Catch Phrase is a recent hit with our family. Fun for all ages.
We also play Cranium in teams. Hysterical.
And Balderdash is an old standby.

I think it's important to let guests bow out... without pressure! Don't bully people into participating! That's one of my pet peeves.

I don't love playing most games, but I will very happily watch with a glass of something nice in hand.

I like certain games, like group participation games and board games. Trivia games are great too, but only if they're more generalized, like Trivial Pursuit.

We're big on Charades, Things and Contact.

I enjoy going over to friends' places for the purpose of playing games (board games or cards), but do not enjoy it when games are sprung upon the unsuspecting.

Also, you missed the true worst-case scenario: the competitive couple who start fighting mid-game.

We got to play "Left-Right-Center" at two separate party Christmas and have loved it. Its unconsuming and fast pace would suit any party and all ages.

YES! I can't even tell you how many times people have tried to bully me into playing hyper competitive obnoxious party games. Unfortunately (for them) I always hold my ground, and I typically resent them a bit even after the night is over.

Definitely. Ugh- I hate it, and I won't give in.

I do like those "Would you rather?" type games, though.

Agree with beatrix. Usually after eating, I am stuffed, a little sleepy, and I just want to relax on the couch and have a friendly conversation. But every gathering has that one person who just loooooooves to play games and will hassle you about it endlessly. I despise Mandatory Fun with a burning passion.

That said, if it's a game night I'm usually in. I like games that don't take very long and don't require learning a ton of rules, like Catchphrase. Bonus: it's easily turned into a drinking game! I'm not a fan of Trivial Pursuit because people will nerd out and debate answers for-freaking-EVER and it totally kills the mood.

I think Trivial Pursuit is better than more specialized ones. The biggest problem with trivia is that inevitably, people feel dumb or not knowing answers. At least with Trivial Pursuit, you can choose the category you're stronger in.

I hate games and those that make me play them

When it comes to party the games, the more simple and stupid/ridiculous it is, the better.
We've also been playing pictionary which is quite fun, especially when we add rules that you can only draw straight lines for the image, or the whole thing has to be drawn by a continuous line.

If you're a student, drinking games are also a lot of fun, such as Ring of Fire.

Wii party games are fun for all ages and most people enjoy them.

I do believe that game nights should be mentioned. I'm one of those who also doesn't like to be forced into a game; I don't mind watching!

I do like to have people over specifically to play board games or do more organized things like a scavenger hunt. If it's a dinner party, though, maybe just a break-the-ice type game like "three truths and a lie" to break the ice and help people get to know each other, if they don't already.

I've been over as a guest when the host breaks out the Wii or another technology-driven game, and I think that's a HUGE turnoff unless people are invited specifically to do that. (Speaking specifically for adults here. I'm sure most teens and kids would love it.)

I second meecee's comment. We specifically host and attend games dinner parties. Everyone brings board games, card games and there's a buffet/pot luck style dinner. If you don't like that sort of party, you don't come. If there are enough people, the party splits into several games and there's game variety which is pretty awesome.

I usually host dedicated game nights so people know to come to participate. Cards Against Humanity is always a fun favorite.

I think everyone's responses boil down to this: know thy audience. Put out feelers first to see if your guests would be interested, and definitely don't force it.

I'm hosting my 32nd birthday party in a couple of weeks and have a few plans re: games. I plan to have a couple of kiddy things going outside - a pinata and lawn bowling (no children will be present, but who doesn't like to whack a pinata?) Inside, I'll put out a few board games that can be more of a spontaneous thing for guests to break out.

The party will be a mix of crowds from my parents' age to my age, so I hope it will be good ice breakers.

We HATES it, my precioussss.
Games bore me rigid.
If I have to play, I'm going to win.
I am NO FUN.
So let's just eat, talk, & sing, OK?

Cards Against Humanity is the most fun ever.

Just don't get out the Bop It a la Gillmore Girls

A group of old friends and I broke out our ancient circa-college game of Taboo during a holiday party this year and MAN was it a good time. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy games. We often mean to play something at parties and just never get around to actually DOING it - this reminded me that we should make the effort more often. I don't actually know anyone who doesn't enjoy them, if it's the right sort of game (and if, you know, there's drinking involved).

