You’ve planned the perfect menu, finalized your guest list, and sent out your dinner party invitations.
Now it’s time for the fun part: choosing your dinner party games!
Explore an exciting variety of games, from icebreakers to drinking games, and even murder mystery games for true crime fanatics. Get ready to discover a fantastic collection of 12 Best Dinner Party Games for Adults that keep the convo up all night!
Table of Contents
- #1. Two Truths and a Lie
- #2. Who Am I?
- #3. Never Have I Ever
- #4. Salad Bowl
- #5. Jazz Game Jeopardy
- #6. Sour Grapes of Wrath
- #7. Murder, She Wrote
- #8. Malachai Stout’s Family Reunion
- #9. Escape Room Dinner Party Edition
- #10. Telestrations
- #11. Who Do You Think Is…
- #12. Cards Against Humanity
- Frequently Asked Questions
Icebreaker Games for Dinner Party
Fancy a round of warm-up? These icebreakers games for adults dinner parties are here to make the guests feel at home, break off the awkwardness and help people acquaint each other.
#1. Two Truths and a Lie
Two Truths and a Lie is an easy dinner party icebreaker for strangers who do not know each other. Each one will take turns saying two truthful statements and one false statement about themselves. People will need to determine which one is the lie as they try to mine more answers and backstories from that person. If they guess it correctly, the one who gave the statements will have to take a shot, and if everyone guesses it wrong, they will all have to take a shot.
#2. Who Am I?
“Who Am I?” is a simple guessing dinner table game to warm up the atmosphere. You start by putting the character’s name on a post-it note and sticking it onto their back so they can’t see. You can choose from celebrities, cartoons, or movie icons, but don’t make it too obvious so that the participants guess it correctly on the first or second try.
Let the guessing game begin with a fun twist! The one who gets questioned can only reply with “Yes” or “No”. If anyone isn’t able to guess their character correctly, they may be subject to playful “punishments” or hilarious challenges on the spot.
#3. Never Have I Ever
Get ready for a lively evening with one of the classic dinner party games for adults – “Never Have I Ever” No special equipment is needed—just your favourite adult beverage and a good memory.
Here’s how it works: Each player starts with five fingers held up. Take turns saying “Never have I ever…” followed by something you’ve never done. For example, “Never have I ever eaten chocolate ice cream,” “Never have I ever cursed in front of my mom,” or “Never have I ever faked sick to get out of work”.
After each statement, any player who has done the activity mentioned will lower one finger and take a drink. The first player to put down all five fingers is considered the “loser”.
#4. Salad Bowl
Get ready for some fast-paced fun with the Salad Bowl game! Here’s what you’ll need:
- A bowl
- Paper
- Pens
Each player writes five names on separate pieces of paper and places them in the bowl. These names can be celebrities, fictional characters, mutual acquaintances, or any other category you choose.
Split the players into partners or small groups, depending on the size of the party.
Set a timer for one minute. During each round, one player from each team will take turns describing as many names from the bowl to their teammates within the given time limit. The goal is to have their teammates guess as many names as possible based on their descriptions.
Continue rotating players and taking turns until all the names in the bowl have been guessed. Keep track of the total number of names guessed correctly by each team.
If you want to add an extra challenge, players can opt not to use pronouns in their descriptions.
At the end of the game, tally up the points for each team based on the number of names they successfully guessed. The team with the highest score wins the game!
Need More Inspiration?
AhaSlides have tons of fantastic ideas for you to host break-the-ice games and bring more engagement to the party!
Start in seconds.
Get free templates to organize your next party games. Sign up for free and take what you want from the template library!
🚀 To the clouds ☁️
Murder Mystery Dinner Party Games
Nothing beats the thrill and excitement a murder mystery dinner party game brings. After some wine and unwinding, put on your detective cap, deduction skill, and a keen eye for details as we dive into a world full of mysteries, crimes and puzzles.
#5. Jazz Age Jeopardy
Step into the captivating world of 1920s New York City, where an unforgettable night unfolds at a jazz club. In this immersive experience, a diverse mix of club staff members, entertainers, and guests come together for a private party that epitomizes the vibrant Jazz Age.
The club owner, Felix Fontano, son of a notorious bootlegger and crime boss, hosts this exclusive gathering for a carefully chosen circle of friends. The atmosphere is electric as sophisticated individuals, talented artists, and notorious gangsters converge to revel in the spirit of the era.
Amidst the pulsating music and flowing drinks, the night takes an unexpected turn, leading to a series of dramatic events that will test the guests’ wits and unravel hidden secrets. With the shadow of danger, tensions rise as the party delves into uncharted territory.
Up to 15 people can play in this murder mystery dinner game.
#6. Sour Grapes of Wrath
With an expressive guide of 70 pages, Sour Grapes of Wrath covers every detail and aspect a murder mystery dinner kit should have, from planning instruction, to secret rules, maps and the solution.
In this game, you will be one of the six guests visiting a winery owner in California. But be careful, one of them is hiding murderous intents, waiting for the next prey…
If you are seeking a murder mystery party game that keeps closed-knitted friends up all night, this should be the first one to visit.
#7. Murder, She Wrote
Bing-watch series and play murder mystery at the same time with “Murder, She Wrote“! Here’s the guide:
- Download and print Jessica’s notebook pages for each player.
- Grab a pencil or pen to take notes as you watch the episode.
- Ensure you have a Netflix subscription to access any episode from the ten seasons of “Murder, She Wrote.”
