Hosting doesn’t mean stressing – and there’s something effortlessly fun about a games night. No need for a big meal or fancy table setting – just your best mates, a good playlist, and even better drinks.
But that doesn’t mean it has to be basic. Elevate your games night into a Martini & Oyster party – hosted by Ink, of course.
Here’s how we do it:
1. Simple & Chic Drinks
There’s nothing more chic than gin martinis – and luckily, they’re incredibly easy to batch for a crowd.
Check out our cheat sheet for batching martinis [link].
For non-martini drinkers, have a couple of bottles of wine and some tonic on ice so guests can mix their own G&Ts. But see if you can convince everyone to try at least one martini. We guarantee someone will convert.
2. The Food?
Oysters. Fresh, cold, garnished simply with lemon. That’s it.
They look fancy, take five minutes to prep, and pair beautifully with martinis.
Snacks? A big bowl of oven chips with dipping sauce. We used a mojito mayo – tangy, herby, and dangerously moreish.
Hot tip from a chip addict: cook them for double the time on the packet. Lower the heat and let them crisp up slowly – thank us later.
Later in the night? Order pizzas. No one will say no.
3. What to Play
Forget Monopoly (unless you’re ready to lose friends). Stick with games that are fast, funny, and a little chaotic:
– Articulate – guaranteed to get loud
– Cards Against Humanity – classic for a reason
– Bananagrams – low effort, high reward
– What Do You Meme? – millennial gold
– Pictionary – lipstick + mirror = iconic
– Or go rogue with charades – homemade categories always win
4. Set the Scene
Candlelight. Fire in the background. Music low but vibey.
Keep it cosy, keep it playful, and embrace a bit of beautiful mess.
The vibe? Relaxed, a little offbeat, and a lot of fun. The kind of night where someone ends up dancing in socks and someone else falls in love with oysters for the first time.
Hosting doesn’t have to be hard.
Stir the drinks, light the candles, press play.
PS: Once you get sick of the games, the night may end in a big ol' boogie - which is what happened to us. You have been warned....
