Here at Book Hero, we recently had our very own Board Game night as part of our social club calendar - the kind where people lose track of time, laugh a little too loudly, and leave already asking when the next one is. It was a great, low cost way to bond at work without needing to drink and get to know each other all a little better. We definitely haven’t laughed so much in a long time!
Whether you’re bringing together close friends, family, a mix of both, or looking for your next team building event, hosting a great game night isn’t about being the perfect host, or playing the perfect games, it’s about creating an easy, fun space where everyone can relax and connect.
Here are our tips and tricks to making it happen.
Know Your Crowd
Before you even pick a game, think about who’s coming or the kind of games you want to be playing - and probably never rely on just one game (unless that’s your group's plan!).
Are they competitive or more here for a laugh? Do they love learning new games, or prefer something simple and familiar? Are you hosting a small group or a full house?
If you’ve got a mix of personalities, aim for games that are easy to learn but still engaging.
And then Choose the Right Games!
Do you want quick, easy icebreaker games? Or are you after something with a bit more challenge, maybe a strategy game to get everyone thinking? If you’re hosting a larger group, party games are often the way to go.
In one of my regular board game groups, we almost always start with a few rounds (or sometimes a full night) of Bananagrams. It’s a fast-paced spelling game that’s super easy to pick up, and we’ve found there’s plenty of flexibility when it comes to teaming up which, honestly, leads to some of our biggest laughs.
From there, we’ll usually move on to another group favourite: Poetry for Neanderthals. Ever feel like whacking your friend or colleague with an inflatable bat? Well… in this game, you can. If they use too many syllables - whack! If they accidentally say the word on the card - whack!
It’s a fun, team-based game full of chaotic energy and laughs and you might even learn a thing or two about just how many words are technically more than one syllable.
Explaining the Rules - Make someone the Rule Reader
This is where a lot of game nights stumble, but it doesn’t have to be painful. Keep it simple and focus on just enough to get started. You can always introduce extra rules as you go. In fact, “learn as you play” is often the best approach.
If someone wants to be the rule reader, let them but from experience, most players are happy to learn as they go.
You Can Always Change the Game
If players aren’t vibing with the current game, don’t be afraid to suggest a game switch, it’ll help keep the night flowing and everyone happy and engaged.
And don’t worry if you don’t get through all the games you had planned. Sometimes the vibes are just right, and people will happily play the same game over and over for hours.
Remember, game nights work best when they’re allowed to run their natural course, rather than being forced. It’s all about the laughs and the memories, not ticking off a game list.
Love a Good Theme Party? Kick it Up a Notch
Not everyone is into themed parties, but you can still have fun with it, matching your games to a theme, adding a few themed snacks, or even suggesting a dress-up element. And if you do go all in, there’s something about a dress-up board game night that just screams murder mystery party (in the best way).
Whatever you choose, adding a theme can bring a fun extra twist to the night.
Don’t Forget the Snacks!
All that laughing and thinking is hungry work, so game night snacks should be easy to eat and low-mess. Think finger foods like chips, crackers, sliced fruit, and bite-sized treats. And if you’re planning something more substantial, pizza or sushi are always crowd-pleasers.
Setting up a simple snack and drink station can also help keep the flow going, so people aren’t constantly getting up and interrupting the game. If you’re hosting a mixed group, it’s always thoughtful to include a couple of options for different dietary needs—or make it a “bring a plate” situation, where everyone brings something to share.
Ready to Host Your Own Game Night?
What I’ve learnt is that the best game nights aren’t about having the biggest game collection, playing the most games, or having the most elaborate setup, they’re about creating a space where people can relax, have fun and make some memories together.
If you’re looking to build your board game collection or try something new, explore the range at Book Hero - you might just find your next favourite.