- Keep your TV remote handy to pause the episode right before the big reveal of the culprit.
As you dive into the chosen episode, pay close attention to the characters and jot down any crucial details on Jessica’s notebook page, just as she would. Most episodes will unveil the truth within the final 5 to 10 minutes.
Listen for the distinctive “happy theme music,” indicating that Jessica has cracked the case. Pause the episode at this moment and engage in a discussion with other players, or if you’re playing for prizes, keep your deductions a secret.
Resume the episode and witness how Jessica unravels the mystery. Did your conclusion align with hers? If so, congratulations, you’re the winner of the game! Challenge your detective skills and see if you can outsmart Jessica Fletcher herself in solving crimes.
#8. Malachai Stout’s Family Reunion
Join the eccentric Stout family for an unforgettable evening of mystery and mayhem at the Malachai Stout’s Family Reunion! This engaging and lightly-scripted murder mystery game is designed for 6 to 12 players, and includes an introduction, hosting instruction, character sheets, and more to get your dinner party guests started in no time. Will you be able to identify the culprit and solve the mystery, or will the secrets remain hidden?
Fun Dinner Party Games
As a dinner party host, your mission to keep the guests entertained should be one of the top priorities, and nothing does it better than going for a few rounds of fun games they don’t ever want to stop.
#9. Escape Room Dinner Party Edition
An immersive at-home experience, playable at your own table!
This dinner party activity offers 10 individual puzzles that will challenge your wits and test your problem-solving skills. Each piece of the game is thoughtfully designed to create a mysterious atmosphere, drawing you into the captivating world of the Marseille Tennis Championship.
Gather your friends or family for an unforgettable gaming session aimed at players aged 14 and above. With a recommended group size of 2-8, it’s the perfect activity for dinner parties or get-togethers. Prepare to embark on a journey filled with suspense and excitement as you work together to unravel the mysteries that await.
#10. Telestrations
Inject a modern twist into your Pictionary game night with the Telestrations board game. Once the dinner plates have been cleared, distribute pens and paper to each guest. It’s time to unleash your artistic skills.
Simultaneously, everyone selects different clues and begins sketching them out. The creativity flows as each person puts their pen to paper. But here’s where the hilarity ensues: Pass your drawing to the person on your left!
Now comes the best part. Each participant receives a drawing and must write down their interpretation of what they believe is happening in the sketch. Prepare to be entertained as the drawings and guesses are shared with everyone at the table. Laughter is guaranteed as you witness the amusing twists and turns of Telestrations.
#11. Who Do You Think Is…
For this dinner party game, all you need is a coin to start. Choose one person in the group and secretly whisper a question that only they can hear, beginning with “Who do you think is…”. It’s their mission to figure out who among the others is the best fit for that question.
Now comes the exciting part—the coin toss! If it lands on tails, the chosen person spills the beans and shares the question with everyone, and the game starts anew. But if it lands on heads, the fun continues, and the chosen person gets to ask another daring question to anyone they please.
The more daring the question, the more fun guaranteed. So don’t hold back, this is the time to spice things up with your close friends.
#12. Cards Against Humanity
Prepare yourself for an engaging card game that revolves around comprehending your audience and embracing your playful and unconventional side! This game comprises two distinct sets of cards: question cards and answer cards. At the outset, each player receives 10 answer cards, setting the stage for some risque fun.
To commence, one person selects a question card and says it out loud. The remaining players delve into their assortment of answer cards, carefully selecting the most suitable response, and then pass it along to the inquirer.
The inquirer then assumes the duty of sifting through the answers and choosing their personal favourite. The player who provided the chosen answer triumphs in the round and assumes the role of the subsequent questioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a party game fun?
The key to making a party game fun often lies in employing uncomplicated game mechanics such as drawing, acting, guessing, betting, and judging. These mechanics have proven to be highly effective in generating an atmosphere of enjoyment and eliciting contagious laughter. The games should be easy to understand, leave a lasting impact, and captivate players, compelling them to eagerly return for more.
What was a dinner party?
A dinner party encompasses a social gathering in which a select group of individuals is invited to partake in a shared meal and enjoy the evening’s company within the warm confines of someone’s home.
How do you throw a fun party for adults?
To host a vibrant and enjoyable dinner party for adults, here are our recommendations:
Embrace Festive Décor: Transform your space into a festive haven by incorporating lively decorations that enhance the celebratory ambience of the party.
Illuminate with Care: Pay special attention to lighting as it greatly influences the mood. Set up flattering and atmospheric lighting to create a warm and inviting environment.
Set the Tone with a Lively Playlist: Curate a dynamic and eclectic playlist that energizes the gathering, keeping the atmosphere lively and encouraging guests to mingle and enjoy themselves.
Add Thoughtful Touches: Infuse the event with thoughtful details to make guests feel appreciated and immersed in the experience. Consider personalized place settings, thematic accents, or engaging conversation starters.
Offer Good Food: Good food is good mood. Choose something that you know all the guests prefer and pair them with a selection of nice beverages. Keep in mind their dietary preferences.
Mix Up the Cocktails: Offer a diverse range of cocktails to complement the culinary delights. Provide an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to accommodate various tastebuds.
Organize Engaging Group Activities: Plan interactive and entertaining group activities to keep the party lively and encourage social interaction. Choose games and icebreakers that spark laughter and delight among guests.
Need more inspiration to host a successful dinner party? Try AhaSlides right away.
