A games night with friends is a time-tested way to have an entertainment-filled evening without the cost of a night out. Here are a few tips to help make sure your games night is one that will keep your guests coming back to roll the dice again and again.
Go with a potluck. Ask each of your friends to bring a side dish and something to drink. Then round it out with the refreshments you provide. This is a good way to be sure everyone will have something they like.
Get your games space in order. If you’re playing pool or darts, chances are you already have an area organized. For board games, clear a space around your biggest table and gather enough chairs for all the guests to be comfortable.
Wait a while before you get into the games. We all know there are latecomers to every party — and it’s no fun to have to wait until an in-progress game is finished before joining in. This will also give any guests who are new to each other the chance to meet and old friends the opportunity to catch up.
Choose your games ahead of time. Look for games that are fun for large groups of people who can separate into teams. This takes the pressure off any one player and gives everyone a chance to socialize while they’re playing. Also, make sure you know the rules to each game and take the time to explain them.
Some games can be long. But they don’t have to be. If you’d like to play various games throughout the evening, create a rule that allows you to end a game when a certain milestone is reached, instead of the game’s natural ending.
Finally, and most importantly, have fun. After all, that’s what games are all about.