How to Host a Games Night in Style

Friends hosting a game night - How to Host a Games Night in Style

Your friends and family members count on you to have the latest board game, the coolest card tricks and the best trick shot in pool. So instead of wasting your money going to a billiards hall or heading to the local arcade, it’s time to invest in your own game room and host a games night in style. Of course, there’s more to creating the perfect gaming environment than providing plastic cups and ordering delivery. Here are some of the many ways you can create the ultimate space for games night, and quickly become everyone’s favourite friend on Fridays.

The Essentials

Obviously, any game room will require a selection of gaming equipment. Every person has his or her own preference, but it’s always nice to provide some variety to keep everyone happy. Multipurpose tables are the perfect solution. Some tables offer ping-pong, pool and air hockey all in one footprint. Others are more single-minded, but with a little enterprising spirit can be utilized in more than one way. Poker tables can also double as board game tables, for instance, while beer pong tables also serve well for flip-cup and other popular college drinking games.

Don’t forget about the walls. Hanging a dartboard takes up relatively little space and adds an additional element of fun for those less interested in table games.

Other Entertainment

Games can be played, but they can also be watched. Any successful games room is likely to have one other important piece of equipment: A television. Small or large, flat screen or projection, having the option to pop on the latest match between college rivals will definitely draw an enthusiastic crowd. Friends can play foosball during commercial breaks, or folks who aren’t into gaming can root on their friends from the comfort of a bar stool or couch while watching the tube.

Alternatives to television include a bumping sound system. Installing a few speakers and even something as simple as an MP3 player can make a world of difference. Don’t let any awkward silences dampen the fun of any party.

Ambiance

Basements and garages are typical locations for game rooms, but they have a few drawbacks with regards to style. Enhance the ambiance by switching out fluorescent lighting for warmer (and eco-friendlier) LED lights in soft colours. Swap out the folding chairs for more substantial stools, recliners and couches that encourage your buddies to stay a while. Finally, slap on a fresh coat of paint in a friendly, stylish colour that suits the theme of the room. You may even want to hang some classic game room artwork upon the walls, or decoratively frame a white board where you can keep tally of the score.

Refreshments

It’s your prerogative to insist every games night is BYOB, but most guests will appreciate having a few beverages and snacks available while they lose their shirts to you in poker. Invest in a mini fridge to store pop, water and adult drinks and keep some chips and dip handy. Easy to eat finger foods are the best option for busy hands playing games. For a more impressive spread, installing a working bar will undoubtedly make your house the hangout of choice every weekend.

Hosting a games night, whether it’s a weekly event or a special occasion, should involve more planning than opening up an old box of Monopoly and a six-pack. Make your home game night central with these easy tips for perfecting the perfect environment for an evening of entertainment. Remember: even if you don’t have a dedicated game space, many types of equipment fold or store easily for use in any room. Simply take these tips and adapt them to your space, and enjoy the match.