Hosting A Midweek Game Night

The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up nicely. This time of year is just begging for more outdoor entertaining, something that I absolutely live for. I know the thought of hosting a guests during the workweek can seem formidable – I mean, there are some nights where I’m so exhausted, I can hardly wrap my head around what to even order from a takeout menu. But if you’ve got just a few minutes to spare, you can easily whip together an impressive spread for your guests. Today, in collaboration with #TargetStyle, I’ll be giving you tips on how to spruce up your backyard for a midweek game night with friends.

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Candles make everything better: My #1 trick for making a table look beautiful and full is candles, candles, and more candles! Use outdoor lanterns and chic candle holders – and mix in lots of tea lights to fill empty spaces. Those flameless candles are also great for a breezy evening.

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Simple foods: It’s the middle of the week, don’t stress about cooking up a feast. It’s perfectly ok to make it semi-homemade. Order pizza, make a salad and assemble a cheese and fruit platter and have your guests bring dessert. But whatever you do, don’t forget the cocktails! Moscow Mules are a crowd pleaser and so easy to make (recipe here). There’s something about the copper mug that makes that ginger, vodka and lime concoction that much more refreshing.

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Add texture with textiles: A neutral colored linen tablecloth matches anything and because wrinkles are a given, it’s easy. And we like easy. Throw a sheepskin over chairs and add a few cute throw pillows for extra comfort.

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Outdoor lights: Just like candles, string lights instantly add that warm and fuzzy touch to an outdoor space. I like keeping them up all spring and summer long . . .

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Happy game night! And check out how Sarah Sherman Samuel of Smitten Studio hosts her guests in her lovely backyard!

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(images by HonestlyWTF)

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27 Comments

  1. Rena wrote:

    The table is really appealing and I thank you for the inspiration!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

    5.19.15
    Reply
    • Deryk Moore wrote:

      I agree. And the idea of a game night in the middle of the week is genius. This is just about when I need some fun in my life and play video games like http://timothyrjeveland.com/best-medieval-video-games-like-skyrim/ just to get through the day. I think I’ll do this with my friends although we might not be able to do it on fancy patio outside lol. Thanks for the inspiration!

      2.25.22
  2. Feels like eating outside …beautiful..
    xoxo
    Yael Guetta
    http://www.ftwwl.com

    5.19.15
    Reply
  3. Stephanie wrote:

    This looks so beautiful and warm. I’d love to have a little get together like this with my friends in the city.

    I’m a fashion blogger from NYC. Check out http://www.sustenanceandstyle.com for inspiration. Looking for people to collaborate with as well!

    5.19.15
    Reply
  4. Pam Baker wrote:

    What an absolutely GORGEOUS setting! Would love to be a guest at this little party. Cheers!

    5.20.15
    Reply
  5. Jennifer wrote:

    Very Nice Post good to see so many options for a party

    5.20.15
    Reply
  6. Prudence Yeo wrote:

    Love the look of sheep skins over the chairs for that warm yet luxurious vibe! There is something really charming about candle-lights so they are definitely great decorations too! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Prudence
    http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com

    5.20.15
    Reply
  7. Dawn wrote:

    This is super cute! Love the copper and wood paired together. Nice touch with the sheep skins!

    5.20.15
    Reply
  8. caroline wrote:

    How awesome and what a wonderful way to break up the week!
    xo
    styleontheside.com

    5.20.15
    Reply
  9. ali wrote:

    How awesome and what a wonderful way to break up the week!

    http://www.urfa.com/anasayfa

    5.22.15
    Reply
  10. ali wrote:

    http://www.urfa.com/anasayfa

    What an absolutely GORGEOUS setting! Would love to be a guest at this little party. Cheers!

    5.22.15
    Reply
  11. María wrote:

    Fantastic decor! Adore the furry chair
    Lots of love, xx

    http://www.marysreturn.com
    http://www.marysreturn.com

    5.24.15
    Reply
  12. Just amazing, well presented, well organized and well written. Thanks for sharing

    5.24.15
    Reply
  13. JaneEllen wrote:

    Talk about gorgeous outdoor space, wow. Can tell its in climate with more moisture than we get here in western CO. Love all full branchy leafy bushes/trees in that outdoor space.
    Where can I get those lanterns? Target? Our store gest rid of so much of outdoor summery stuff way too soon in Grand Junction.
    I love to use lanterns and candles way thru the Fall and into Summer. Nothing like candle light. I get out all my lanterns, candle holders and position them in ways to make atmosphere all that much more desirable and fun. I turn glass bottles, jars, whatever I can find to turn it into candle holder.
    Have big ribbed glass container( which top broke on) but wrapped sisal string around top and put different bands of fabric for season around middle, hang little things on tags from top. Put things in bottom, whatever I can think of to give it different look season to season. I love to be able to change things out when mood strikes, keep fresh new looks in same items. Seems like more I do/change the more ways I can think of to change. Loving keeping my imagination working and perking. When Hobby Lobby has ribbons/trims on sale 1/2 off love to grab at least 2 or 3 different ones than what I have accumulated, keep things different for any ideas that come up.
    Have fun changing creating, imagining, isn’t that partly what your blog is about? Happy weekend
    Your table and chairs, table setting are so quirky to me it seems but love idea of unusual items used to make table/setting look different and enthralling.

    7.31.15
    Reply
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    4.1.17
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  15. Use outdoor lanterns and chic candle holders – and mix in lots of tea lights to fill empty spaces. Those flameless candles are also great for a breezy evening.

    6.19.17
    Reply
    • this is quite nice post with interesting pics. i love the presentation.

      11.19.18
  16. I usually play clicker heroes game. An epic clicking adventure. Try playing, just for a few minutes!

    6.19.17
    Reply
  17. useful information

    9.22.18
    Reply
  18. very nice post

    10.7.18
    Reply
  19. this is such a nice post.

    11.19.18
    Reply
  20. very useful post

    1.18.19
    Reply
  21. Looks amazing! Love the decor.

    4.11.19
    Reply
  22. nice information

    8.7.19
    Reply
  23. IIHT Surat wrote:

    Must read this blog

    4.6.22
    Reply
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    7.3.22
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