DON'T FRET ABOUT TIMING

While it is perfectly fine to create an agenda with set times (guests arrive at 5pm, dinner at 7pm) you should be prepared for this timing to be thrown out the window quickly. Any times that you put in your agenda should be loosely made and able to be fluid.

In fact, instead of times we recommend basing your agenda on milestones throughout the night. For example, instead of saying first game starts at 6pm, you might say 20 minutes after the last guest arrives we will begin the first game. This way you don't feel so obliged to keep to a set schedule.

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The best game nights are ones that are carefully planned and laid out but allowed to flow naturally, so the less you appear worried about the agenda, the better! 

BE GENEROUS WITH BREAKS

We have mentioned this before but it is worth repeating - not everyone finds board games as fun as you do! Of course, if someone has agreed to come to a game night they are willing to play, but remember that board games aren't the number 1 reason to attend game night for everyone - a lot of people simply want to interact with other people and socialize. Keep this in mind when planning out your game night, especially if you are planning to play heavier games that don't lend themselves to a lot of socialization.

For every hour of plans you have, you should also incorporate 15 minutes of break time in the agenda. This doesn't have to be firm and fixed - if you notice people starting to feel fatigued, offer a drink break. Even though you have everything planned out in your head, it is important that the flow of the night feels natural to your guests.

MIX IN OTHER ACTIVITIES

Just because you are hosting a board game night does not mean you can't mix in other activities. Having varying types of entertainment allow for some down time to recover from mentally taxing games. 

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Some of our favorite types of alternative entertainment include: Jackbox party games, darts, pool, ​dexterity games (paper football, anyone?), and even some good old college drinking games. The more creative and varied your activities, the better!

GO WITH THE FLOW

This is the most important consideration of all. No matter what happens to your game night, go with the flow! Don't be worried when your filler game takes an hour instead of 20 minutes, or when dinner starts later than you planned. Remember that what really matters is that everyone is having fun. Let the night flow as naturally as possible, otherwise people will notice and will likely be uncomfortable with you rushing them.

This is a party after all, so do you're best to relax and enjoy the ride!