There was a time when the suggestion of “game night at our place” was followed by a tentative pause and a question mark and often a flurry of friends suddenly having to wash their hair or visit the folks on that very night. There was a time when the idea of game night at home was not considered cool or exciting…but that time, friends, has come and gone. We are living in 2026: a time when the economy is…economy-ing and most of us want to squeeze as much value from our rent or bond as we can!
Having a game night at home is a chance to indulge in delicious treats that would cost a small fortune at a nice restaurant; it means a chance to enjoy the company of your friends without the underwire of your fanciest bra jabbing you in the ribs or having to pop that top button on your fitted pants to indulge in dessert. It means a chance to enjoy the company of friends and have some fun in a relaxed and comfortable way. If having company at home isn't something you do often, we’ve got you covered: suggestions for how to prep the house and all the best and most luxe snack options (because we might be at home, but that doesn't mean we aren’t staying cute!) to serve your guests and have them begging to schedule the next event.
First and foremost, let your guests know that while this is going to be a cozy, comfortable, and fun night in, there is still a dress code: their cutest pajamas. We aren't talking about those stained grey tracksuits you wear to work in bed: we’re talking about the pair that you take for your first sleepover at the new man or lady’s house. Make sure that your living room (or whichever space you’re using) is cozy coded: piles of soft, fluffy blankets, lots of downy pillows and soft lighting (but still enough light to see by). Create a game night playlist to keep the vibe going, and ask everyone who is attending to bring their favourite board game or have a suggestion, or an online game, or their favourite online casino game ready, so that you can take a vote on what to play.
Prep a food/ drinks table for everyone to serve themselves, but ensure that there is space on the table where the games are happening, or next to it, for plates and glasses to sit safely without being knocked over. Also, make sure that you have plenty of napkins and wet wipes available so that the games aren't stained by snacky fingers.
Whether we want to admit it or not, the snacks are what make or break a game night, not the games. Having a selection (remember to check for allergies, dietary requirements, and preferences well ahead of time) so delicious treats and drinks available says "I'm so happy you all came!” like nothing else. These are some of the best snacks that scream “luxe” while still being easy to make and very, VERY easy to devour at home.
● 1/2 cup honey
● 1/4 cup granulated sugar
● 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
● 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
● 3 cups all-purpose flour (about 12 3/4 ounces), divided
● 1 teaspoon kosher salt
● 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
● 1 cup water
● 2 teaspoons baking powder
● 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
● 2 cups panko
● 1 pound peeled and deveined tail-on raw medium shrimp
● Vegetable oil
● Mango-Habanero Aioli
Directions
Combine honey, sugar, lemon zest and juice, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a medium saucepan; simmer over medium-high, stirring constantly. Simmer, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves (2 min). Remove from heat, set aside.
Combine 2 cups flour, salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs, 1 cup water, baking powder, and remaining 1 cup flour in a separate bowl until just combined. Stir together coconut and panko in a third bowl.
Dredge 1 shrimp in salted flour mixture; shake off excess. Dip into egg batter; let excess drip off. Dredge in coconut mixture, pressing lightly. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat process using remaining shrimp. Freeze shrimp until firm (30 minutes).
Pour 3 inches oil into a Dutch oven; heat over high to 325°F. Working in batches, fry shrimp in oil until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes each. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Let cool slightly, about 2 minutes. Drizzle with honey mixture. Serve with aioli.
● 450 g round Brie cheese
● ⅓ cup peeled hazelnuts, chopped
● 1 tbsp butter
● 1 Bosc pear (or pear of choice) diced
● 2 tbsp honey
● pinch each salt and freshly ground pepper
● ½ tsp orange zest
● 1 sprig thyme
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line casserole dish or small skillet with parchment paper. Add brie and bake until melted, 15 to 20 minutes.
Make Honey Pear Topper. Toast hazelnuts in skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden, 4 to 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add pear, honey, salt, pepper, orange zest and thyme. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Serve warm brie topped with pear mixture and sprinkled with hazelnuts.
● 2 tbsp dairy-free cream cheese
● 1 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
● 1 tbsp lemon juice
● salt and pepper to taste
● 10 slices cucumber about ¼-inch (6 mm) thick
● ½ lb (225 g) smoked salmon thinly sliced
Directions
In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, dill and lemon juice until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Lay out the cucumber slices on a platter or serving dish. Top each cucumber slice with a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture. Fold a slice of smoked salmon into a small roll and place it on top of the cream cheese mixture. Garnish each canapé with a small sprig of fresh dill.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Whether you win or lose at the games, snacks of this calibre mean that everyone attending is winning with regards to the eats. Enjoy your luxe, cozy, cute game night!