Hosting a game night is a great way to spend time with friends and family and bond over a shared experience. You don’t need to plan it over weeks or months meticulously; a hasty get-together can work with a few quick steps.
If you want to do a small games night with a few friends at the last minute, check out our tips below to make it a success.
Choose a Simple Game Lineup
Picking a mix of crowd-pleasers will keep your guests entertained throughout the night. Card games are perfect for experienced players, while bingo 90 will test your guests’ luck and provide a chance to win cash prizes.
For those with a large games room at home, a few pool and darts matches can create a spirit of friendly competition as everyone concentrates on lining up shots. Whatever game you pick, make sure it’s quick to set up and easy to explain, especially if your guests aren’t familiar with it.
Send Out Quick Invites via Group Chat or Social Media
When you’re short on time, there’s no need for formal handwritten invites. Just drop a message in group chats and invite friends you want to attend. Alternatively, you can quickly create a digital version from a wide range of templates before sharing it with your friends for a more sophisticated invite.
Remember to ask potential guests to RSVP quickly so you know how many to expect. Setting up the night will be much less stressful if you know who will be there and what the dynamic will be like.
Create a Snack & Drink Station
You’ll want to keep guests well-fed and hydrated throughout the night. Opt for easy-to-prep finger foods like popcorn, crisps, sandwiches, and pretzels. Ask them about allergies beforehand so everyone can relax and focus on the games.
Prepare a mix of soft drinks, with diet and caffeine-free options. You could even make a large batch of a unique drink like cucumber, tonic, sugar, water, and lime slices to impress your guests and keep them cool.
Set the Mood with Lighting & Background Music
The lighting of your games room will set the tone of the evening. Use a mixture of lamps around the room for a warm ambient glow, or dimmable overhead bulbs to ensure the entire room is lit. The goal is for everybody to see the games without straining their eyes.
Create a shared listening experience with Spotify Jam, allowing people to contribute their favourite songs to the queue. Keep the music low enough to talk over but lively enough to energise the room.
Prep a Simple Prize or Theme
Add a small prize for the winner to add a fun twist and competitive incentive to the night. It could be a sweet treat like luxury chocolate, an Amazon voucher, or a novelty gift they can look back on with fond memories.
Alternatively, you can go themed with minimal effort. Think retro nights, pyjama parties, or a one-colour dress code to make everyone laugh without wasting too much time and effort sorting outfits.
