Feeling nostalgic? Let’s throw a retro 80s-themed Game Night for Adults that’s sure to be a blast from the past!
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How to Host a Game Night: Epic Adult Game Night Ideas
Ready to throw a party that’s totally tubular?
Hosting an 80s-themed adult game night is the perfect way to bring your friends together for a night of nostalgia, fun, and friendly competition.
And I’m spilling all my best party-planning secrets and ideas for adult game night.
From retro-inspired decorations to classic adult party games and the best game night snacks, this party is sure to be a blast from the past.
So save this post, then grab your neon leg warmers and aqua net, and get ready to host an epic 80s-themed game night for adults.
Table of Contents
- How to Host a Game Night: Epic Adult Game Night Ideas
- Welcome to Supper Club
- Inviting Guests to Your Game Night Party
- Party Printables: Free and Fun Downloads
- Totally Rad DIYs: 80s-Inspired Decor for Your Adults Game Night
- 80s Rewind: Creating a Game Night Playlist
- Fun Party Games: Choosing Games for Adults for Your Game Night Party
- Snack Attack: The Best Food and Drink Ideas for Game Night
- Party Favors for Adults: Game Night Goodie Bag Ideas
- More Entertaining Inspiration from Midwest Life and Style
- Shop The Post
- That’s a Wrap: Your Epic Adults 80s-Themed Game Night
- More Adult Game Night Party Inspiration
- Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
Welcome to Supper Club
If you’re new to our supper club or this is your first time visiting here at MWLS, welcome!
I always look forward to these virtual dinner parties, and I know they’ve become a reader favorite too!
For each party, I team up with my friends to bring you a dose of table styling inspiration, hosting tips, and mouthwatering recipes—all tied together by a theme.
This month we’re also joined by my friend and fellow Nebraskan, Missy at Sonata Home Design. I’m so thrilled she could join us and I can’t for you to see what she planned.
If you like to entertain too, I would love to have you subscribe and join the MWLS community to get all the latest tablescapes, seasonal DIYS, party menus, and more sent right to your inbox.
And, If you’ve missed out on any of our past supper club parties, don’t worry! You can catch up on all the inspiration here.
Inviting Guests to Your Game Night Party
Who doesn’t love receiving an invitation in the mail?
A custom invitation made in Canva is a simple (and affordable!) way to set the tone for an epic 80s game night for all your friends—just edit, print, and drop them in the mail.
Or, instead of mailing the invitations, you can simply download a PDF and email an invitation to your guests.
Party Printables: Free and Fun Downloads
Transform your game night into an 80s wonderland with DIY decorations and bright, colorful neon party supplies.
To coordinate with the adults’ game night party theme, I designed a printable banner that says ‘Game On!’ and hung it above our buffet.
Next, for an additional pop of color, I strung up a gold foil circle garland and hung a few bright pink paper fans.
If you want to go all out, hang some disco balls, neon lights, and streamers to create a vibrant party atmosphere.
Totally Rad DIYs: 80s-Inspired Decor for Your Adults Game Night
To add a nostalgic touch to your party, use old cassette tapes, records, or a boombox to create a centerpiece.
Sadly, I couldn’t find any cassette tapes, and I think we got rid of our old boom box when we cleaned out the garage a few years ago.
So, instead, I grabbed an old record and a few CDs from the thrift store.
I spray-painted them in bright colors and attached each one to a small wood dowel.
Next, I stuck each dowel in a piece of foam in a vase and filled the vase with neon-colored curly ribbon gift bows.
Then, to top it off, I made a giant ‘I Love the 80s’ sticker and placed it on the record.
To complement the 80s theme, I layered a few different colored linens on the table.
I mixed and matched some black and gold speckled material and this ribbed hot pink fabric.
It couldn’t be more perfect….does it really get more 80s-looking than this?
And of course, you can’t have an 80s game night party without some Rubik’s Cubes!
I purchased some mini Rubik’s Cubes online and sprinkled some down the center of the table, while also holding a few back to use for party favors. (More on those party favors in just a bit.)
Party Planning Pro Tip: To add a fun element to your game night, encourage your friends to dress for the occasion in 80s-themed attire. Consider incorporating a DIY photo booth. Grab extra props like wigs, big glasses, and mustaches to take photos throughout the night.
80s Rewind: Creating a Game Night Playlist
Get your party started with some epic 80s music!
To create the perfect 80s playlist, use a streaming service like Spotify or Pandora.
Then add your favorites to the playlist and be sure to include top hits from singers like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Bon Jovi, and Bruce Springsteen.
Don’t forget to add some popular one-hit wonders that everyone will love.
‘Come on Eileen’ by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, ‘Take On Me’ by A-ha, and my personal favorite, ‘867-5309 / Jenny’ by Tommy Tuton are all great choices!
Party Planning Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix up the temp and genres. While classic 80s pop and rock are essential for a great party playlist, don’t be afraid to mix things up. Include tracks from different genres like new wave, synth-pop, and even hair metal.
