How to Host A Mahjong Night
How to Host a Mahjong Night in 7 easy steps!
Mahjong isn’t just a game—it’s a celebration of strategy, friendship, and fun! Hosting a mahjong party is the perfect way to gather your besties, show off your hosting skills, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lively affair, this guide will walk you through everything you need to host a mahjong party in style.
1. Choose a Theme
A themed mahjong party sets the tone for a festive evening. Your theme can influence everything from the decor to the menu. Here are some fun ideas:
• Chinoiserie Chic: Incorporate classic blue-and-white porcelain, pagoda prints, and delicate floral accents.
• 1920s Mahjong Soirée: Think Art Deco vibes, gold details, and vintage cocktails.
• Garden Party: Host your mahjong night outdoors with floral table settings and twinkling lights.
• Palm Beach Chic: Highlight the auspicious color with colorful tablecloths, napkins, and accents. Think Palm Royale meets Lilly Pulitzer!
2. Invitations: Set the Mood Early
Whether you’re going digital or traditional, invitations are your guests’ first taste of your party. For a mahjong party, try:
• Digital invites from platforms like Paperless Post or Canva.
• Custom paper invitations with mahjong tile designs or motifs matching your theme.
Include the date, time, dress code (if any), and whether guests should bring their own mahjong sets or racks.
3. Set Up the Mahjong Tables
The heart of your party is the game, so make sure your setup is both functional and fabulous!
• Tables: Use square card tables or any table with enough room for tiles and racks.
• Tablecloths: Match your theme with colorful or printed tablecloths.
• Chairs: Opt for comfy seating, as games can last a while. Add cushions for extra comfort.
• Lighting: Keep it bright enough for easy gameplay but soft enough for a cozy atmosphere. It might be easeir to add a cordelss table light, I recommned getting them from Costco (sold in a pair for $40)
• Side Tables: Use smaller tables to the side of the game table for guests to keep their snacks adn drinks. (I also like to keep a standing wine chiller to keep our champagne bottle close for easy refills).
4. Decorate with Flair
Turn your space into a mahjong haven with theme-specific decorations. Some ideas include:
• Centerpieces: Use vases filled with flowers, lanterns, or bowls of fortune cookies.
• Mahjong Drink Accessories : My favorite are these drink markers and drink stirrers from Acrylic Sticks. They also make the cutest acrylic cake toppers! Shop their collection HERE.
5. Plan a Mahjong-Friendly Menu
Your menu should be easy to eat while playing. Finger foods and small bites are ideal!
• Savory: Spring rolls, mini dumplings, or sushi rolls.
• Sweet: Mahjong-tile cookies, almond cookies, or mini cupcakes.
• Drinks: Serve a signature cocktail (like a Mahjong Mule) or have wine, tea, and mocktails available.
• Snacks: Keep bowls of nuts, crackers, or fruit slices at each table for easy nibbling.
6. Teach the Rules (If Needed)
If some guests are new to mahjong, take time to teach the basics before starting the games. You could:
• Have the 2024 National Mah Jong League card available for each guest to use.
• Provide the field guide for the tiles you are using.
• Host a short tutorial using an extra set.
• Pair beginners with experienced players for guidance.
7. Party Favors: A Thoughtful Touch
Send your guests home with keepsakes to remember the night. Ideas include:
• Mahjong themed magnets, you can shop my Troop Mahjong Magnets HERE.
• Troop Mahjong Merit Stickers! These are a fun way to celebrate every mahjong win! Shop them HERE.
Now you are on your way to hosting a wonderful mahjong event!
Remember if you are in the market for colorful and beautiful mahong tiles, you can check out all my discount codes HERE.