How to Host a Phone-Free Family Game Night

Phones down, game on! Our tips and recipes for a great game night in.

We get it. When it’s cold and gray outside, the pull of the screen is strong. But shouldn’t your time at home be more about engaging than electronics? One of the best (and most fun) ways to do just that is by hosting a super-easy game night, which also happens to be one of Drew and Jonathan’s favorite ways to spend an evening. “We’re very much homebodies and prefer staying in over a flashy night out, so we love hosting game night,” says Drew. Adds Jonathan, “Games are a low-cost, easy way to spend some quality time with friends and family…and to get in the spirit of a little friendly competition.”

To make sure you have plenty of players, invite the neighbors and ask them to bring their favorite game. Having a mix of things—a deck of cards, interactive group games like Heads Up! or Twister, and a chessboard—will make sure that there are options for everyone, from grown-ups to kids. Fuel the fun with simple food that leans heavily on snacky stuff. Make a batch of chili, put out a cheese board and bowls of chips for nibbling, and warm up some cider in the slow cooker. As guests arrive, ask them to stash their phones in a basket. That means there won’t be Instagram proof that the party happened, but it’s a fair trade-off for something even better: face time (the real kind) and the bragging rights that come with an impressive Twister victory.

Drew + Jonathan’s Favorite Games

Jenga
Chess
Heads Up!
Chutes and Ladders
Twister
Pictionary
Trivial Pursuit
Rummikub

“Games are a low-cost, easy way to spend some quality time with friends and family…and to get in the spirit of a little friendly competition.”

— Jonathan

“Game nights make it easy for everyone and anyone to join in. Bring the kids, your pets, come in your pajamas—as long as you bring your A-game!”

—Drew

Game Night Menu

Perfecting the Platter

Cheeses and meats are a given, but add on these other elements to build a balanced board.

Take It Easy

A crowd-pleasing chili with a toppings bar is the main event here. Some easy snack mixes and warm spiced cider are great add-ons, but they’re absolutely optional. Click the photos for our recipes!

By Sarah Egge | Photographs by Jason Donnelly & Carson Downing | Produced by Krissa Rossbund | Food Styling by Kelsey Bulat