Leave the complex rulebooks and competitive stress at the door. The modern game night is about slowing down, connecting, and engaging in some friendly banter.

A great game night feels less like an event. Whether you are hosting a competitive crew or a casual group, here is how to curate the perfect evening, from the table setting to the snack strategy.

1. Set the Tone

Before the first card is dealt, the vibe is already being set. You want a space that encourages people to linger and to enjoy the gameplay together.

A few intentional tweaks make all the difference:

  • Lighting: Kill the overheads. Lamps, dimmers, or candles signal that the night is meant to unfold slowly.
  • The Setup: Flow is everything. Mix up the seating by using floor cushions or chairs pulled close, so no one feels locked into one spot.
  • The Soundtrack: Keep it familiar but low. You want background energy that fills the silence without competing with the conversation.

2. The Grazing Strategy

Game night snacks should follow the "One Hand Rule": if you can’t eat it while holding a hand of cards, it’s too complicated.

The Pro Move: Skip the formal meal. Build a "grazing table" with bowls of popcorn, pretzels, and sliced fruit. When the table feels abundant but unfussy, people relax. This is also the perfect place to integrate your edibles. Plate them alongside the snacks so they feel like part of the flow, just keep them clearly labeled. A great host ensures everyone knows exactly which treats are infused.

3. Match Your Game (and Your Vibe)

Just like choosing the right board game, choosing the right edible is about reading the room. We’ve paired three distinct game night moments with the perfect Camino companion.

The Vibe: The Icebreaker

  • The Games: Uno, Phase 10, or casual card decks.
  • The Pairing: Camino Wild Berry “Chill” Gummies. These fruit-forward gummies bring a gentle, relaxed energy that pairs beautifully with conversation-heavy starts and settling in.

The Vibe: High Energy & Hype

  • The Games: Exploding Kittens, Sushi Go!, or fast-paced party games.
  • The Pairing: Camino Sours Citrus Punch “Uplifting” Gummies. When the laughter gets loud and the competition heats up, the zesty, bright flavor of these gummies matches the playful energy of the room.

The Vibe: The Strategy Session

  • The Games: Catan, Pandemic, or collaborative storytelling.
  • The Pairing: Kiva Dark Chocolate Bar. Sophisticated and shareable, a square of dark chocolate provides a smooth, grounded moment perfect for focusing on your next move.

4. Create a Little Ritual

What makes people come back isn’t the game; it’s the shared traditions.

  • The "Final Round" Rule: No matter how late it gets, agree on one quick, final round to close the night on a high note.
  • DJ Rights: The winner of the previous round gets to pick the next three songs.
  • The Intermission: Pause halfway through for a stretch and a refill. This keeps the energy up and gives everyone a moment to reset.

Your Game Night Checklist

Before the guests arrive, make sure you’ve got the essentials covered:

  • [ ] Warm, layered lighting (no overheads!)
  • [ ] A playlist that fades into the background
  • [ ] "One-handed" snacks (salty + sweet)
  • [ ] A mix of games (classics + new favorites)
  • [ ] A Kiva chocolate or Camino gummy to match the energy
  • [ ] A flexible mindset (fun > rules)

The mark of a great host? Knowing when to stop hosting! Once the snacks are out and the board is set, your job is done. Pull up a chair and get in the game.