Game On! 5 Tips to Plan a Cozy Game Night

I don’t know about you, but I love a cozy night in! Add games, snacks, and good company and you’ve made my evening. We’ve had a lot of family game nights over the years, especially in the last couple of years. You can plan a game night any season, but there’s just something about cozying up for a fun evening when the weather is starting to get chilly.

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Here are 5 tips to plan a cozy game night:

Tip 1: Gather your group

I personally think a small group works best for games– 6-8 is a good crowd. Whether it’s two families or 3-4 couples, keeping it small is ideal, depending on the game. And it can be fun to mix it up– play in family teams, or kids vs. adults is also fun. Or, set up two areas and let the kids have their own game set up.

Tip 2: Set up your game area

Find a good spot for your gathering and games. Use the kitchen table or island, set up a coffee table with floor pillows, or use a portable card table. Our game spot used to be the kitchen island, until we built our game table. We made it bar height with a removable top and shelf underneath. Inside is a felted area for working puzzles. The best part: the puzzle space can be hidden without leaving out the puzzle days (weeks) on end. This table was put to good use last fall and winter while we were sheltering in place. I will share table plans soon! But again, any table will do.

Get out a few games or encourage your guests to bring games you don’t have. My two game obsessions now: Hive and Ticket to Ride! I’d love to hear some of your favorites, ours are below.

Tip 3: Make ahead snacks are a must

Select snacks you can make ahead of time so you can also enjoy the evening. Set up a sidebar or another table for food, along with napkins, plates, cups, coasters, etc. If you’re inviting friends, have everyone bring something to share and keep it simple.

Here are some ideas for make-ahead appetizer recipes: these shortcut charcuterie mini boards, chips + salsa or guacamole; spinach dip or hummus with pita chips, veggies + dip, or baked brie with apples.

Simple desserts like mini cupcakes, doughnuts, or brownie bites are always yummy. Or, you could make ahead a casserole dish of warm apple crisp.

If you wanted something a little unique and fun, work in a game break and do tabletop s’mores with this indoor s’more maker. How fun is this?!

Tip 4: Don’t forget the beverages

Have a cooler or fridge nearby stocked with water and single-serving drinks– beer, wine, or sparkling water and juice boxes for kids.

If you want to serve warm drinks, set up a self-serve hot cocoa bar with an electric kettle. Or, prep a slow cooker of mulled cider. Either way, keep it simple so everyone can serve themselves and have cups or mugs nearby.

Tip 5: Keep it cozy

To add more warmth and cozy vibes, light a scented candle. I love these small-batch, hand-poured candles made by my friend Amy at Oldfield Society. Put on your favorite playlist with background tunes. We have these compact (Bluetooth) speakers we use in the game room, on the porch, and even take on vacation. They are awesome for the price!

Need extra seating? I found these floor pillows, which would work great around the coffee table. You can add throw pillows as well. A few cozy touches will make everyone feel right at home.

Here’s to a fun, cozy game night. And, check out my post on How to Host an Outdoor Movie Party in 6 Simple Steps. Another fun way to gather with small groups.

Enjoy, friends!