Valentine’s Day is the biggest date night of the year, but that doesn’t mean you’re obligated to vie for a reservation at a fancy restaurant like everyone else in town. Hosting your own game night for two at home can bring out your playful sides. We’ve got four different game night suggestions to choose from based on when you met your partner. Pick from the options below and, in the end, everyone wins!
IN GRADE SCHOOL
Take yourself back in time with some of your favorite childhood pastimes. Play card games such as Go Fish or Uno, or whimsical board games such as Candyland, Chutes & Ladders or Twister.
On the menu: Continue the old-school theme by making mac ’n’ cheese, hot dogs or PBJs. Then, pick your favorite lunchroom drink and make re-imagine it as an adult beverage with the addition of your favorite spirit. Vodka and lemonade or rum and Hawaiian Punch are obvious choices, but you’re only limited by your own creativity (Ecto Cooler and Midori, anyone?). For dessert, popsicles, pudding cups or ice cream cones would be the perfect finishing touch.
IN HIGH SCHOOL
If you and your sweetie met in high school, take a trip down memory lane with a game that reminds you a sport you played, like Table Top Tennis, or tried-and-true a classic such as Monopoly. To really harken back to the kissing games of your youth, surprise your partner with a two-person game of Spin the Bottle or 7 Minutes in Heaven.
On the menu: Assemble a spread of snacks inspired by your favorite nostalgic treats of the time. Depending on when you met, that might be anything from pizza bagels to Doritos to s’mores. Make a toast with whichever soda you loved as a teenager–maybe it’s Dr. Pepper or Orange Crush–served in champagne flutes just for fun.
IN COLLEGE
Did you hit it off with your significant other at freshmen orientation, chemistry lab or a Greek party? Then a college-themed game night is just the ticket. See if you still have your drinking game prowess with the Bingo Shot Glass Game or Boozeball Shot Glass Game.
On the menu: This one’s a no brainer: Pizza and beer, of course! Order delivery from your favorite local pizzeria or buy all the fixing at the grocery store (dough, cheese, sauce and your favorite toppings) and roll one out together.
IN THE REAL WORLD
If you met as adults, it’s time to break out those board games that are just for grown-ups: Think Cards Against Humanity, Battle of the Sexes, Dirty Minds or Rotten Apples.
On the menu: Recreate a meal from one of your early dates, whether that was burgers and fries and a bar or a multi-course meal at a swanky restaurant. Or for less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing, throw a wine party for two with a cheese and charcuterie platter and a bottle of your favorite vino.
