5 Common Game Night Hosting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Game nights have become increasingly popular over the past few years, thanks to a formula that is as fun as it is simple: Gather a group of friends, serve up some delicious food, and bring out a stack of your favorite board games. A game night can take many forms, ranging from casual get-togethers to a high-stakes evening of mahjong, poker, and other strategy-driven games—but whatever the style, the key to a successful game night is to plan ahead.

Entertaining experts Brie Larson and Courtney McBroom say that the first step is to decide what kind of game night you want to host. “Is it a more serious gathering centered around a single, focused game that requires everyone’s participation,” they ask, “or is it a more loosey-goosey event, where the games are just part of the fun?” Making this distinction early on will help you plan the menu and create the vibe for the evening to come.

From there, avoid the following mistakes and common faux pas to ensure a winning event. 

Not Joining In

“The best thing a game night host can do to set the tone for a good time,” says cookbook author Barbara Scott-Goodman, “is to make sure that he or she is part of the party.”

A good host stays present and engaged throughout the evening, and that means having as many hands-off food and drink options as possible. “Guests enjoy being with a relaxed host, not one who is frantically running around,” says Scott-Goodman. “They may have come for an evening of games, but they also came to see you.”

To be a relaxed host (and actually be able to join in the fun), she recommends doing as much as you can in advance so the focus can be on the guests when they arrive. “Preparedness makes everything look effortless,” she adds. An organized game plan goes a long way in ensuring the evening runs smoothly.

The Timing is Off

When hosting a game night, try to keep to a loose schedule, but allow some wiggle room at the beginning of the evening. “We usually give everyone an hour to arrive and have a snack and a drink before we bust out the games,” say Larson and McBroom. “This gives them time to settle in and get comfy.”

“Timing is everything, and it’s the key to hosting a fun and relaxed game night,” adds Scott-Goodman. Be mindful of how long it takes to really get into a game, consider how many rounds you’d like to play, and how late everything might run. If you’re too behind schedule, your guests may lose steam before the final round. 

Inviting People Who Aren’t Interested in Playing Games

It may seem obvious, but not everyone enjoys games, and that’s OK. “The whole point of having a party is for everyone to have a good time,” say Larson and McBroom. “Avoid inviting someone who isn’t interested in playing games, and then force them to participate. Nobody enjoys that!”

This is especially important for games that require a specific number of players. Choose your game, check how many people are needed, and confirm well in advance. “It would be a bummer to host a game that requires eight people to play, and then have someone bail at the last second,“ they note. 

For a more casual game night, take a laid-back approach. Pick a few favorite games or ask friends to bring their own to share with the group. Pour some drinks, set everything out, and let guests take the lead.

An Overly-Complicated Menu

“Keep in mind that less is often more—resist the urge to overdo,” says Scott-Goodman. She recommends tailoring the menu to the type of game and the guests’ needs. “During an intense poker game, players may not want to leave the table to eat,” she says. “On the other hand, your mahjong crew may want to take a break and socialize while digging into more substantial dishes like homemade pizza, tacos, or mac and cheese.”

When in doubt, go with finger foods, say Larson and McBroom. “You want your guests to play a card without getting sauce all over it,” they add. Easy mess-free dishes like coconut shrimp toast, mini tomato tarts, or savory snack mixes will keep guests satisfied without distracting from the game. 

Guests Aren’t Comfortable

Game nights should feel inviting, not stuffy. Encourage guests to get comfortable, kick off their shoes, and settle in. “Set up your space for maximal comfort,” says Scott-Goodman. Make sure there’s plenty of seating, adjust the lighting, and cue up a playlist that sets the right atmosphere. Once again, the best way to make guests feel at ease is to be relaxed and present yourself. “Make sure that you don’t miss out on any of the fun,” adds Scott-Goodman. “A good time should be had by all.”