As summer winds down and we start feeling that first hint of autumn in the air, what better way to enjoy the transition than with a cozy night in? With longer evenings and the days getting shorter, it’s the perfect time to gather your loved ones, pour a glass of red, and settle in for some fun. And what better way to do that than with a game’s night?
There are plenty of enjoyable activities you can do from the comfort of your home without spending a dime, and we’ve rounded up the top six ideas to keep you entertained as we move from summer into fall. Whether it’s with your partner, a girls’ night in, or a bash for the boys – you can find something for everyone with this list. Here are our top picks for your night of choice. Choose wisely…
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Charades
Charades are nothing new. In fact, they’ve been around since 16th century France and were adopted by Britain during the Victorian times. Although back then, you’d probably be acting out something far more serious, today’s counterpart is a silly version that can be played by anyone.
You choose four categories, whether that’s film, TV, books, or songs, and write down a variety of options on slips of paper that go into a bowl. You then act out hand signals to the opposing team and let them guess what you’re trying to do. Make it even more fun by adding in a little twist… for every two minutes they can’t guess, then they have to take a shot!
2) Movie Night
Simple, but effective. Is there anything better than cuddling up on the sofa after a hard day of work, and sipping on your favorite glass of vino? Write down a list of your and your partner/friends’ favorite films, pop them into a bowl, and make sure to watch one a week at random.
This way, you’re making time for one another, and watching things that you’ll both enjoy – and remember, there are thousands of movie categories out there, so don’t be afraid to get a little more inventive than you might normally. It doesn’t have to be Christmas movies or your tired favorites from the back of the cupboard; splash out and find heist movies, casino movies, thrillers, horror films, Westerns, fantasy, family-oriented and more.
You’ll probably find this kind of activity even more fun if you branch out from your usual favorites, and what’s nice about movie nights is there’s a bit of scope for you to enjoy some on-the-side activities too, such as sketching, knitting, or adult coloring. You can even theme your activity to the movie if you’re so inclined. Using the bowl to randomize your movie choice reduces squabbling and bumps up the chances of you watching something new and interesting!
3) Games Night
Gather the comrades, bring the chips, and get everyone around the makeshift roulette table. It’s Monte Carlo from home for the night, and the theme is casino glamor with a roulette twist. Get dressed up to the nines, create a drinks menu, and pull off a glitz and glam-filled party centered around the spinning wheel. You’ll have the drinks, the roulette wheel, the felt-covered table, and all you need to top it off is your croupier – whether it’s a friend or family member, get them in their three-piece suit, and make your roulette party the envy of the town.
Don’t forget to personalize your roulette wheel by creating a DIY version with your own colors and numbers, so the party has the ultimate finishing touches. Who needs Monaco when you’ve got your makeshift living room, a homemade roulette wheel, and a bottle of bubbles on the go? If you want more roulette options for your guests to increase the variety and make life interesting, why not set up some online roulette games, too? That way, everybody can access roulette online from their smartphones and experience different versions like American, European, or even multi-wheel roulette, and possibly even try out something new like mini-roulette or 3D roulette.
4) Board Games
This one’s for the double-daters. Get each couple to bring their favorite game, and get ready for some good old-fashioned rivalry. We’re thinking Cluedo, Monopoly, or even check out our spooky board selection here and turn it into a fright night! You’ll need popcorn, candy, and extra drinks to get you through the fears.
5) Dinner Party
Curate the perfect soiree from home by downloading your and your partner’s favorite restaurant’s menu. Print your personalized edition, place table mats, and some place cards, and have a fine-dining moment. Set a dress code, and have a date night like no other.
Looking for more fun? Hold a dinner party with the whole friendship group, and get each one to come in fancy dress starting with the first letter of their name – it’s always a hoot!
6) Cheese and Wine night
Get everyone to bring their favorite cheese, and have a mix-and-match with some fancy wines. Whether it’s blue, cranberry, cheddar, or stilton, you can pair them up with a plethora of drinks choices. Chop up the crudites, crackers, a full platter sharing board, and ensure to plate them up so they’re as Instagrammable as possible. Try things that you’ve never tried before, and get lost in the world of good fine wines. Cheers!
P.S., this one’s not recommended for the dairy intolerant – if you couldn’t already guess.
Regardless of whether you choose to indulge in any of these choices, or make up some ideas from scratch, the most crucial thing is the quality time you get from it – and the enjoyment from having a good old-fashioned night at home. Try out some of our other quirky board games on site, and let us know which is your favorite. Because, remember, December is the ideal month for quality time, so make every moment count.
