With the most recent temperatures we have been experiencing here in New York (aka free-zing!), it makes it hard to do anything except stay in and binge watch on Netflix. House of Cards, anyone?
One of my favorite things to put together during these cold winter months is a game night with friends. Today I’ve teamed up with Seven Daughters Wine to compile my favorite 7 tips on how to throw a simple but fun game night both you and your friends will enjoy!
1. Simple Bites
Hosting a group of friends for game night should be a no-fuss affair. Don’t focus on whipping up a huge meal. Keep in mind easy appetizers such as flatbreads, hummus and veggies, chips and salsa, and popcorn to name a few (insert this salted carmel popcorn recipe – YUM). Even though I recommend not cooking up a huge meal for game night, don’t forget about the presentation. Remove the hummus from it’s plastic container. Slice up some pita bread into small triangles and toast in the oven. Small presentation details like this will make you look like a party planning pro.
2. Game Night Cocktail
Game night is not the time to play mixologist as constant breaks will interrupt the flow and make things less enjoyable for everyone – you know you can’t get up in the middle of Apples to Apples! Wine is the perfect winter drink to prepare prior to guests’ arrival. I love Seven Daughters Cabernet Sauvignon for a cozy evening in. If you’re looking for a specialty cocktail, try Seven Daughters Desert Rain cocktail recipe! Delicious.
3. Clear Your Coffee Table
If you will be playing games around your coffee table, be a fab hostess and clean off your coffee table. Prepare your coffee table with drink coasters and be sure to set up spots with pillows, blankets and poufs for your friends to gather around for game playing.
4. Game On
I love game night because there are so many different games you can incorporate. Bingo and cards will never go out of style but try a few new crowd pleasers like Cards of Humanity, Bunco, The Game of Things, or old favorites like Scategories (duh), Catch Phrase, or Would You Rather. Anthropologie also makes an insanely chic set of playing cards sure to pretty up any game night.
5. Set The Atmosphere
I know I sound like a broken record when talking party planning but there really is two key ingredients when it comes to party planning. 1. Candlelight and 2. Fresh Flowers. Stop by your local florist and see which flowers are in season to not only save on party planning, but to add some greenery to your home or apartment in preparation for game night!
6. Bonus Round
At the end of the night, send guests home with party favors like travel sized games or an inexpensive deck of cards. You can also wrap up some of the finger foods prepared earlier like the popcorn for a little late night munch on the way home! Small, easy details really do go a long way.
7. Have Fun!
Game night is supposed to be about FUN, so have some! Don’t worry if your party planning doesn’t go according to plan. The games will surely make up for any missteps along the way!
Do you and your friends get together game night? What are your favorite games to play with friends?
Cheers! Xo. Lauren
*This post is brought to you as a part of my collaboration with Seven Daughters wine as part of their Savvy Seven. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support lauren-nelson.com.
