How to Plan an Adult Game Board Party

Board games have been around what seems like forever. Many have become forgotten from our childhood until you perhaps have had children, then you re-live those days gone by. But you don't have to have kids to play board games. Adults can have fun too. Here are some ideas for getting a party together.

Bring back the fun. Call three friends (most games are for four players) and tell them you are taking a step back in time and are having a night of board game fun.

Planning: Give yourself enough time to find games if you don't already have them stashed away in a closet or basement. If you need to use the Internet, you will need extra time for shipping.

Game ideas: Choose games that are fast paced and over in a short amount of time. Games such as Monopoly, Risk, Life, etc are great games but can take a while to finish, which could lead to a slow night. Suggested games would be Trouble, Sorry, Headache, Candy Land, Hands Down and Twister - all classic games, which are still available today. If you don't have many of these board games, tell each guest to bring a favorite of their own.

Where to find games: Toys-R-Us and K*B Toys are your best bet for buying games, as well a department stores that have a toy department, such as Walmart and K-Mart. You can also find board games on Ebay, new and used. Garage sales are great for finding those older games, too. Even if some pieces are missing, improvise with other objects.

Snacks: Everyone always need to munch while playing, but beware of greasier foods, such as potato chips, as they tend to leave fingers slippery. Keep plenty of napkins handy. Try putting out a candy dish with assorted candies from your own childhood, such as Mary Janes, Good and Plenty, Red Hots, etc.

Beverages: This depends on if you choose to keep the night alcohol free or not. Wine Coolers and beer are the easiest alcoholic drinks. You don't want to spend half the night mixing drinks for everyone. Keep water always available as well as soda for those non-drinking guests.

Decorating: Most board game pieces are in primary colors. Decorate the playing area with green, red, blue and yellow balloons. You can even use a Twister mat as a throw rug under the playing table and then play the game later.

Adult drinking board games: The classic Pass Out board game requires drinking while trying to recite rhymes and tongue twisters. The more you miss, the more you drink. Another drinking game is Martini. You can always turn a regular board game into a drinking one. For instance, play Chutes and Ladders - fall down a chute, you take a drink. Climb up a ladder - make someone else drink. A drink usually would consist of taking a shot of an agreed upon type of liquor or beer shot. It would be a good idea to let your guests know that no one is allowed to leave that night. Make it an over night board game party. No one should drink and drive, and be sure everyone is of legal drinking age!

Other themes to consider: Trivia games, sports games, games just for a girls night in such as The Dating Game and the ever popular classic Ouija Board.

Having fun with friends does not necessarily mean having to go out and spend a fortune at a club. Bring the tunes in. Have music from the 70's - everyone dig for those long lost albums! The 80's had great New Wave and Alternative music. Motown hits could go on all night long! Use your imagination and have a great night of board game fun!