How to Host an Epic DIY Game Night Party

Planning a game night party doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With a few simple DIY projects and some clever setup ideas, you can create a fun and memorable evening for your friends. Here's how to do it.

For the Monopoly Money Banner:

• Monopoly money (available on Amazon for about $6)
• String or twine
• Clear tape or hot glue
• Scissors

For the Prize Medals:

• 3 candy bars (different sizes)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Ribbon
• Sharpie paint pen (or regular marker)

For the Party Setup:

• Games (Monopoly, Twister, Jenga, Uno, Exploding Kittens)
• A Twister mat (to use as a tablecloth)
• Small sodas (root beer, cola, cream soda)
• Vanilla ice cream
• Milk bottles or mason jars
• Tater tots
• Popsicle sticks or cake pop sticks
• Brownies (optional)
• Ketchup or other dipping sauces

Make the Monopoly Money Banner

This banner is incredibly easy and adds a perfect game night vibe.

Step 1: Separate your Monopoly money by color. Grab one bill of each color so you have a nice variety. This creates a pattern when you hang them up.

Step 2: Cut the bills into a triangle shape. Take your scissors and cut off the two bottom edges of each bill to create a triangle. Leave the top edge intact – this is where you'll attach the string.

Step 3: Attach the bills to the string. Lay out your string on a flat surface. Take each bill, tuck it under the string, fold the top edge over, and secure it with tape. You can use hot glue instead, but tape works perfectly fine.

Step 4: Repeat until you have two banners. Make two banners to hang on either side of your party area.

Create Prize Medals from Candy Bars

These double as decor and actual prizes for game winners.

Step 1: Choose your candy bars. Pick three different sizes – the largest for first place, medium for second, and smallest for third.

Step 2: Measure the ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around your neck first to make sure it will fit someone when worn. Cut it to the right length.

Step 3: Hot glue the ribbon to the candy bar. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the back of the candy bar and press the ribbon into it. Let it dry completely.

Step 4: Label the medals. Use a Sharpie paint pen to write "1st," "2nd," and "3rd" on each candy bar. This gives them a polished look and shows the ranking.

Set Up Your Party Area

Step 1: Create a backdrop. Hang a brick tapestry or any large fabric on the wall behind your main table. This creates a focal point.

Step 2: Hang the Monopoly banner. Use tape or hooks to hang your banners on either side of the tapestry.

Step 3: Display the prize medals. Tape the candy bar medals to the center of the tapestry, just behind the banner. They become part of the decor.

Step 4: Use a Twister mat as a tablecloth. This is a genius Pinterest hack. Lay the Twister mat over your table for an instant game-themed tablecloth that's also functional.

Step 5: Arrange your games. Set out a selection of classic games like Monopoly, Twister, Jenga, Uno, and Exploding Kittens. Make sure they're easily accessible.

Set Up a Make-Your-Own Float Station

Step 1: Arrange the sodas. Place small bottles of root beer, cola, cream soda, and other flavors on a separate table or counter.

Step 2: Set out the ice cream and containers. Put vanilla ice cream in a bowl with a scoop. Place milk bottles or mason jars nearby for guests to use.

Step 3: Let guests create their own floats. People can choose their soda, add a scoop of ice cream, and enjoy a custom treat.

Prepare Easy Snacks

Step 1: Cook the tater tots. Bake or fry a batch of tater tots according to package directions.

Step 2: Make the skewers. Once the tots are cool enough to handle, thread them onto popsicle sticks or cake pop sticks. This makes them easy to grab and eat while playing games.

Step 3: Set out dipping sauces. Place ketchup, ranch, or other favorite dips nearby.

Step 4: Add other snacks. Set out brownies, chips, or any other easy finger foods your guests will enjoy.

1. Check Pinterest for inspiration. The Twister mat tablecloth and Monopoly banner ideas came from Pinterest. It's a goldmine for creative party decor.

1. Choose games based on your group. If your friends love strategy games, include more options like Exploding Kittens. For a casual group, stick with classics like Uno and Jenga.

1. Make the float station affordable. Soda and vanilla ice cream are inexpensive, so this station won't break the bank. Let guests mix and match flavors.

1. Keep food simple and handheld. Tater tot skewers, chips, and brownies are easy to eat while holding cards or playing a game. Avoid messy foods that could ruin game pieces.

1. Let the medals double as decor. Hanging the candy bar medals on the wall before the party starts gives you a cute decoration. When someone wins, you can easily hand them out.