A poker party can be a great way to spend an evening with good friends. To make sure it goes as smooth as possible, there are some planning tips to follow. Everything from invitations to deciding whether to play with chocolate poker chips should be done well ahead of time.
- Send your invitations: Decide on your guest list and send out your invitations about two weeks before the party. Confirm your guest list at least one week before.
- Plan your menu and snacks: Food is a big part of a poker game; make sure you have enough snacks and nibbles on hand. Chips, dip, peanuts, veggie tray, cheese tray and mini-sandwiches are always a big hit.
- Make sure you use a new deck of cards: To add to the ambience of being in a real casino, have a new deck of cards ready. You should also have a reserve set on hand.
- Poker chips: Make sure you have enough poker chips for all players. You can use chocolate, plastic, or a combination of both. The general rule of thumb is to have 35 chips for each player.
- Lay down the rules: Nothing spoils the fun of the game like petty fights that can turn into all-out brawls. Lay down the rules and etiquette that you expect from your guests. Lay down certain rules like monetary limits to prevent any miscommunication among your players.
- Have fun: Keep the games clean and remember it’s all in fun. Try not to let your guests drink too much, and make sure they have a ride home if they do; or, give them a spot on your couch.
Chocolate poker chips are a good way to make things more fun and interesting. They look like authentic plastic chips, but they taste much better! A bit of planning beforehand can go a long way to making sure your party goes off without a hitch.
