A casino party can turn every average hangout into a fancy evening if you play your cards right (pun intended). The good news is that you won’t have to plan an entire trip to Vegas or to invest in a full casino getup and decorations. All you need are a few classic games, food that is easy to grab, a good playlist, and some easily served drinks.
Most indoor kitchen parties offer a mix of classic table games and online casino games, courtesy of technology. You and your friends can play a round of slots as easily as you could at a real casino, using only a laptop or maybe a connected device. If you want to be the next one to host such a party, here’s what you need.
Popular Games to Bring Out
When you’re planning to set up a casino party, it’s best to focus on compact games that you can play on a small kitchen table. You should also prioritize games that are quick to learn while being fun. Here are a few options to bring out to recreate the classy feeling of a casino floor:
Poker
Poker is a must-have for every casino-themed night, and it works very well if your guests are already acquainted with the rules. You can easily find a kit for Texas Hold’em to buy at a themed store, and it’s also quite easy to play and organize.
The chips let you avoid real-money gambling if everyone starts with the same amount. Still, you can increase the players’ motivation if the winner gets a small prize.
Blackjack
This game is popular among newbies because the rules are straightforward. All you have to do is get close to 21, but not over it. You can act as a dealer, and everyone else can play against you.
You can use a standard deck of cards here if you’re on a budget. However, if you want to push the casino button, you should get a casino-style dealer shoe.
Roulette
Some guests may not have patience for card games and want to play something more dynamic. This is where roulette comes in, and a small roulette wheel can also serve as the centerpiece of the room. Your guests can place their chips on numbers, colors, and other betting areas.
If you can’t afford to buy a physical roulette wheel, you can use an online casino game with RNG technology. Modern online casinos also offer live dealer versions, where you are playing against a real dealer.
Slots
Slots are fun because you can either play them alone or team up with someone. You can set up a tablet or a laptop with a game on it, perhaps connected to a TV or a video projector.
Plenty of modern online casinos offer demo modes for most slots they host. This means your guests won’t have to wager money; not unless they want to.
How to Prepare the Snack Corner
If you’re hosting a casino party, you likely won’t be able to use the table for eating. This means that plates may be available, but cutlery is more complicated. Finger foods are your best choice here, but you should avoid the ones that leave greasy residue or can damage your cards.
Below are some examples of foods to prepare:
- Buffalo wings
- Mini pizzas
- Skewered shrimp or chicken
- Spring rolls
- Pretzel bites
- Quiches
- Stuffed buns
- Cheese plates
- Deviled eggs
Don’t forget the desserts, while you’re at it. Cupcakes work for every party, and you can also decorate them with edible playing card symbols. If you can find the right cutters, you can make cookies shaped like diamonds, hearts, clubs, and spades. Baking enthusiasts can also make a cake decorated like a roulette wheel, which can act as the table centerpiece.
Handling the Drinks
For a kitchen party, it’s better to create a small drink menu instead of trying to cover everything. Just make sure you have a mix of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, depending on what your guests prefer.
Here are some ideas to try:
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Citrus sparkling water, ginger beer, lemonade, iced tea, fruit punches
- Bottled Drinks: Classic beer, cider, canned ready-to-drink options
- Cocktails: Martini, whiskey sour, mojito, margarita, gin & tonic
Have plenty of water and ice available throughout the evening. If you serve alcohol, make sure that your guests have a safe way to get home.
Throwing a casino-themed kitchen party is not that complicated, but it’s important to stay organized. Bring games that don’t take much space, prepare food that is easy to eat, and have drinks that are ready to grab. With the right mix, you can turn even an ordinary kitchen into an immersive casino floor.
