All your friends are coming over and you have nothing to wear! Alright, maybe not that dramatic, but the big day is here, you are opening your home to all your friends and having Game Day! What do you need for food? Is the cat litter clean? All these random thoughts fly through your head like the Blue Angel fighter jets during an Navy air show!

So, what does it really take (behind the scenes) to get ready for hosting a game day? Here are some good tips to make that joyous experience one for the record books, and to ensure your abode is the place to be!

First things first€¦.

1. Pick up your dirty clothes€¦

Just like your spouse doesn't want to see your dirty laundry on the floor or around the house, your house guests don't want to come over and be tripping over a pile of your crusty underwear just to get to the game table. So tidy up and keep a clear path to the snacks€¦

2. Keep snacks on hand€¦..

Nothing is more distracting than having to pause during an intense game of Ticket to Ride to make a chip and soda run to the local grocery store. Best way to prevent such a dramatic pause is to make sure that your larder is stocked with treats that appeal to gamers, or for those of us on a budget insist, on a potluck style get together. (Also known as Bring Your Own Snacks) Now we can all enjoy an uninterrupted gaming day in the cool of a clean and stocked home€¦

3. Turn on the Air Conditioner, or Heater€¦.

Nothing defeats a game day during the dog days of summer than to play in a building without climate control. The sweat dripping down your back as your eyes burn due to the rivulets of sweat dripping down your face puts a damper on capturing King's Landing. So please, please do yourself and your fellow gamers a favor and splurge for some climate control!

So, now you have picked up your place, bought snacks, spent your months paycheck on cooling your house to arctic temperatures, but the one thing that could hamper your cultivated efforts is to not have enough gaming space.

4. Provide Game Space€¦€¦

No matter if your game is Twister or Euchre, it is imperative to have the space to play the game comfortably€¦(Preferably with a place to set the snacks) A good idea is to have a chair for each person at your home€¦(Guests like to sit for some reason) This makes people feel welcome and comfortable in your home, although the air conditioner does help. Space is good, now all we need for success is€¦.

5. Set out the Games€¦.

Unless there is a specific theme for your game day, it is always a good idea to have a few games set out to choose from. This is primarily an important point to remember if you are going to be entertaining a large group of people who may be separated into groups playing different games. This allows for choice and minimizes the chance that fistfights may interrupt the dynamics of the gaming.

There you have it. Some simple steps to follow to get you started having a fun, comfortable gaming experience with friends and family! Happy Gaming!

Michael Flanagan