Board games have always been a great way of creating strong bonds with other people and making the night worth remembering. Certain games have been played since ancient times helping to relieve some stress and cure anxiety. It might seem like a lot of work if you are the one hosting the game night, therefore here are some useful tips on how to make it memorable.
Make a questionnaire
You have been picked as the host, and everyone awaits the night. If you feel like you are under a lot of pressure, wondering which games or particular game to pick for the night, maybe making a little Q&A wouldn’t be such a bad idea. Let your guests fill out the questionnaires a week before, that way you’ll know how many of them like themed games, murder mysteries, maybe strategy, or something involving physical activity. It will greatly narrow down the available choices and help you to decide which one to pick.
Have a backup plan
Always think of a backup in case your guests cannot attend. The global pandemic has greatly restricted human movement, especially gathering in large numbers. There is always the possibility of someone getting sick or a few of them at the same time, which is no wonder, especially during the flu season. Luckily for you, board games are now available online. Thanks to the internet, a variety of board games can be played on your desktop or laptop, with almost every game having a multiplayer option. That way you can all join the same room, though being far apart. Of course, it is not the same as playing as a group as it limits the face to face interaction but you can still have fun.
For example, spice things up by making the winner or winner team win some kind of reward. If most of your friends are gamers, maybe a customized playmat would be a great choice. There are a variety of possibilities, you can check them out on this link, from pictures to multicolour layers, it depends on the taste of the winner. Not only will it look great on the desk but it remains a trophy of their success. If you are playing online, go for strategical games as they allow for larger groups to play them at the same time. All in all, not everything is lost if the flu comes knocking on your door.
Adjust the room
This means optimizing the atmosphere for playing group games. For example, move the furniture creating enough room for everyone and space to sit. Maybe think of getting a round table for the night if you are playing a board game requiring the individual involvement of your guests and a square for team play. Or get rid of the table after all and instead play on the floor. Sitting on the floor in circles has proven to be the best way to bond and communicate. Psychologically, people feel more even and equal as the position is more intimate and there is no space in between. The only hard thing is positioning the bowls with food to be within everyone’s reach.
Adjust the room temperature, a mild temperature is optimal for concentration and staying alert. Warm and heat are known to accelerate blood flow making you sweat more, imagine a game night where everyone has to dry themselves with a towel constantly instead of playing.
The lights are also important. Choose a spot in your living room where light from lamps or the chandelier directly hits the floor or table. Great visibility is important and spares you additional questions such as: “can someone read my card, I don’t see anything”. You’ll want to avoid this scenario.
Think of the food
Make snacks, not whole meals. Everything in need of a spoon or fork is a mishit. This diverts attention and takes up time. Go for something you can eat with your fingers and maybe instead of cups and bottles think of getting cans of sodas or any drink. They are disposable and easy to grab. That way no one has to get up for a refill as they can always get a new drink. Also, as you’re making a questionnaire to check the taste of your guests in games, ask them about food as well. Check for allergies, you do not want ER staff rushing through your living room that night. Check if someone is vegan, vegetarian, or prefers halal meat. Also, check if they prefer spicy and hot or rather mild food. Whatever the case, your friends will appreciate the effort.
And have in mind, there is always the chance of things going the wrong way. You’ll make a mistake or two, maybe the food will taste awful, maybe you got the lights wrong, too bright or dim, or maybe you forget the number of people you invited. Making mistakes is normal, as only the ones who try make them. So heads up and try to have an amazing time.
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