Gather your friends, set the stage, and let the games begin! Hosting a game night is a fantastic way to create unforgettable memories and enjoy quality time with loved ones. At Egg & Spoon Games, we've curated a selection of strategic and engaging games that are sure to make your game night a hit. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to host the ultimate game night experience.

Step 1: Choose the right games

Begin by selecting a variety of games that cater to different tastes and preferences. From the fast-paced excitement of FOODFiGHT! to the witty, loud-out-loud challenges of Excuses Excuses, our collection has something for everyone (and you can view them all in the Shop!). Don't forget to make sure you've printed out all the cards you'll need if you're playing an Unboxed Edition; and it's often a good idea to have a room ready within Tabletop Simulator if you're going for a Digital Edition games night.

You can even augment your Egg & Spoon games with some excellent offerings from the folks at Big Potato Games or Exploding Kittens. They didn't even pay us to say that - we just really like what they're doing!

Step 2: Set up the playing area

The most important thing you can do is to make sure there is a surface to play your cards! That can be a table, it can be a scatter cushion on a sofa, or one of those trays with the bean bags on each player's lap - whatever it is, just make sure there's a space. Some games, such as Tug Off, need cards to be played in specific spaces; for others, like Kill Your Colleagues, don't need it but are absolutelt enhanced by it.

Other than that, make sure to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. Arrange seating, dim the lights, and consider adding some background music to set the mood (if this happens to be Fall Out Boy, then bonus points for you). A well-prepared space enhances the overall experience.

Step 3: Arrange snacks and refreshments

Keep your guests fueled and energised with a selection of snacks and beverages. Consider a mix of sweet and savoury options, along with some refreshing drinks. There's no need to break the bank, but some soft drinks, a few bowls of crisps and some sweets can be a great extra touch.

Don't forget to accommodate any dietary preferences or restrictions. The evening will get off to an even better start if you've made sure that all players have something they can eat and drink, and don't be afraid to ask or confirm if something you've picked up is suitable for them. You can also encourage folks to bring something of their own, too!

Step 4: Explain the rules

Before diving into gameplay, take a few moments to explain the rules of each game. Provide clear instructions and address any questions or concerns to ensure everyone feels confident and ready to play. All Egg & Spoon Games come with a couple of cards to explain the rules of the game, so you could always print out a couple of extra (if you have an Unboxed Edition). Most games can be adapted for your own rules, so check everyone's happy and play a couple of practice rounds if you've got some more experienced gamers at the table.

Step 5: Foster friendly competition

Encourage a healthy spirit of competition. While winning is always fun, remember that the main goal is to enjoy the experience and create lasting memories with friends and family. If you're starting to feel like flipping the table, it might be a good time to take a break.

Step 6: Rotate games for variety

Keep the energy high by rotating through different games. This adds variety and keeps everyone engaged. Allow guests to vote on the next game or have a pre-planned schedule.

Of course, at Egg & Spoon Games we do release a new game every month - so if you do need to add some more to your rotation then you could always have a look in the Shop.

Step 7: Capture the moments

Don't forget to capture the moments! Take photos or videos to immortalise the laughter, camaraderie, and epic moments of the evening. Share them with your guests for a wonderful post-game night memento. 

(We're always excited to see people enjoying our range of games so please feel free tag us on social media and make our day!)

Step 8: Arrange the next one!

So, you're coming to the end of an awesome evening of card games. You're full of party food and have a serious sugar rush. Your Fall Out Boy playlist is repeating for a fourth time. It's time to go but make sure to get that next games night in the diary! Life's busy and vague plans don't often make it through - so stick something else in. Whether it's monthly, weekly, or something else, it's great to get a provisional date in the calendar for something to look forward to.

For me, I have a regular games night with my friends, Tom and Stephen, which we've dubbed "Tuesgame". Sometimes that means a playtest of an early iteration of an Egg & Spoon game; sometimes that means facing existential crisis as we realise children are better than us at Fortnite/Pokemon Unite/Smite. But it happens almost every week because we made it a regular thing!

Conclusion

Hosting the ultimate game night is a surefire way to create cherished memories and strengthen bonds with your loved ones. With Egg & Spoon Games, you have a curated selection of engaging and strategic games to make your game night truly special. So, gather your friends, set the stage, and let the games begin!