Let’s Make Fun Gatherings!

Are you ready to make fun gatherings this Season? How about memorable? I bet you’re probably gathering more this year with family and friends than the past two years. Yes! It feels so good to see family and friends and hug each other in person.

Maybe like me, you’re attending a wedding or maybe you’ll be co-hosting a small Friendsgiving.  From small to big gatherings, here are some tips to make them more fun and entertaining.

RELATED TOPIC: What Kind of Holiday Entertainer Are You?

Tip #1 Ask Fun and Unexpected Questions

It helps if you’re all sitting around and listening to the answers together.

Example 1: Where did you have the best dessert ever? 

While eating dessert, simply go around the table and ask where did you have the best dessert ever? Maybe the answer will be an obscured restaurant or a family recipe.

Not only will you learn where to find a yummy dessert, but you will learn more about each other. I mean who doesn’t like dessert? Perhaps you’ll find someone who doesn’t.

Example 2: Who’s your celebrity crush? 

Last year, at a Moms Night Out (MNO), we went around the table and each mom named their current actor crush. It was hilarious! Some of the answers included a certain actor from Bridgeton, Season 1 and This is 40’s Paul Rudd (I mean Yeah!).

This simple question brought a lightness and silliness to the group. Some of us were meeting for the first time so it worked out as a great ice breaker too.

Tip #2   Play a Simple Game With a Twist.

This can be a classic board game where you change the rules. Or your group can decide what the winner or loser gets to do.

Example 1: Spot-it

If you have kids, chances are you’ve probably played this before. It is in essence simply a matching game and can be fun for both kids and adults. I like it because it’s a fast and easy game.

One year at Christmas I played this with my adult cousins, and it was so exciting to play as adults. We may or may not have included tequila shots for the losers.

Example 2: Bingo

The local YMCA did a group bingo game in which each card had healthy choices. It was a real fun way to engage the kids and have conversations about healthy habits, like flossing and exercise.

Another version of Bingo is to play Loteria. Kids can learn how to say things in Spanish.

Tip #3: Make a Fun Contest/Challenge

Ideally, it’s something simple that doesn’t need too many tools or props.

Example 1: Playdoh Babies

During quarantine, our friends had a virtual baby shower, remember those? Before the baby shower, they dropped off goodie bags to most of the attendees. The bag included little gifts but also things we would need for their games.

One of these items was play doh and at some point, we were asked to make a baby out of it. I liked that we could use our hands and imagination and we got to see all the creations on our screens.

At the end, the mom-to-be got to pick her favorite.  This worked well and this option can be done both in person and virtually.

Example 2: Wedding Scavenger Hunt Contest

My very own wedding banquet had a scavenger hunt context! You’ve read that right! Let me explain…Five women and five men were called up to the stage. We had previously asked them if they wanted to play a game, so they knew they were going to play something but didn’t know what.

Then, once up there, they were all told to find certain things around the banquet hall. First the women went then the men.

It was fun for them (the winner from each set was getting a gift card) but also fun for the rest of the tables as we all got into it. Cheering, yelling, pointing.

It brought the whole party together and who can forget it? I mean some of the women took off their shoes and earrings! To this day, it was one of my favorite parts of our reception.

Happy Gatherings

I hope you try some of these at your next gathering. I would love to hear any other tips or if you try any of these. Happy Gatherings!