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How to Host a Grown-Up Game Night This Halloween
To host a good adult game night, invite four to eight people, choose two or three games that suit that number, and serve food that can be eaten with one hand. Halloween is a natural excuse: it gives the evening a theme without asking anyone to wear a costume. Here is a six-step plan.
How do you plan an adult game night?
- Fix the guest list first. The number of players decides the games, not the other way round.
- Pick two or three games. One easy opener, one main game, one quick closer.
- Set up before guests arrive. Clear the table, check the pieces and read the rules once.
- Serve finger food. Bowls and small plates keep hands free and cards clean.
- Keep rounds short. Change game or partners every 45 minutes or so.
- End on a high. Stop while people still want one more round.
Which games work for how many guests?
| Guests | Game | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 | Ντόμινο | Quick rounds, easy to talk over |
| 2 to 6 | Card games | Hundreds of games from one or two decks |
| 4 to 8 | Poker | Everyone plays at once and chips make it feel like an event |
| 3 to 6 | Monopoly | Everyone knows the rules. Set a time limit. |
If you have never hosted a poker night, the basic rules and hand rankings are on Wikipedia's poker page.
Four sets worth leaving on show
All four were in stock when this article was published.
Op Art Lacquer Card Set
Playing cards in a black-and-white lacquer box by Jonathan Adler. €85
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Bianco Luxury Edition Monopoly
The game everyone knows in an all-white luxury edition. €183
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How do you give it a Halloween feel without costumes?
- Dim the main lights and light the table with candles or a low lamp.
- Use a dark tablecloth so cards and chips stand out.
- Serve one seasonal thing: pumpkin soup in cups, or toffee apples for dessert.
For more ideas, read our guide to luxury board games for adults, check how many dominoes are in a set, or browse all design games and aperitif tableware.
Frequently asked questions
How many games do you need for a game night?
Two or three: an opener, a main game and a quick closer.
How many people is ideal for a game night?
Four to eight. Fewer limits the choice of games; more means splitting into two tables.
How long should a game night last?
About three hours, including food.