I too hate the forced participation in games. Maybe I just want to sit on a comfy couch and talk with my friends, or watch a movie with them, without being bullied into playing something (usually a drinking game). Even worse: the bullying with the addition of a guilt trip after I've politely declined the demand that we all play a game. "But we need one more person! Come on!" GEEEZ do I ever hate that. I hate being made to feel like I'm being a bummer because we're grown-ass adults and I don't want to play Beer Pong and Flippy Cup.

That being said, I wish that my friends were more into playing actual board games, because I would love to have a Scrabble or Risk night!

I love games and they are always present at any event myself or my family throws. We even had a game at our wedding where each table had a treasure box containing several Scrabble pieces that should spell a word. The table had to work together and it was the movie we saw on our first date. There was a little prize and people loved it. Pictionary is always a good go to. I've even made up my own cards. Trivia games are always fun. Games are good ice breakers and time fillers. Why leave them out??

Now I feel like I have to clarify that I was thinking about board-type games. I would probably also rebel if my friends demanded I play beer pong. :)

Someone mentioned Cards Against Humanity above - I agree, it is incredibly fun (and filthy! Not safe for kids, or your grandma (I mean, probably, I don't know your grandma)).

I like games that are slightly less structured, in that they occur while the party continues to go on. A good example is the game where everyone has the name of famous people stuck to their back and they have to ask people questions to guess who they are,etc. This way to party continues but there is also on activity.

i agree with the 'don't pressure' commenters.
games are fine for those who like them, but for some of us socially-awkward/reluctant types, they can be a source of extreme anxiety. (some of you might think i'm crazy, but it's totally true). i love to hang out and watch the hilarity (as drunken games tend to be) - just don't want to be forced to have "fun"

I hate games. Though, I do love the dictionary game. We have the 26 volume set of OED and have a great time playing it around the dinner table during dessert and many rounds of wine into the evening.

I going to 3rd Cards Against Humanity. I am some what suprised Molly, simply because in my more socially akward moments, at least a game gives me something to do. To each their own I suppose, but I love board games.

I agree with meecee and a few others here. I actually enjoy playing games, if I was invited to (or am hosting) a 'game night.' But springing games into a dinner party or other type of get-together is a big no-no in my book. To me, they are two different types of events and shouldn't be mixed in like that.

Can I complain about stupid bridal & baby shower games now?

I so agree, give guests the option to either play, hang out or even watch others play. It depends on my mood, sometimes I can't stand the thought but once I see others playing I warm up to it. Keep everyone happy at the party, that's the host's job. But offering thoughtful, non personal games can be really fun.

I have been wondering this question myself lately.

I would love nothing more than to pay cards with another couple, smoke and drink at the ready, and with some good music on in the background. Rummy, gin, euchre!

I think the trick is to host game nights separate from a dinner (because you are sluggish after eating) and just have really yummy hours devours on the table during the card game.

I remember some good nights playing Pictionary with a lot of drinking involved. It was with close friends and we knew that was the regular plan.

I really dislike charades so I've wound up in uncomfortable situations that no amount of drinking (or therapy) would help resurrect the fun from. Tip: if anyone wants to get me to leave a party, pull out the games that involve acting and I'll politely excuse myself.

My husband and I have actually sorted out which of our friends are game night people and which ones would not be on speaking terms with us after witnessing a round of Cards Against Humanity. We now have specific nights for our hyper competitive obnoxious party games and we only invite our hyper competitive obnoxious friends over to avoid worries of feelings being hurt over a board or party game.

It's true it's not for everyone, and as a response to those who hate being pressured, it's equally lame for all when someone does not want to participate, so the best solution is to just plan for the right audience as someone mentioned above :)

Hate the ones where everyone's shouting out answers or have to answer in a split second. Just let me sip my drink, observe and feign interest.

