When I sat down with Olivia Bennett, a seasoned host known for her seamless dinner parties, she eagerly recounted the successes and surprises of her latest gathering. Hosted on the chilly November evening of the 13th, 2024, Olivia’s dining room lit up with laughter and the clinking of glasses, as friends both old and new mingled with ease. Her secret? A thoughtfully curated selection of dinner party games.
Olivia has become somewhat of an expert in crafting evenings that leave her guests both satisfied and smiling. She shared with me how games, once thought to be a distraction, have become the heart of her gatherings, encouraging conversation and camaraderie in ways she hadn’t anticipated.
“Initially, I was apprehensive about incorporating games,” Olivia admitted. “I didn’t want them to disrupt the natural flow of conversation or the enjoyment of the meal. But, after some trial and error, I’ve found that the right games can actually enhance the whole experience.”
Her latest dinner party was proof of this. With a mix of familiar faces and new acquaintances, Olivia was keen to break the ice. As guests arrived, she handed each a card from a deck of conversation prompts. “I love using these cards,” she said. “They’re perfect for starting engaging discussions without feeling forced. One of my favourites asked about the best place you’ve travelled to and why. You wouldn’t believe how animated people got sharing their stories!”
As the guests settled and the first course was served, the room buzzed with tales of far-off destinations and dream vacations. With the conversation flowing, Olivia introduced the next game, a twist on the classic ‘Head’s Up’ or ‘Who Am I?’ “I opted for the DIY version,” she explained. “We wrote names of famous personalities on sticky notes. It was hilarious watching everyone try to guess who they were by asking only yes or no questions.”
What Olivia appreciated most was the game’s ability to engage everyone, regardless of their familiarity with one another. “It really broke down barriers,” she noted. “Guests were laughing and helping one another, and by the end, it was like they’d known each other for years.”
As the main course was served, Olivia subtly introduced ‘Mince Spies’, a game she had discovered during a festive celebration. Each guest received a secret mission to complete without getting caught, like sneaking a song lyric into a conversation or taking a stealthy selfie with a food item. “It was a riot,” Olivia chuckled. “Watching everyone try to complete their missions without raising suspicion was priceless.”
The beauty of ‘Mince Spies’, Olivia explained, was its ability to run in the background. “It didn’t interrupt the meal or the conversations. Instead, it added an undercurrent of fun that had everyone giggling throughout the night.”
For dessert, Olivia had planned a more involved activity: a murder mystery game. “I was a bit nervous about this one, as it can feel like a big commitment,” she confessed. “But with a well-structured kit, it was a breeze to set up. Everyone got a role and some clues, and it was amazing to see how quickly they got into character.”
The murder mystery turned out to be the highlight of the evening, providing a structured yet entertaining conclusion to the night. “It encouraged teamwork and creativity. Watching everyone piece together clues and debate theories was incredibly satisfying,” Olivia recounted.
Reflecting on the evening, Olivia shared some insights for those looking to incorporate games into their own dinner parties. “The key is to know your audience,” she advised. “Light-hearted games work well for mixed groups, while something like a murder mystery is perfect for groups willing to dive into roles.”
Timing was another crucial element. “I try to align games with the natural flow of the evening,” she explained. “Conversation cards are great between courses, while something more involved can follow dessert.”
Finally, Olivia emphasised simplicity. “Keep the rules straightforward. Guests are there to relax, not to learn complicated instructions. The simpler the game, the more enjoyable it tends to be.”
As our conversation drew to a close, Olivia reflected on the transformative power of games at her gatherings. “They’re not just a distraction, but a tool that can enhance the entire experience. If done right, they help people connect and create memories that last long after the evening ends.”
For those eager to host their own memorable dinner parties, Olivia’s experience offers a valuable lesson: a well-chosen game can be the key to effortless entertaining, turning any night into an unforgettable event.
Fabrice Fèvre
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