There is nothing quite like a game to bring the family together, forcing the family to put their phones away and focus on being together. Parlour games first became popularity in the Victoria Era, when families would play games together in their parlours ( the room which they used for hosting and entertaining guests). Without our modern board games and technology, the games needed to be simple, but entertaining for the whole family. And so parlour games were born! Back in Victorian England, they played charades, blind man’s bluff and pass the slipper, games we often still play today. They are timeless games that centre around forming human connection, laughter and shared memories.
This is a tradition that will help to put family back at the centre of your Christmas and New Years celebrations. There are so many parlour games which will add the magic back into your family festivities.
Mafia-
This is a fun game for the whole family. There is one player who is given the role of the narrator, and the rest of the players close their eyes for the “night”. The narrator selects 2-3 (depending on the group number) of mafia, a detective, and a doctor, although there are many more roles to include for larger groups. Each “night,” the mafia silently chooses someone to eliminate, the doctor can save someone at random, and the detective gets to guess one person as the Mafia. Each “day,” the group debates, accuses, and votes on who they think is guilty. It’s all about reading people, keeping a straight face, and dramatic speeches.
This is perfect for larger groups and for slightly older children!
Bus stop game-
This is a classic word association game. Choose a category (e.g. colours, animals, countries). Pick a random letter. Then everyone races to write down something in that category starting with that letter. Points are given to the most unique answers.
This is great for groups, but best for kids above 7, as it is quite fast-paced and competitive.
Wink Murder-
A dramatic game for all ages. One person in the group is selected as the “murderer”, either by selection or pulling the roles out of a hat. Another person is the detective. The group sits in a circle around the detective. When the players are winked at, they are eliminated and must act out a dramatic death! The aim of the game is for the detective to catch the “murderer” or the “murderer” to eliminate all the players.
This game is great for a bigger group of all ages!
Fishbowl game-
This is a fun hybrid game, somewhere between charades and Taboo. The players each write down names, phrases or words on slips of paper which are placed in a bowl. The players are split into groups and pick out the slips, trying to get their team to guess the words so you can get through them within a time limit. There are several rounds, including describing with words, acting silently, and using just one word, making it harder but more fun as teams try to guess which slip their teammate has chosen.
This is a great game for family or friends and is a great way to bring people together through collaboration.
Scattegories-
The game is based on the board game, but can easily be played with paper and pens. Choose categories (like “food”, “Christmas,” “Taylor Swift Songs”) and a letter. Everyone writes an answer for each category starting with that letter. Answers that no one else has scored the highest.
This is good for small to medium groups, as there are fewer categories and letters to run through.
What's Missing?-
This is the perfect game for gathering with little kids and adults. The group sends one member out of the room, while they are outside, the group moves something in the room or hides something. The player then must come in and guess what has been changed. To make it more competitive, give the player 3 guesses and introduce rounds and a points system.
This is a great game for younger kids as well, who can be a part of each element, as the game isn’t complicated.
The names of the games might be different in different families, but their ability to bring us together through connection and shared joy is the same. So, whatever you call them, make sure that you find a time to play some games with your family, building memories that will last!