I hate organized fun period. It's funny, it started really early, I hated Brownies (younger Girl Scouts) as a child, the only thing I remember about it, was that I hated it and one day I liked it because we ate Fudgesicles.

Man.....screw the board/card games. I want to thumb through those LP's, pick my favorite band to play and spin the platters on those turntables. I bet that setup sounds great!

Yep. Cards Against Humanity, Small World, Dominion, and Risk Legacy are all staples for our household gamenights.

When my friends spring games on us during parties, it's usually games we already know we all like, like Taboo or Settlers of Catan or Monopoly Deal. Basically the rule is that you should not need to stand up during the game. So, scavenger hunts are a no-no. If the game lets you sit around and converse while you're at it, then even better.

When my friends spring games on us during parties, it's usually games we already know we all like, like Taboo or Settlers of Catan or Monopoly Deal. Basically the rule is that you should not need to stand up during the game. So, scavenger hunts are a no-no. If the game lets you sit around and converse while you're at it, then even better.

I'm actually in party-planning-fever mode right now, and am trying to balance things. Our EXTREMELY extroverted party-girl loves games of all kinds, so she would be a little heart broken if we didn't have something for us all to play. What I've decided is to work some classic (ie: 80s era) board games into the decor for people to play as they wish (anybody in the Nashville area have a complete Mousetrap game they could loan? :)), then we'll all get together in the den for a game of Name That Tune/Singing Bee (kind of a hybrid), starring the birthday girl and all challengers, as the rest of us get to sit to the side and cheer them on.

Anyone who considers party games a "foul" is not somebody I'd like to party with.

Board games that everyone is prepared for beforehand? No problem. Going to a party where I know very few people and being forced to participate? No thanks.

It's a no win for the people that don't want to play. Either you do it and are uncomfortable the whole time, or you stand your ground and everyone thinks you're an asshole.

I'm an outgoing person and can talk to just about everyone. Including those who aren't as outgoing and maybe just need a little one-on-one interaction in order to make friends.

Yup. If I wanted to feel anxious I would show up naked.

Mad Gab is a fun one too. You play on two teams regardless of how many people and it's a group effort so if you don't want to play you just hang out and do something else. Depending on the potency of your cocktails it can be hilarious :)

I didn't get to go to my parents' home for Christmas this past year, but one of the things I sent my nieces a game called "Apples to Apples." Since they are 8 & 10 I got them the "Junior" version and it was a HUGE hit...with not just the kids but three generations of my family. They played this game for hours before Christmas dinner and for hours after. I heard from everyone that they all had a hysterically funny time.

We usually have games at our dinner party. We have a very large whiteboard so we start out with G rated Pictionary with the kiddos. After the wee ones are in bed we have been playing Cards Against Humanity. We also enjoy Trivial Pursuit and if it is a smaller bunch Bananagrams is lots of fun.

"I hate games and those that make me play them"

Yikes... you must be a pleasure to spend time with.

Apples to Apples, Cards against Humanity (I have cried from laughing so hard playing this game), Smart Ass, and Left Right Center are great and easy to play- even for people who hate games.

Lighten up, you only live once!

I HATE PARTY GAMES. holy hell. to me, the moment the party games come out, that's a sign that the party has failed.

don't get me wrong, i love playing games. just not at parties. is someone having a poker night? great! are my nerdiest of nerd friends playing dungeons and dragons? i'm in for a 6 hour roleplaying game. am i visiting friends from out of town and we're sitting around with nothing to do? let's play risk all afternoon. those all sound like great fun to me.

but if i'm at a sit-down dinner party and someone announces a game, i look for the door. if i've got a drink in my hand and i'm deep in conversation in the corner of the room, the last thing i want to do is pair off into teams for some structured "fun." so terribly boring and a total party-killer.

A party without some kind of fun activity is a very boring party indeed!

@spicygyoza "you only live once!"- that's the point! Why spend that life doing things you dislike?!

DICTIONARY is a great one. Charades also an old standby. HeadBodyFeet can be played with several players and is always good for a laugh.

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Awesome website for fun loving people :)

true :)