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How to Plan the Perfect Game Night

Posted on September 16, 2022
by Faith Neece
Game nights are a fun and inexpensive way to get the gang together and have some fun! How can you plan the perfect game night so your guests can’t wait for the next one? Here are some top tips!

Pick the Right Games
Choosing games to play may seem easy, but with all of the card games, board games, and party games out there, deciding on the right game may actually be overwhelming! 
So here are a few parameters to help you decide on the perfect game for your game night:
  • Focus on one type of game. Choose if you want your game night to focus on card games, board games, or larger party games that don’t require any equipment. Then choose a few games in one of those categories for your game night.
  • Pick games based on the number of players. Games are often based on the number of players. Some have minimum and maximum numbers of people who can play. And some games just flow better in bigger or smaller groups. Think about how many people you’re inviting, and choose your games based on numbers. Here are some further ideas for the best games for small groups and large groups.
  • Pick games based on a theme. One fun option is to make your game night based around a theme! Maybe a murder mystery (CLUE, anyone?) or a spy theme, or maybe a nerd theme with trivia-based games? Whatever you can think of that’s fun and fits the personality of your group! This is a great way to add a fun element to your game night AND narrow down your options at the same time!

Keep things comfy by organizing your space.
Once you know what type of game you want to play, you can organize your space around what you and your guests will need. Do you need a big table for a board game or card game? Or multiple tables to have multiple games going at once? Or do you need to set some chairs and couches in a circle? Knowing this in advance can help everything go smoother.

Focus on grab and go foods.
When it comes to food, it’s best to have things your guests can grab easily and munch on as they play. Having a little buffet of snacks and drinks that’s available throughout the night can help games keep flowing. You can have each guest bring a little something if you want, or you can set up the food and drinks yourself. We love these make-ahead snack ideas!

Keep the party flowing.
When it comes to party flow, it’s probably best to have some snacks and conversation before you start, and then you can get into the games. Depending on your group sizes, you can either have one game or multiple games going at once. 
And so that guests don’t overstay their welcome, it’s a good idea to announce the last game or round.


Bonus: Game ideas to get you started!
Here are some of our favorite games to give you some ideas!
Mystery-based games: Dispatch, Murder Mystery Kit, Spy Alley