Dinner Party Games

Dinner Party Games

Choosing the best dinner party game depends on your group's preferences, size, and overall vibe you're aiming for. Below are some popular options categorized by type, along with some of the best-loved games in each category to spark your inspiration. We hope that this Dinner Party Games post inspires you. 

We're Not Really Strangers

Would You Rather? The Game Spinmaster Games

Dinner Party Games

Icebreakers & Conversation Starters

• Two Truths and a Lie: A classic game that's easy to learn and play. Each person shares three statements about themselves, two true and one false, and the others guess which is the lie. Simple yet effective for getting people talking and learning fun facts about each other.
• Never Have I Ever: Another timeless game that can be adapted to different audiences. Players take turns saying things they've never done, and anyone who has done it takes a sip of their drink (or simply raises a finger for a non-alcoholic version). It's a lighthearted way to discover shared experiences and uncover surprising things about your friends.

Funnest Family Games + Free Printable Game Night Party Kit

• Would You Rather?: This game presents players with hypothetical dilemmas and forces them to choose between two equally difficult options. It's a great way to spark laughter and debate, and it can reveal interesting things about your guests' values and priorities.
• We're Not Really Strangers: This card game uses prompts to delve deeper into conversations with your friends, fostering connection and understanding. Ideal for smaller groups of 3-6 players who want to get to know each other better.
• We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea: A storytelling game where you take turns adding sentences to a collaborative story. It's a fun way to see where your imaginations take you and get some unexpected laughs.

Codenames

Telestrations

Dixit

Creative & Collaborative Games

• Codenames: A team-based word association game where players try to guess their teammates' secret words based on clues given by a teammate who knows the words. It's fast-paced, strategic, and requires good communication skills.
• Telestrations: A hilarious game of telephone Pictionary where players draw what they see, then pass it on for the next person to interpret and draw. The final results are often nonsensical and side-splittingly funny.
• Dixit: A beautiful card game where players use evocative images to tell stories and guess which image each other is describing. It's a visually stunning game that encourages creative thinking and imagination.

Valentine's Day Games

• Ticket to Ride: Collect colored train cars to claim railway routes across the US, scoring points based on the length and destination of your routes. A strategic and engaging game for groups of 2-5 players who enjoy a bit of competition.
• Pandemic: Work together to cure deadly diseases before they spread across the globe. A challenging and rewarding game for groups of 2-4 players who enjoy collaborating.
• Hanabi: Use cooperative deduction to help your teammates discard all their cards of the same color, but you can only see their cards, not your own. A unique and communication-heavy game for groups of 2-5 players.
• Forbidden Island: Work together to escape a sinking island by collecting treasure and repairing the escape helicopter. A fast-paced and exciting game for groups of 2-5 players who enjoy teamwork.

Hanabi

Forbidden Island

Party Games & Crowd-Pleasers

• Charades: A classic game of acting out words or phrases for your teammates to guess. It's easy to learn, requires no equipment, and can be hilarious depending on the acting skills (or lack thereof) of your guests.
• Pictionary: Another classic game where players draw clues for their teammates to guess. It's a bit more challenging than Charades but still fun for all ages.
• Mafia: A social deduction game where players are secretly assigned roles as either “Mafia” or “Innocents.” The Mafia tries to eliminate the Innocents while the Innocents try to identify and eliminate the Mafia. It's a suspenseful and strategic game that can be quite addictive.
• Cards Against Humanity: A party favorite that's known for its dark humor and inappropriate content. It's not for everyone, but if your group is up for it, it can be a lot of fun.

Pictionary

Cards Against Humanity

Themed Games

• Murder Mystery Games: Immerse your guests in a thrilling whodunit experience with a murder mystery dinner party game. Choose a theme, assign roles, and let the drama unfold!
• Board Game Cafés: Many board game cafés offer a curated selection of games and a fun, social atmosphere. It's a great way to try out new games and discover hidden gems.

PRO TIP: Consider incorporating a themed game based on your dinner's cuisine or occasion. For example, a murder mystery dinner party with a matching game, or a trivia night with questions related to the holiday or event you're celebrating.

Why Play Games at a Dinner Party

• Icebreaker and conversation starter: Games can be a great way to break the ice, especially if there are guests who don't know each other well. They can provide a shared activity and conversation starters, helping people relax and feel more comfortable around each other. Different types of games can appeal to different personalities and interests, ensuring there's something for everyone.
• Adds fun and creates shared memories: Games can inject a dose of fun and laughter into the evening, making it more memorable for everyone involved. Whether it's the thrill of competition, the silliness of charades, or the challenge of trivia, shared laughter and experiences create lasting memories.
• Promotes bonding and connection: Working together or competing in a game can help people bond and connect on a deeper level. They learn new things about each other, discover shared interests, and create inside jokes that strengthen the connections between them.
• Provides a break from the conversation: Sometimes, dinner conversations can get bogged down in serious topics or lull entirely. Games offer a natural break, allowing people to switch gears and come back to deeper conversations with a refreshed perspective.
• Variety of options: There are games for every taste and group size, making it easy to find something that suits your guests and the overall atmosphere you're aiming for. From quick card games to longer board games, there's something for everyone.

Galentines Day Games

Dinner Party Games

Not everyone enjoys games: Be mindful of your guests and don't pressure anyone to participate. Make sure there are other activities available for those who prefer not to play. Consider the ages, interests, and energy levels of your guests when choosing a game. Keep the mood light and friendly, focusing on having fun rather than taking things too seriously. Playing games at a dinner party can be a great way to break the ice, create shared memories, and foster connection among your guests. Just be sure to choose the right game and keep the focus on fun and inclusivity.

The key to a successful dinner party game is to choose something that everyone will enjoy and that fits the overall tone of your event. So have fun, experiment, and most importantly, create lasting memories with your friends and loved ones. We hope that this Dinner Party Games post inspires you. 

Murder Mystery Dinner Party Games