Game Night

Get togethers with family and friends are great. But game nights are even more fun! As your event stylist, I can help you plan an action-packed evening with guests who love to play board games (and guests who don’t think they do). 

 

Here’s one way to do it:

 

1. Choose some old favorites such as Spades, Spoons, Apples to Apples, Charades, Pictionary and Catch Phrase. Tip: Don’t play Monopoly, it takes too long! 
2. Designate certain locations throughout the house which are equipped with a table, chairs, one of the games, beverages and snacks. 
3. Have the game directions at each table for those who do not know how to play the games. Or even better, have one of the hosts go to each table to teach the simple games. 
4. When your guests arrive, hand them a yummy adult beverage and have them reach into a black top hat to choose which game location they’ll first be playing at. For instance, on a small card write the words, Kitchen Table—Pictionary. After everyone has arrived, they’ve had a cocktail or two and a bite to eat (a great appetizer recipe and drink station idea is below) ring a bell so that everyone can go to their chosen location. Designate a 30-45 minute window of playing time before you ring the bell to go to the next location. And, yes, I understand that most games take longer and if you’re the competitive type, just get over it! ha! This is supposed to be fun with laughter, hooting and hollering. 
5. After the final bell has rung, have everyone congregate to a room that’s the most convenient. 
6. Serve a dessert and offer more drinks or coffee and tea. If your guests would like another round of games, pass that top hat around again for Round 2! Remember, this is all fun and games and don’t be a sore sport if you couldn’t win before the bell rings. Ha!

 

Here are some fun ideas for your game night:

 

Grilled Chicken Meatball Kebabs

Ingredients: 

1lb ground chicken

1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs

1 egg, beaten

2 garlic cloves minced

1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano

Red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper

Bamboo skewers (soak in water to avoid burning!) 

 

Directions: 

1. Mix all the ingredients together and shape into 2-inch meatballs.
2. Place three meatballs on each skewer. 
3. Place the skewers on a preheated grill over medium high heat and cook for 8-10 minutes while rotating every 2-3 minutes. 
4. Pass them around and enjoy! 

 

 

Bash Bench

 

Directions: 

1. Place a drink dispenser filled with margaritas on a potting bench. 
2. Make sure your bench has shelves so you can include glasses and other nonalcoholic beverages underneath it. 
3. To turn your game night into a real winner, you can also add a tub of chilled champagne and wine on the bench.
4. Don’t forget to add olives, almonds, breadsticks and cheeses to this delightful entertaining center. 

 

Game on!