Are you next in line to host a casino-themed party? Blackjack is one of the simplest games to learn and ideal for night parties. It also progresses quickly, which, in the context of a party, makes things more exciting.
Three centuries down the line and blackjack hasn’t waned in popularity. The dealer places two cards face up on the table, one for each player and one for themselves, and the card with the greatest value will determine the winner.
Aces hold the highest value, so suits won’t affect the outcome. Being around the gambling table with friends and family can be a delicate situation: you want your mates to have a good time and not lose their heads.
Quite frankly, you can play Blackjack with one friend but that’s hardly a party, is it? Here’s how to host a proper blackjack-themed party.
Planning and Invitations
Blackjack is a classic casino game that’s a staple in casinos globally. The game pits the player against the house (dealer), and is celebrated for its simplicity. Casino-themed parties are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas to an otherwise ordinary event.
There’s so much that goes into playing a game of blackjack with friends. As the host, you’ll need to have your equipment handy before inviting your friends. For a fully professional experience at a home game of blackjack, here’s is what you’ll need:
Blackjack table
This is the number one ingredient to hosting an authentic blackjack-themed party. It comes with designated areas for stashing cards, the correct number of seats, and betting boxes that lend class to the place.
Additionally, a professional table will display gaming rules to avoid arguments among players. Depending on your budget, there are different table options you can go for. At the lower end, you can pick up a blackjack mat for €10 or upgrade to a table-top version that delivers the iconic crescent design.
If you want to go the whole nine yards, buy the pro blackjack table, but that’ll set you back hundreds of euros.
However, another option would be to hire a blackjack casino table from hire companies. Each table comes with a dealer, so what you get is a proper Vegas experience that’s fun and exciting.
Playing cards
Cards are mandatory in a game of blackjack, but their quality will impact your experience. Clearly, you’ll need at least one set for a blackjack party. A cheap set of regular cards won’t last a round without sustaining marks or damage, so spend a little more for the plastic-coated ones.
Casino chips
Theoretically, a blackjack table can still run smoothly without chips. However, the thrill and magic of blackjack comes with players betting and stacking casino chips. Players typically want at least three denominations, so opt for different colors as these chips won’t be numbered.
Participants
A pro blackjack table can accommodate up to seven participants, so it’s best to keep a minimum of eight invites. The game can have between 2 to 7 players, so have the eighth player hang around to deal.
As a pleasant twist to the game, have the loser of each round serve the drinks. You’ll also need to know the order of play and how to deal. As a safety net, set the maximum and minimum limits on bets to add a hint of realism.
The last thing you want is players going bust too early or reloading their chips too often and getting the sting out of the game.
Decorations: Color scheme (black, red, and white)
Are you the party planner for a casino-enthusiast get-together? Spark your creativity with these blackjack-themed decorative ideas that’ll inspire your guests:
Las Vegas Extravaganza color scheme
This is a high-energy, glamorous, and iconic theme that will teleport your guests to a fabulous Las Vegas strip. Everyone is likely to feel like a high roller. Here’s how to set it up:
- Deck out the venue in red carpets.
- Use neon lights to exude the classic Vegas vibe
- Roll out a red carpet at the entrance
- Decorate your venue with giant red, black, and white balloons.
James Bond Casino Royale color scheme
Let your guest ooze and relive the sophistication of James Bond in Casino Royale. This theme incorporates black, white and red decor, crystal chandeliers, and high end light fixtures that will lend the place a timeless air of elegance.
- Display James Bond posters
- Create red and black color palettes
- Set up a makeshift martini bar at the venue
- Mix and match elements from different casino themes.
Dress to the Nines
Blackjack is a casino game of skill and strategy, and you want your dress code to make a statement before you even hit the tables. Include your dress code idea in the invites to make sure everyone comes dressed appropriately. Dressing well will boost confidence and create a sense of excitement.
- Gents: Let men dress to impress in black tie attire and leather shoes like James Bond, sip at their drinks, and try their luck at blackjack tables.
- Ladies: Ladies can go for the classic pantsuit and low heels: nothing too flashy or revealing.
Set Up the Blackjack Tables
Before you invite players to place their bets, have the table set up to provide a fair game. Playing a game of blackjack – whether for fun or money – must be fair, and that has to with how you set up the table.
The dealer must ensure cards are random to encourage fairness. Nothing kills the party atmosphere at a blackjack party like cheating, or even the suspicion that someone is cheating. Therefore, security and transparency must be upheld when shuffling, dealing, and cashing in casino chips.
Here are suggestions for setting up tables to host a friendly blackjack party, whether you’re playing for fun or real money:
- Have every player at the table buy their chips.
- Shuffle the cards to keep them random.
- As the dealer, go clockwise round the table asking every player to cut the deck so they have a hand in a fair deal.
Food and Drinks
Land-based casinos offer a wide range of foods and drinks for their customers, and it isn’t a toll order to recreate that in your ordinary surroundings. These delightful tastes will serve as the energy booster to keep things going at the party.
Below are suggested food types and drinks to prepare for your guests:
- Buffets: mini sausages, chicken nuggets, crackers, cheese, and mini quiches.
- Deserts: casino cookies, cupcakes, blackjacks flapjacks, dice brownies.
- Main dishes: meatballs, wings, shrimp cocktail, prime ribs, dried beef, etc.
- Drinks: vesper vodka and martinis are timeless options for a classy casino night.
Entertainment
No casino themed party is complete without music. Your guests will appreciate some background music and ambiance. Beyond the thrill of blackjack tables, why not invite a tribute act to perform at your party?
Whether it is an instrumentalist, violist, or pianist, the key is to keep things classy with unobtrusive hits. Offer the type of entertainment that will give your guests a memento and leave them yearning for more.
Prizes and Party Favors
Once everyone has tried their luck at tables, there’ll be winners and losers. Offering a trophy, prize money, or a reward to the player who finishes with most chips can infuse a layer of drama to an already eventful party.
Below are prize ideas and party favors to reward winners as fun take-homes on top of their table winnings:
- Blackjack themed novelty sunglasses.
- Casino-themed playing cards, dice sets, etc.
- Customized slot machine trinkets.
- Cash money vouchers.
Conclusion
Casino nights are becoming quite popular and, luckily, there are endless ways to make your party an instant hit. The game of blackjack offers a perfect blend of luck, skill, and strategy, so you shouldn’t have a shortage of attendees.
If you’re hosting, ensure an enriching experience for your guests by offering food and drinks, decorating your venue with blackjack themed decor, and setting up tables for a smooth, fair gameplay. The key is to bring the iconic Vegas vibe to your doorstep.