Before we jump in with our first full article (Throwing a Murder & Mystery Game Night) we wanted to talk about basic ways to have fun with theme on any game night. Most of these items you probably already have in your house and can be found for a few dollars at flea markets. However if you just happen to have money burning a hole in your pocket, we’ll also talk about a few companies that are making amazing stuff that will have your party oozing with character.

What you serve food on sometimes matters almost more than what’s in it.  Even the most mundane nut mix can be transformed by a beaten up wooden bowl on the table. Often the dishes themselves lend more to the theme than the menu your serving. Think about what setting your game is in. Is it a game with a run down tavern that has mismatched chipped plates? A game of gentleman and ladies where the more overly elaborate the plate the better? A game of pirates where you are practically eating off of wooden planks with your fingers? Or a game set in India or Asia where everyone eats from the same few dishes with only a wooden rice bowl in front of them? Any dish can bring theme to the right game. Keep your eyes peeled at yard sales and flea markets and don’t pass by a unique dish because it’s ugly. Those gems tend to be the most popular centerpieces for your Game Night!

Best places to find:

Flea Markets and China Town Shops. If you don’t live near a city then your local Asian Grocers often have a section just for dinnerware.

There might not be any better or more affordable way to instantly bring your game to the next level. If you don’t believe us then we challenge you to try it on your next game night. And we’re not just talking about tabletop RPG’s. Literally any game’s theme can be enhanced with a little soundtrack. Playing Camel Up? Youtube some Desert background music and see if it doesn’t make you feel like your at the races. Trying out a game of Dark Moon? Check out the original Alien soundtrack, it’s just subtle and creepy enough to have you jumping out of your seat when it’s your turn. Just make sure the volume is soft enough that it fades into the background.

Best places to find:

YouTube- it’s free and anything you’ll ever needed is probably already on there

Battle Bards- If you have a little extra cash this week check out http://www.battlebards.com This is a fairly new company that specializes in designing music specifically for tabletop games. Oh and did we mention they have an awesome mix board.  Even your weird Cthulhu/Sherlock home brew game can have its own custom soundtrack.

Okay let’s get down to our favorite category! Even if your not eating food at your games, your probably still passing around drinks of one sort or another. So why not have everyone bring a signature glass to drink from? Or start a collection of your own. It’s an awesome experience to sit at a table and see your friends personalities on display through their glass choices. Don’t rule out those cheesy crystal decanters your grandparents have either. Playing a game of Dead of Winter will never be the same after you dramatically pour your friend a glass of wine…smiling…and then call for a vote to exile them (you sneaky betrayer you).

Best place to find: Flea Markets, Asian Grocers, and China Town shops. Also check your favorite local resteraunts to see if they have a mug club.

If you have a little extra cash: Check out this website http://www.munkstein.com They have some of the coolest nerd themed glassware out there. Pretty much everything they sell will make you feel awesome!

This category deserves an honorable mention because of how many times its been used in our own game nights. Teapots come in all sorts of styles and shapes. They range from expensive to moderately cheap and can last a lifetime of properly taken care of. They can also be a refreshing change from the drinks your group normally has. And if you still aren’t convinced, wait until you play Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective sipping a hot cup of tea from your English teapot.

Best Place to find: Department Stores or Online

If you have some extra cash: Teavana can be found in most malls and has a great line of teapots. Ranging from cast iron to delicate China, there’s a pot for every style.

Want some more ways to enhance theme?

Check out http://www.dogmight.com    Think of them as a bunch of nerdy lumberjacks carving wooden items for anything gaming. They don’t make tableware yet, but rumor has it they can add a bottle opener to just about anything!

What do you do that brings quirkiness and theme to your game nights? Are there any other categories that deserve a spot on the list? Anyone else out there that’s selling cool props for games? Let us know!