Host A Board Game Night
- Details
- Category: These Are The Days of Summer
- Published: Friday, 23 August 2024 07:00
This article was contributed by CHRI's Producer Will and the man behind Cardboard Minute on YouTube!
Yes, I love board games. And I probably own and play more than is fiscally responsible. But before you rope your friends and family into a fun-filled evening of cardboard and chucking dice, here are some ways to enhance the experience.
Snack and Snackable
Think of food that doesn’t make messy fingers! Avoid cheesies, wings, and the like, and try mess-free foods such as candies, pretzels, flatbread and dips, cheese, grapes, etc. Coasters can prevent condensation from wet glasses that could damage your games. Consider a side table or TV-table to hold snacks and drinks. If you’re planning on serving a whole meal between games, make it a cold one, or use a slow-cooker so that the meal is ready when you are.
Mood and Music
Play music that’s not distracting, such as CHRI’s Study + Worship playlist
Or try searching Spotify for a playlist created to match the theme of the game you’re currently playing! In some cases, like Wingspan, there are even official soundtracks.
Set mood lighting to fit the feel of the game, even use colours and candles, but make sure there’s enough light so that all players can easily see the game.
Choosing the Right Game
This is honestly the hardest tip to get a grasp of, because it will largely come down to a vibe check of your guests. Ask yourself:
- What other board games do they enjoy?
- Do they enjoy confrontational games, or is something cooperative a better choice?
- What are some themes they’re interested in?
- Would they prefer games that are:
- Heads-down and puzzling? ( Cascadia or Wingspan )
- Strategic and planning? ( Ticket to Ride )
- Scheming and devious? ( Air, Land & Sea / Critters at War )
- Humorous and impulsive? ( Telestrations )
- Adventurous and daring? ( The Quest for El Dorado )
- Co-operative teamwork? ( Pandemic )
- Word Games? ( Codenames )
- Requiring dexterity? ( Crokinole )
- For kids? ( Rhino Hero )
- Very complex? ( Gaia Project )
- Try something new! Feel free to ask me for recommendations, or check your local game store (also shop around for prices)
- How long will the game take to play?
- How difficult is it to teach the game to others?
Protection
Keep those expensive hobbyist games safe with things like card sleeves. I discuss that and more here.
Unplug
Keep the cell phones away! Everyone is there to have fun, get away from screens, interact with fun games, and socialize in a safe place.
