9 Party Games for Adults That'll Liven Up Your Next Gathering

The Chameleon

Leave it to this social deduction game to liven things up. Here, players are assigned a secret topic, with one among them being the Chameleon (who is unaware of the topic). The goal is to keep the topic a secret from the Chameleon, who, meanwhile, is trying to blend in.

With players debating and voting on who they believe the Chameleon is, everyone will be engaged. This game also gets bonus points for replayability.

Hues and Cues Board Game

In each round, one player tries to help the others pinpoint a particular shade on the vibrant, 480-square board—without using standard color names or lighter/darker adjectives. Points are awarded based on the proximity of guesses to the target color.

Ideal for groups of three to 10 and both families and adults, Hues and Cues is particularly fun for an artsy crowd, says party and craft night host Christina Argonish, owner of Sister Trade City. "The more unusual and creative the color descriptors, the better." (What color is ‘pistachio macaron,’ for example?)

Rifle Paper Co. Picnic Playing Cards

A classic deck of cards is the quiet M.V.P. of any games closet, endlessly versatile and always ready to rise to the occasion. But we beg you to update that old, creased deck you keep in a junk drawer. While function is key, form matters too.

A beautifully designed deck—like this full-color, illustrated deck and keepsake box from Rifle Paper Co.—turns a casual gathering or game night into a considered moment. (It’s the kind of small touch would Martha herself would likely appreciate.)

Scrabble Board Game

Scrabble is an undisputed classic. Equal parts cozy and competitive, it invites everyone to slow down, sip something warm (or bubbly), and settle into a game that feels both nostalgic and elevated.

A design-forward edition doubles as décor, signaling that you value both play and presentation. This particular Target find is also less expensive than some of the other special-edition Scrabbles currently out there.

Priorities: The Party Game of Absurd Choices

This game is simple and can be quickly explained, making it a widely accessible addition to your collection. Upon their turn, one player will rank five everyday items—from the mundane to the absurd—in order of personal importance. The others must then guess that person’s rankings, sparking animated debates and revealing personal preferences and bridges of connection.

Friend Of Mine Conversation Cards Boxed Set

This thoughtfully designed collection of conversation cards can serve as an elegant tool to deepen connections and encourage authentic dialogue. A visual delight, they can sit right on your bar cart. Then, when the time comes, draw a card, read the question aloud, and allow the conversation to unfold naturally.

"There's no right or wrong way to play with conversation cards," says Argonish. "It's more about just listening and engaging with others and your guests."

Clarendon's Mystery Tonic One Minute Mysteries Game

This vintage-inspired game invites players to solve quick, intriguing mysteries. Shaped like old-fashioned medicine bottles, each of the 80 cards features a brain-teasing prompt. It's a delightful exercise in quick thinking and collaborative fun, plus its compact design is perfect for taking out and about. Oh, and take note of the under-$10 price tag. What’s not to love?

After Dinner Trivia

From pub trivia to classic Trivial Pursuit, trivia games are popular for a reason. They encourage knowledge, lighthearted competitiveness, and energetic conversation. This particular trivia card game is both inconspicuous and stylish in design, ideal for pulling out after the main event at your next dinner party. The range of topics, from literature to cars, offers everyone a chance at the table to show off their smarts.

Wine Trivia

If you're looking for the perfect pairing for wine night, look to Games Room's wine-specific iteration of the trivia card game above. While sipping, players can test their knowledge of everything from grape varieties to winemaking regions and history for an additional, interactive experience. Plus, how stylish is that geometric-printed box? "You can keep it right next to your wine rack on the counter," adds Argonish.