How to Plan a Games Night with Friends

Hosting a games night and inviting close friends can be an entertaining alternative to a standard trip to the pub or bar. However, it requires some organization to make it run smoothly, including coordinating your friend’s preferences, food, and setting.

If you’ve got a games session coming up, check out our tips on making it a night to remember below. 

Choosing the Perfect Games

The right games will depend on your group’s size and preference. If they’re cue-sports enthusiasts, inviting them around for a night of snooker or pool at your table in your games room will be ideal. Darts is another good option that’s easier to set up and requires less space.

Deep thinkers who love the planning of strategy games will enjoy Settlers of Catan. A game takes an hour to an hour and a half, encouraging cooperation while maintaining players’ desire to win. Alternatively, charades are a classic option for a more relaxed vibe. 

Setting the Scene: Space and Ambience

You don’t need a dedicated games room to host friends. A living room with comfortable seating around a large table can do the trick. Ensure there are enough chairs or room on the sofa for everyone and that the coffee table can fit all the pieces of card and board games. 

Clear away any fragile items that could be damaged or broken as players get invested in their games. Use a combination of dimmable overhead ambient lighting and a couple of lamps to provide a warm glow and illuminate the whole table. 

Snacks and Food: Fuel for Fun

Your guests will need food to keep them well-fed throughout the evening. Ask them for allergies before stocking up on paper napkins and buying finger foods. Mess-free snacks will be your best bet. 

Popcorn, pretzels, nuts, and corn crisps with dips will be popular and easy to keep away from games. A big water jug should also be on hand to prevent guests from going to the kitchen and breaking their concentration. 

Adding a Twist: Online Games and Themes

To build excitement for the big night, you could ask your guests to dress in a theme, like a casino night, for the Deal or No Deal online games you play. You could decorate your games or your living room with posters of casino-themed films like Ocean’s Eleven or The Cooler. 

Platform and racing video games create a friendly, competitive atmosphere. Dust off the Wii or connect a couple of pairs of Joy-Cons to your Switch to enjoy a Grand Prix in Mario Kart, or boot up Astro Bot on the PS5.