Gather the troops. Board games to play with one, two, or more partners that also add decorative elements to your home.
Board games are a great way to spend an evening in the company of friends or family.
Set out your décor stall early with some of these stylish suggestions.
Roll the dice
Unlike the skill required to advance across the chessboard, backgammon's allure lies in its unique mix of simple rules, deep strategy, and the unpredictable roll of the dice.
The board is usually housed in a decorative box and can help curate your coffee table.
This lacquered set from Printworks costs €165 at Nordic Elements.
A play station that is space-saving
Classic board games such as draughts, called checkers Stateside, and chess are back in vogue, and a board set up brings texture to a room.
While some may complain that it invites dust, it also invites use.
UK-based online platform Oka sells a very smart Capablanca games table in a natural green that can fold up when not in use and is slim enough to slide down behind a sofa.
It costs about €580, excluding delivery.
Card tricks
Many period homes had a card table, complete with a green baize top for Whist, 21, Bridge and poker. You can find a range on DoneDeal, but conditions vary.
At the very high-end, Connaught Antiques has a very fine pair of William IV rosewood turnover card tables with rectangular, swivel-hinged tops with rounded corners that cost about €12,500, while Southern Cross-based Flanagan Kerins has a walnut demi-lune turnover card table that has an antique look that costs €875.00.
Bridge the boredom gap
Advocates of bridge love the social and cerebral elements of a game that can be played over an entire lifetime.
Style fans will love Hermés two-pack set of cheval natte cards, which come silver-edged and in the French luxury brand’s classic packaging and will elevate your game plan.
These cost €165.
Time and armchair travel
Armchair travel Europe at the turn of the 20th century aboard Ticket to Ride, a game for up to five players.
Will you risk a trip through the dark tunnels of Switzerland?
Venture aboard a ferry on the Black Sea? Connect distant cities and score extra points by fulfilling destination ticket goal cards.
The player who creates the longest continuous route will claim the railways.
With fast-paced and strategic gameplay, this cross-country train adventure is perfect for game night and family fun. It costs €39.99 from Smyths Toys.
Aces are high
Made in Italy using wood veneers to create the marquetry, this walnut briarwood poker set from Dal Negro includes cards and chips and will delight your friends when you invite them around for a game, whether you’re high rollers or easy amateurs.
It costs €740 from Farrar-Tanner.com and is definitely a step up from matchsticks.
Demolition squad
Kids of all ages love tumbling towers. It suits the risk-takers and the easily bored who get fed up with games that go on for hours, such as Monopoly.
Print Works tumbling towers are designed to stand out and come in old red or a vibrant green/blue mix.
Made of solid wood and designed to stand out, the game adds a playful pop to any room and also doubles as decoration. It costs €30.
