How to host a winning game night for adults
If you’re looking for a memorable night filled with fun, laughter, and a healthy dose of friendly competition, look no further than a game night. Whether your crew is ready to commit to a night-long narrative role-playing game experience or is more inclined to dabble in a handful of hilarious party games, hosting a game night is the perfect way to create shared experiences with friends and make memories worth more than any high score.
Plan a game night for adults with our helpful guide on everything from choosing the right games to sending out invitations that get everyone excited to play. Whether you’re a seasoned gaming expert or are curious about throwing your first-ever game night to try something different, we’ve compiled a list of ideas for planning and executing an adult game night everyone will enjoy.
Table of Contents
Decide when and where to hold your game night
The first step in planning any party is determining the logistical details. Figure out a date and time that works best for you and your friends, and then decide on a location where the game night will take place. Hosting a game night at home is a great option, and allows you the freedom to hold the event whenever you want, with as many people as you can fit in your space. Hosting at home is also a cozy and comfortable setting for encouraging a chill, relaxed evening.
If you prefer not to use your living space as the setting for a get-together, there are alternative options as well. Host a game night gathering at a local board game bar or café, which have been rising in popularity in recent years. Or look into renting out an event space if you’re looking for a location with plenty of room for guests and a blank slate for decorating. If you decide to host at a board game café, event space, or other external location, make sure to let the venue know your details in advance and make reservations to ensure everything runs smoothly.
If your get-together is taking place in the summertime, consider hosting at an outdoor space like a backyard or public park for a field day with physical tournaments and relays.
Put together the guest list
When hosting a game night, a crucial step in the process is deciding on the guest list, as it informs the rest of your planning details. The number of people you invite depends on many factors, including your home or venue size, desired capacity, the type of night you want to have, and the genre of games you plan on playing.
If the game night you’ve envisioned is a lively event with spirited games like Charades or Salad Bowl, friends working in teams, and a bustling party vibe, then open up the guest list to a larger group. Invite as many friends as you’d like, and even allow guests to bring guests, which you can enable on your Paperless Post invitation.
However, if you’re hoping for a more quiet and focused evening with cooperative storytelling-style games, you may want to keep the guest list smaller, so each player can be as involved as possible and the gaming stays on track. Invite a handful of friends who you think would enjoy this type of game night, and track RSVPs in real-time so you can make sure to plan everything accordingly.
Get guests excited with game-themed invitations
Once you’ve decided on the guest list, date, and location for your game night, it’s time to let everyone know about it! Paperless Post has a variety of fun and on-theme game night invitations, perfect for any playful or competitive gathering. Browse our wide array of designs, from video-game-themed invitations to poker-inspired designs and more.
Include all of your event’s details on your invitation design—date, time, and location, so everything guests need to know is front and center. Then, add helpful Blocks to your game night invitation to include further information in an organized way. Include a Details Block to provide anything else you want guests to know, such as a schedule of events for the night. Add a Links Block to your invitation to link guests to a spreadsheet where they can sign up to bring their own favorite game or volunteer to bring specific food or drinks.
Decorate and set up the gaming area
If you’re hosting game night at your home, think about how you want the party to look and feel. First, decide where the gaming itself will actually take place—in your living room, the basement, or maybe different games will be played simultaneously across various areas. Determine the set gaming areas, and make sure your space is set up to encourage maximum fun. Clear the furniture from a specific spot if you need a performance area for the more active party games.
For board games, card games, and other activities that require ample seating, set up one or a few tables and chairs with enough space for everyone. Set your gaming tables up with tablecloths or table runners from Paperless Post Party Shop to keep everything tidy while also adding a festive touch. While you’re at it, liven up your gathering with our collection of elevated party supplies, like bright banners, colorful streamers, or some shiny disco ball décor—perfect for any celebration.
Prepare drinks and snacks to fuel the players
A game night without snacks is like a birthday without cake, so make sure guests are properly fueled up for an energetic night of competition with some prepared refreshments. Put together some handheld appetizers for everyone to snack on while the fun takes place, like these Baked Brie Bites by Southern Living, or provide a crowd-pleasing Confetti Snack Mix by Taste of Home. You can never go wrong with a classic delivery pizza (or five) either, and giving everyone a break from the action to enjoy a slice.
Don’t forget the drink menu—any good game night for adults comes complete with fun adult beverages. Make a big batch of punch in advance for easy pouring, such as the delicious and simple Spiked Arnold Palmer recipe by The Pioneer Woman, and provide non-alcoholic beverage options as well.
Send your guests a broadcast message via your Paperless Post invitation asking them to bring beer or wine, if you want to go the BYOB route. You can also enable Guest Questions on your invitation to ask guests about food and drink preferences or gather any dietary restrictions to help with menu planning.
Select the specific games you’ll play
Now that you’ve organized all of the other details, it’s time for the real fun to begin—the actual games! Choosing the games you’ll play throughout the night informs the substance and vibe of the party, so make sure you put thought into the schedule of events. Perhaps you’ll want to warm everyone up with something easy to follow, like a trivia game, before breaking out the more complicated or long-form options.
Gather the games you think your group will enjoy the most, and if you’re planning on playing interactive group games like Mafia or Werewolf, print out the rules so that everyone can familiarize themselves before diving in.
For a classic game night that sparks nostalgia, revisit some tried and true favorites from your childhood, or for a competitive night of cards, plan some Texas Hold ’Em or Blackjack rounds. Games that get everyone on their toes, like a visual guessing game, are always a recipe for laughter and keep the energy of the night high.
Send a checkbox-style Guest Survey or open-ended Guest Question along with your invitation to ask your friends about their all-time favorite games or which games they would prefer to play at your party. Selecting the right game night games for adults ensures your guests will have the best time possible—and if you have too many options to choose from, you can always save some for the next game night!
Give out prizes for the night’s big wins
Handing out prizes is one game night idea that will make the night feel extra special. Provide trophies for first (and maybe last!) place winners, or give out cheeky medals to guests superlative-style, such as “Most Improved,” “Beginner’s Luck,” or “Probably Cheated.” Send guests home with party favors or goodie bags as well, so everybody leaves feeling like a winner.
Let the games begin with Paperless Post
Whether you’re wondering how to host a game night for adults or are interested in throwing a party for any occasion, Paperless Post has the tips and tools to help you plan any get-together with ease. From deciding when to send out invitations for your event to selecting the perfect invitation design and managing your RSVP list in an organized fashion, we’re here for you every step of the way, from start to game over.
Whatever the occasion, find exclusive designs to suit your style and make planning a breeze.