Fun Party Games: Choosing Games for Adults for Your Game Night Party
When choosing games for your party, select ones that are both fun and nostalgic.
Classic board games like Monopoly, Clue, and Risk are always popular choices.
We also love Yahtzee, Scrabble, Othello, Scattergories, and Catch Phrase.
Cards Against Humanity is another fun game that’s perfect for playing in a larger group.
If you’re a trivia buff, consider adding 80s-themed pop trivia to make the game night even more competitive
Classic card games like rummy, cribbage, euchre, and poker are always a hit at game night parties
Or, if you’re feeling nostalgic, dust off those old video games and challenge your friends to a round of Pac-Man or Space Invaders.
Snack Attack: The Best Food and Drink Ideas for Game Night
Of course, it’s not a party without food!
For my 80s game night, I set up a buffet with lighter snack options including a chips and dip platter, popcorn, pretzels, and candy.
I personally love Starburst and Gummy Nerd Clusters, but you could also include retro 80s candy.
Razzles, SweeTarts, and Poprocks are just a few that come to mind.
Twizzlers are another one of my guilty pleasures. (Can you tell I have a sweet tooth?)
And to finish setting the buffet I also added some neon splatter paper plates and napkins that I found on Amazon for a fun and colorful touch.
If you want to serve something a bit more filling, try finger foods like air fryer pizza rolls, slow cooker BBQ meatballs, or a jalapeno popper cheese ball served with your favorite crackers.
And don’t forget about the drinks!
Be sure to have a variety of drinks available for your guests, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
A classic Cosmopolitan or a fruity Blue Lagoon is perfect for an adults-only game night.
For a non-alcoholic drink, try some simple pink lemonade or flavor-infused water.
And, if you’re still feeling stumped on what to serve, check out my post with 16 game night snack ideas, including drinks and appetizers!
Party Favors for Adults: Game Night Goodie Bag Ideas
To wrap up your game night, send your friends home with a memorable parting gift.
Fill some adult goodie bags with fun 80s tchotchkes like mini Rubik’s Cubes, glow sticks, and retro candy.
You can also add a mini liquor bottle and a drink mix packet for a quick and easy cocktail.
And don’t forget a koozie and retro 80s glasses to complete the look.
Finish off your goodie bag with some neon ribbon and a DIY thank-you tag for a personal touch.
More Entertaining Inspiration from Midwest Life and Style
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
Party Sources: Neon Splatter Paper Plates and Napkins ⎟Gallon Glass Drink Dispenser ⎟Neon Crazy Straws ⎟Mini Rubik’s Cubes ⎟Neon 80s Glasses ⎟Neon Pink Coozies ⎟ Clear Treat Bags ⎟Neon Green Curly Ribbon ⎟Black Holographic Curly Ribbon ⎟Metal Drink Tub⎟Pink Paper Fans ⎟
Board Games: Totally 80s Pop Culture Trivia Card Game⎟Yahtzee⎟Scrabble ⎟Othello⎟Scattergories⎟Catchphrase
Dining Room Sources: Gray and White Area Rug⎟Chandelier
That’s a Wrap: Your Epic Adults 80s-Themed Game Night
So there you have it!
From the neon lights and retro decor to the 80s-inspired games and music, there’s no shortage of ways to make your game night a blast from the past.
Remember to send out invitations, create a playlist, and prepare some delicious 80s-themed food and drinks.
And don’t forget about the goodie bags!
With just a little planning and creativity, you can throw an unforgettable 80s-themed game night that your friends won’t forget.
As always, thanks so much for stopping by!
Feel free to leave any questions or comments below, and don’t forget to pin this post to save it for later.
Cheers!
More Adult Game Night Party Inspiration
I’ve teamed up with my friends from our virtual supper club to share even more ideas and inspiration with you for planning and hosting a game night party.
Simply click on the links below to see more game night ideas and hosting tips.
The Ponds Farmhouse ⎟Simply 2 Moms
Sonata Home Design ⎟Vintage Home Designs
Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
OMG so fun!!! You totally knocked this theme out of the park, Jen!! Great ideas!
Thank you, friend. I had a lot of fun with this one going back to my 80s-baby roots!
I’m an 80’s girl and this reminds me of the best days in high school! Love it. Cute decor and great ideas. pinned
Thanks so much, Cindy. It was a fun party to put together!
You took me straight back to high school, Jen! I love all of the ’80’s references! The colors, the straws, the “shades!”…even the games themselves! And I love, love, love the pained CDs on dowel rods! You are totally RAD, my friend! Thank you so much for including me this month. I had a blast!
Thank you, Missy. I really had a lot of fun getting creative with the party deor and favors for this one. I’m so glad you could join us for supper club this month!
This is the cutest game night party theme Jen! So cute and creative!
Thank you, Michele!
What a fun theme Jen! It would be hilarious to see everyone dressed like the 80’s. Those were my mommy and aerobics days lol
Oh, my gosh that would be so much fun! I’ll definiteley be saving all of my decorations so my husband and I can do a fun theme party soon!