But links to the online “room” where the game is played can be sent out for free. It does require that someone purchase a game (or one of its party packs, which bundle five different games together). Jackbox Party Gamesĭesperate times call for really good games-well-written ones with fun prompts that encourage open-ended creativity, with a user interface that can handle big groups. Then, set up a Google Hangouts or Zoom chat so you can talk trash-I mean, hang out-while you play. If you’re feeling resourceful, you can google the board games or party games you like and find decent versions of most of them hosted online. There are lots of options for playing games online right now. If you all pick the same recipe, there’s a strange comfort in knowing you’re enjoying the same tastes and smells. (Cookbook author David Leibovitz has a very similar recipe that’s paywall-free.) Wirecutter editor Ria Misra also suggests making salsa with canned tomatoes, using a non-recipe approach like this one from Food 52. NYT Cooking has a great roasted garlic and white bean dip (subscription required) that’s simple and pantry-friendly, provided you’re not totally tired of beans yet.

You may not be able to set out the party platter for your friends, but you can still make food part of the fun by sharing some fantastic recipes ahead of time.

Paperless Post has some great designs for a game-night invite, whether you want to go cutesy or retro. It’s comforting to have something fun to look forward to throughout the week, and your friends may appreciate that part just as much as the night itself. Save the dateĮven if time itself has stopped working (“Did I start working from home a week ago or a year ago?”), it doesn’t mean you can’t set a date and send out a digital invite for a game night. Here are even more ways to expand on that idea and make an evening of it. Wirecutter editor Tim Barribeau has some great suggestions for digital board gaming in his article on how to be social while social distancing. Luckily, as with so many other things in life right now, you can play those games with friends and family online.

But many of us are following guidelines for self-isolating and social distancing in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and that means being holed up alone, away from those you’d normally play with. Playing board games with friends and family can be one of the best ways to feel connected and relieve that stress. It’s been a hard few weeks, and you may be experiencing some stress, loneliness, or both.

Games to play virtual with friends