Fun and Games

Forget swing dancing and martinis — game nights are the latest wave of retro-inspired fun. More and more people are choosing to spend their weekends in, entertaining friends around the dining room table with little more than snacks, drinks and a couple of games.

The appeal of game nights is simple: it’s a great way to get together and have fun with friends. If you’re on a budget, it’s a fun and inexpensive way to entertain. If you have a young family, you can hang out with friends without struggling to find a sitter. And if you’re so over nightclubs, you can socialize without screaming over music and other people to be heard.

In a nutshell, rolling a dice and getting Yahtzee still holds the thrill that it did when you were 12.

Organising a regular game night is as easy as pie. Simply get a couple of games, invite friends and family and create a casual atmosphere to play in. Here are some suggestions for setting the scene.

• Make sure your game table is big enough to accommodate the game and seat all the players, with enough space left over to place cards, chips or other game parts. If you’re in the market for a new kitchen or dining room table, consider a model with removable leaves. This way you can customize for play, and downsize for regular eating activities.

• Provide comfortable chairs. No matter how much fun they’re having, guests will get antsy in straight-backed, uncushioned chairs. Chair pads are an easy way to make your existing chairs cosier. Simply tie them to the back of the chair, and you’re off to the races. If you’re feeling domestic, you can even get a matching tablecloth.

• Gung-ho gamers may want to consider using high-tech office chairs with casters, adjustable backs and arms.

• You want to keep your guests fuelled with plenty of drinks and snacks, but you also don’t want your cards covered in chocolate and cheese puffs. So instead of messy, melty snacks, opt for more grown-up treats like cheese and crackers served on simple porcelain platters. Have a couple of plates set around the table so that players don’t have to reach (and don’t get the opportunity to peek!).

• If you have the room, consider an old-fashioned kettle popcorn machine. Basically a scaled-down version of the movie theatre machine, these poppers add to the retro ambience, while providing a steady supply of hot snacks.

• Provide a surface away from the game table for players to place drinks and snacks. A sideboard or credenza is always good, but if space is at a minimum, try a couple of fold-up TV tables.

• Not all games involve sitting around a table. Old favourites like charades, as well as newer DVD and participation board games will literally have you rolling on the floor. Create an active play area with a plush throw rug. Just make sure you have a non-slip lining underneath to avoid accidents.

• When your game night takes off, storage will be a consideration. So you don’t have to build an addition for your dice, invite guests to bring different games. If you still find yourself with a big board game collection, get inventive. A storage bench will house your games when not in use, and provide extra seating for players.

Article by www.searsrewards.ca