whether these are digital versions or physical board games. If the games you’ve chosen require a certain level of experience, it may be best to keep your guest list a little more restricted.

Offering snacks and refreshments

Ensure your guests are well fed by serving up snacks for the evening. You could go down the route of finger food that’s packed with flavour while being easy to snack on. Prepare the food yourself or buy ready-made canape options – your focus will be on the presentation, after all. Display your food in a buffet style so guests can pick and choose as they please.

When it comes to drinks, why not get creative? You can serve up delicious mocktails and choose less conventional soft drink options to keep things interesting. Again, think about how you can jazz up the presentation with novelty straws and striking glasses.

Setting the mood with music and lighting

When hosting an evening event, it’s important to get the lighting right. Go for soft lighting options and additional embellishments such as fairy lights to make your home more cosy and atmospheric. This will help the space feel more relaxed. Just make sure the gaming area is well-lit, especially if you’re playing a board game or card game that requires players to read or observe more closely.   

By making a playlist in advance, you won’t have to worry about your ongoing DJ duties either. You could even make the playlist collaborative and ask guests to add their own songs in advance.