Combining games night with a family meal is one way to have a lot of fun.  You can get dressed up, divide family members into who is responsible for each course, and plan an activity or two inbetween.

Make a plan

• What are the ages and stages represented by your family group?
• What sort of games could be enjoyed by all?  Keep in mind you don’t have to go out and buy a game, plenty of games can be downloaded from online sources – or utilise games you already have stored away.
• Could everyone invite a friend to make the party even more fun?
• How can you divide the game up to incorporate different courses of a meal?  Starter, Main, Dessert, Drinks?
• Can each member of the family be paired with an older member or a friend who can be responsible for presenting a course to eat at stages during the game?  Or is it something special mum and dad could pull together for a family event such as a birthday?
• Do you have two areas suitable for using – one for setting up the game(s), one for setting up the meal?  Or how can you best utilise your one space?
• Can you set a theme?  Send out invitations?  Ask for people to dress to the theme?  Or would you prefer to keep it really simple?

Some options:

Build your theme

Pick anything at all – a holiday coming up on the calendar, a celebration in the family or use some of the following ideas for inspiration.  Then you can keep building around your theme – food, dress ups, decorations – or keep it very simple and laid back if you prefer.

• From the very young to very old, most will get the hang of playing edible pick up sticks.  Make or buy some breadsticks or pretzel sticks and have fun!
• If your family has a games device such as a PlayStation, check out these ideas for a Family Game Night Showdown
• Check out the card games, cheap games and free games listed here
• As the weather warms up, consider a BBQ and outside games or activities, campfire cooking and games or take dinner to the park and plot a treasure hunt.

Murder Mystery nights

If you’ve got some teens in the house, they might be into playing roles in a murder mystery.  There are lots of free options online – check them out and make sure they’re suitable for your family to play.

• http://www.mayhem.org.uk/best-free-murder-mystery-games.html
• http://nickbreen.ca/blog/free-murder-mystery-party-plan/

Inspiration for family games night food

• Gamers need food!  For a gaming party, check out the inspiration found here
• Here is game-themed food, like Trivial Pursuit cheesecake
• Finger foods are especially great if your table space is otherwise-occupied on games night.  Check this Pinterest board for ideas
• Who doesn’t love pizza?  Give pizza fondue a try or check our pizza party ideas
• Domino cookies are fun for little fingers to help you make
• A make your own ice cream sundae bar is a fun and easy, quick dessert to enjoy together.

Inspiration for crafty families

• Make a games night trophy so everyone knows who the current champion is – and the inspiration remains for future events
• Check out these craft ideas for table settings
• Cute DIY popcorn cones make a fun addition on the snack menu.

Making the effort to transform a usual family meal into a games night funfest is more work than just putting the usual fare on the table.  But I sincerely hope it’s more fun too!