Hosting a boardgames night for family or friends is easy, inexpensive and fun.

A couple of weeks before

Decide how you want to run the evening:

• Do you want people to bring their own games, or will you supply games?
• How many people can your house hold comfortably? (Remember, you will probably need tables and chairs)
• Do you want to play a particular type of game (cards, boardgame, etc)?
• Will you have an adults-only games night or will there be games for children too?

A week or so before: Invite your friends

• Ask your friends what their favourite games are, or tell them about one that you really enjoy.
• Try to encourage them to show up on time, so that you can all start a game together

On the day

• Set up the tables for people to play
• Try to make sure that any food you provide is game-friendly - don't have messy food like dips or greasy potato chips - or if you do, keep it well away from your games!
• Set up a game before your friends arrive, if you want to entice them to play it.
• Make sure that you are familiar with the rules of any games you will be teaching

When people arrive

• Welcome them, get them a drink, and explain the rules if they are not familiar with the game.
• Consider a 'filler' game - a short game that you can play while you wait for everyone to arrive.
• Now have fun!