Essex certainly isn’t short of exciting things to do on a night out. From horse racing to top-notch restaurants, the county has got every type of entertainment covered. With the nights drawing in, however, it might be time to turn towards entertaining at home.
Autumn is the perfect time to gather your closest friends and settle in for a night of fun and games. But don’t just settle for the same dog-eared board game and tube of Pringles. Thanks to the wonders of advanced technology, you can stream immersive gaming experiences right into your living room.
Read on to discover how to host the ultimate games night.
Step 1: Choose Your Games
Obviously, the games you’ll play are at the centre of any games night. So, to ensure your soiree is a resounding success, choose a mix of games that cater to various tastes.
If you’ve got friends who are firmly in the board game camp, keep them sweet with classics like Scrabble and Risk. Traditional gaming enthusiasts will probably be curious to try digital versions of card, table, and casino games, too.
Even though you’d typically expect to find them in a brick and mortar casino, the likes of slot machines play just as well online — in fact, the added extras of immersive themes and engaging graphics can make them even better than their land-based counterparts. Online casinos are one of the best ways to enjoy innovative online slots titles, while the ever-popular Cards Against Humanity is available in both digital and classic card formats. Video games are also a great addition to games night, especially if you use a cloud gaming service like Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Step 2: Set the Scene with Lighting and Decor
You may be tempted to turn the “big light” on when you’re hosting a games night, but the right lighting can elevate your evening from bordering on mundane. Think of setting the stage for the fun and excitement to come by creating a cosy atmosphere with fairy lights or floor candles.
Comfortable seating is also a must, so arrange what you have in a way that encourages jovial conversation amongst the competition and challenge. Think comfy chairs, bean bags, and floor cushions for an inviting setup.
Step 3: Curate the Perfect Playlist
A great games night isn’t just about what you’re playing but also what you’re listening to. There’ll naturally be breaks in the gaming fun when you want to facilitate conversation; plus, if you’re sitting down for a meal at any point, music can achieve the atmosphere you’re going for.
When creating a playlist, make sure to consider the musical tastes of everyone you’re planning to invite. You may not personally enjoy some of the genres your closest friends are into, but you won’t want them to feel left out. Throw in some iconic hits and a few guilty pleasures for good measure!
Step 4: Create a Feast Fit for Royalty
So far, we’ve covered good friends, good games, and good music, so what’s missing? Well, good food for a start! The way to most people’s hearts is often through their stomachs, so if you really want your guests to have a games night to remember, the following food and drink ideas will have them singing your praises for years to come.
- Snacks: Fill up a snack station with crowd-pleasers like popcorn, crisps, hummus, and dips. For a dash of sophistication, set up a charcuterie board with yummy artisanal cheeses and cured meats.
- DIY Gourmet Pizzas: Get your guests involved by asking them to make their own DIY pizzas. Offer a variety of sauces, crusts, and toppings, and sit back and relax as they create their own culinary masterpieces suited entirely to their tastes.
- Desserts: Whatever you do, don’t forget about dessert! Unless all your friends have the exact same sweet tooth, it’s a good idea to offer a few choices. Think cookies, brownies, and good ol’ ice cream. Or, you could go the boujee route and set up a fondue station with lashings of melted chocolate and fresh fruit.
Step 5: Integrate your Tech
Being of the tech-savvy generation, you’ve probably got quite a few devices on hand, so you can put them to good use to add the finishing touches to your games night. Smart home features, for instance, can enable you to control music selection, volume, and even lighting with voice commands. Meanwhile, gaming gadgets like VR headsets and projectors can add even further layers of immersion.
