The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Legendary Board Games Night!

Written by Daniel Metcalfe on 19 August 2023

Board games night is a time-honored tradition, bringing friends and family together for a fun-filled evening of laughter, competition, and unforgettable memories.

Whether you're a seasoned board gamer or a newbie looking to explore this fantastic world of tabletop fun, this guide will equip you with everything you need to host an epic board games night that will go down in history. From selecting the perfect games to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, we'll dive into the details of hosting a memorable board games extravaganza!

If you don't feel ready for the responsbility of hosting just yet or you just want to meet other people who enjoy board games, you might consider first attending a local board games meetup. You can find a good list of meetups on Reddit at /r/boardgames.

Step 1: Plan Ahead

The key to a successful board games night is proper planning. Start by selecting a date and time that works for all your potential guests. Consider sending out invitations well in advance, either through traditional methods or digital invites.

Keep in mind the number of players each game supports, and ensure you have enough games to accommodate everyone.

Step 2: Choose the Right Games

A crucial aspect of hosting a board games night is selecting the right games that suit your guests' interests and preferences. Aim for a diverse mix of games, including strategic, party, cooperative, and trivia games. Some of our favorites here at Schedule Your Social are:

• Wavelength
• Codenames
• Articulate
• Catan
• Splendor
• Ticket to Ride

The experts over at Board Game Geek also havea ranked list you can check out

However, don't shy away from introducing lesser-known games; you might discover a hidden gem that becomes a new favorite.

Step 3: Set the Ambiance

Create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for your guests. Arrange plenty of seating in the designated gaming area and ensure there's ample space for players to spread out their boards and game components. Consider dimming the lights and using candles or string lights to add a cozy and intimate touch.

Immersion means hitting all the senses! So you could also play thematic music or sounds in the background. For example if for Ticket to Ride you might play some train sounds 🚂

Keep the volume at reasonable level though, you want to be able to hear yourself (or your teammates) think when considering your next move 👂

Step 4: Food Ideas

No board games night is complete without delicious snacks and drinks to keep everyone energized and engaged. If you want to go the extra mile then make sure you to accommodate those unfortunate souls with dietary requirements!

But hosting others is a lot of work as it is so we'd recommend you encourage people to bring their own drinks and snacks which makes sense because then they can pick their favourites themselves.

Step 5: Learn by Playing

Chances are at least someone you're playing with won't be familiar with one of the games so you'll need to help them learn in a fun and engaging way. One sure way to kill their enthusiasm is to start with a 10-minute monologue explaining every rule and edge case they might encounter. It's boring and they won't remember it all anyway. Most people learn by doing so we suggest a quick 2-minute explanation of the concept and win conditions before diving straight into a practice game.

That being said, a nice visual presentation of the rules can be easily digestible so you might consider watching a video explaining the game. There are some excellent YouTube channels such as The Rules Girl that cover popular games.

Step 6: The Role of the Host

As the host, it's your responsibility to keep the energy high and ensure everyone feels included. Be enthusiastic, engaging, and attentive to your guests' needs. Facilitate the flow of the games, help resolve any disputes, and keep the conversation light and enjoyable. Don't forget to participate in the games yourself and showcase your competitive spirit!

Step 7: Encourage Friendly Competition

While the primary goal of a board games night is to have fun, a bit of healthy competition can add excitement to the mix. Encourage players to strategize, make bold moves, and celebrate each other's successes. Remember, the best victories are those that are shared and celebrated together.

Step 8: Embrace the Social Aspect

Board games night is not just about the games; it's also a chance to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories with friends and family. Encourage players to interact, share stories, and laugh together. Be open to starting discussions, sharing anecdotes, and discovering more about each other during the game breaks.

If you don't yet know your fellow gamers that well you could break the ice by sharing your personality type or D&D class. You could even share one of these quizzes in advance and discuss each other's results as an ice breaker!

• 16 personalities quiz
• D&D class quiz

Step 9: Time Management

Ensure you allocate enough time for each game, especially if you plan to play multiple games throughout the evening. Some games can be shorter and take around 30 minutes, while others might extend to a few hours. Plan accordingly and be flexible with your schedule if the fun runs a bit longer than expected.

Step 10: Capture the Moments

A picture is worth a thousand words, and board games night is no exception. Take photos throughout the evening to immortalize the laughter, camaraderie, and epic game moments. Share these pictures with your guests afterward, as it's a wonderful way to reminisce about the fantastic time everyone had.

Sharing on social media with a hashtag like #BobsBoardGameNight can be an easy way to share photos whilst showing off your hosting skills! Weekly game night go a great job documenting the fun 📸

Conclusion

Hosting a board games night is a fantastic way to create cherished memories, strengthen bonds, and share laughter with your loved ones. By planning ahead, choosing the right games, setting the perfect ambiance, and encouraging friendly competition, you'll create an evening that will be talked about for years to come. So gather your friends and family, roll the dice, draw those cards, and get ready for a night of gaming fun that you won't soon forget! Happy gaming!

P.S. If you'd like more inspiration for your board game night, check out other great articles on this topic like the one over at Meeple Mountain.