The Table

You need lots of open space when hosting game night so my normal table decor goes right out the window. I did want to highlight my tablecloth though! I used my turquoise tablecloth from my Little Mermaid party. Not only is it summery but so high quality. I always use one of my nicest tablecloths for game nights, which might seem puzzling but here’s why: one of my friends spilled red wine at game night last night and I was absolutely delighted to watch the wine bead up. I blotted it with a paper napkin and it’s like it never happened. You gotta love a high quality tablecloth! 

I also had a laid-back purple and green floral arrangement that helped perfume the room and add some elegance to the table. I used all white serving platters for the menu to have a cohesive look, with the exception of my Mickey Bowl and fruit bowl, which are both blue-ish pottery.

The Food

I’m so proud of this easy menu! This is definitely beginner-friendly. 

Summer Game Night Menu
Marinated Shrimp
Greek Seven Layer Dip
Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
Tortilla Roll-Ups
Chips & Dip
Grapes & Cherries
Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies

Marinated Shrimp

You guys seem to absolutely love this recipe and for good reason: it’s easy, delicious, and make-ahead friendly! If you can whisk, you can make this simple dish. Just whisk the marinade together, pour it over cooked shrimp, and let it hang out in the fridge overnight. It’s a hit every time! Get the recipe here.

Tomato Mozzarella Skewers

Another beginner-friendly dish! You do not need to know how to cook to make these. Just thread some salami, mini mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and cherry tomato halves on skewers. To be even more delicious, you can drizzle them with balsamic reduction but I didn’t like to serve anything too messy or drippy at game night.

Tortilla Roll-Ups

I did a slight variation on my Bacon and Artichoke Tortilla Roll-Ups. I was out of artichoke hearts so I subbed sun-dried tomatoes. Delicious!

Chips & Dip

I served ranch with potato chips and veggie chips in my adorable Mickey Bowl that my friend Irene commission for my Christmas present one year. Isn’t it adorable? Slide into @marbleizedceramics’ DM’s to order one!

Greek Seven Layer Dip

Words can’t even describe how much I love this dish. I made my Homemade Tzatziki (a cucumber yogurt dip that is SO healthy!) the day before, then right before the party, layered it with hummus, tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olive, feta cheese, and green onions. Serve it with pita chips and you’ve got yourself a rock star dish. Get the recipe here.

Chocolate Chip Bar Cookies

These made it into my cookbook for a reason: i make them all the time. Here’s the thing. You use one bowl. You don’t have to soften butter. You don’t have to portion out cookies; you just plop the entirety of the cookie dough in a 9×13 pan and voila, cookies for a crowd. I baked these in the morning when it was still cool enough to turn on the oven for 20 minutes. I usually cut these into larger bars but for parties I love these cute little bites. Get the recipe here and check out The Rose Table Cookbook here. 

The Games

As for the games, my friends and I played two rounds of Whonu, two rounds of Scattergories, two rounds of Disney Code Names and the original Code Names, and two rounds of one of my favorite games of all times: 13 Dead End Drive. It’s kind of like an interactive clue with tons of strategy and hilarious adorable death by chandelier, statue, staircase, and fireplace. I absolutely loved playing it when I was young and I’m so happy I was able to snag a fresh game during its 25th anniversary. I love it so much that I keep threatening to do a 13 Dead End Drive themed party someday!

I hope this inspires you to host your very own game night, even when it’s too hot to cook. You can shop these games and see more of my favorites on my new Game Night collection on The Rose Table’s Amazon store here.