Tired of blowing a day’s worth of wages on a night out with friends? Between buying a couple of rounds of drinks, paying for parking or a cab, and stopping at a diner for some grub at the end of the evening, it’s easy to rack up an expensive night and feel exhausted in the morning. I know.  I’ve done it many times, and had a blast. But sometimes you want something simpler, more natural, and more comfortable: that’s the perfect time for a game night.

Game nights are great because you can have great conversations, focus on having fun instead of being cool (or being responsible for crazy friends), and let everyone have their way. As long as you’ve got a friend or two who’s down for games, it’s on. Everyone has a different style of gaming, so let the following ideas guide your planning to accommodate everyone.

Offer Way More Game Choices Than You Personally Enjoy

Not everyone loves your favorite obscure card game. Some people would rather gag themselves before playing Twister or Guitar Hero. It’s just a fact that gaming tastes are diverse.  To make sure everyone’s got at least one game where they can shine, include some combination of card games, skill games, luck games, board games, video games (if you’ve got a console), new games, classic games, team games, and interactive games.  For the most fun for everyone, ask all comers to bring a favorite or unusual game, and try make sure that everyone’s game gets played at some point.

Set up Comfortable Zones, not Pretty Ones

No matter how much fun you’re having, a giant kink in your back from sitting on the floor can kill your mood.  You don’t need a fancy setup, a nice home, or even enough furniture for everyone.  However, you might want to consider some floor pillows, card tables, and folding chairs.  If your party will be on the big side, create “zones” so that gamers can shout and move without disturbing other game areas.

Have In-and-Out Games on Hand

Board game stackThe best party games are often those in which people can come in and out as necessary without disturbing the game.  (After all, everyone’s got to hit the bathroom at some point…)  Three of my favorite drop-in games are Pictureka! and Fluxx, plus Raving Rabbids on the Wii.  In fact, both are also great for parties with a range of ages and experience levels.  Games that allow newcomers to drop in and score a point or two keep crowds mixing and meeting.

Lay Down the Law

If folks aren’t allowed to put their drinks on your table without a coaster, you’d better let them know and provide coasters.  In other words, if you have weird little tics about your home, it’s your job to either let people know, take preventative measures, or let it go. (I actually think the latter is the best option.)

Keep the Refreshments Simple

Game nights aren’t exactly cheap fun if you have to feed an army and buy dozens of games. Keep the atmosphere laid back by focusing on grazing foods (veggies, chips, etc). If you need a meal, try cheap and easy chili or a quirky kids’ cereal buffet. The whole point is that while being a good host is important, the food isn’t the draw here, so don’t let it stress you out.

Score Cheap Games

Games aren’t cheap anymore!  If you don’t have a huge collection, don’t underestimate cheap chess and checkerboards, dice with cups, and good old fashioned decks of cards.  Quite a few folks enjoy sticking with something familiar and easy while they scope out some of the unusual games as others play. (Puzzles are also good as ongoing icebreakers.)  Beyond that, borrow absolutely everything you can and build a collection slowly.  Don’t forget that some games are free: think charades.

Give Poor Losers a Place to Chill Out

I used to be such a graceful loser. Then I started playing with my uber-competitive, ridiculously talented husband.  Now I scream and rant with the best of them, so I understand the need for a place to get away from the action from time to time.  Consider placing a snack or drink area well out of the way of game zones; if you can move it outside, even better.  Actively encourage poor losers and anger freaks to grab a snack (or get you one if they don’t take the hint).

Alright, time for your ideas! What games have been big hits? What would you never do again? What keeps folks mingling and laughing? Add in your tips and experiences in the comments!

Photo courtesy of greencolander

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