Backgammon Social: The Art of the Soirée

Ancient Origins, Modern Nights

Author

Backgammon Social
January 28, 2026

We kicked off 2026 with our dream-team in full swing, a spicy night at Mr. Mahjong’s in San Francisco and dancing cumbia under the stars at Zey Zey in Miami were just some examples of our January fun. We were also thrilled to have been featured in Condé Nast’s “The Biggest Travel Trends of 2026.” 

February arrives with a softer kind of energy. Shorter days, longer dinners, and an excuse to lean into connection, romantic or otherwise. It’s a month that invites intention: who you gather with, how you spend your evenings, and what rituals you return to when the weather keeps you inside with your loved ones.

With Valentine’s Day at its center, February isn’t just about romance. It’s about shared tables, familiar faces, and the quiet thrill of sitting down to play. This month, we’re leaning into all of it: the dates, the friendships, and the family time that this game facilitates. Bring your loved ones to Backgammon Social, we’ve got the rest covered.

February Events (click to register)

San Francisco
• 2.1 — Flores - Best Tacos in the Bay

New York
• 2.12 — Beefbar

Philadelphia
• 2.9 — Haraz (University City)

Miami
• 2.4.26 — Valentine’s Special ❤️ at Bar Bucce - James Beard Award Semi-Finalist for Best New Bar!
• 2.12 — Valentine’s Night ❤️ at The Shelborne
• 2.17 — Vecinos - Hottest new opening in Miami from the teams behind Caracas Bakery and Medium Cool
• 2.21 — Soho House, The Loft (Saturday)
• 2.26 — The Moore, Tournament Night

London
• 2.10 — The Pelican
• 2.15 — Get2Together at Sloane Club (Sold Out)
• 2.18 — ISAYA at Tramp (Sold Out)

The Art of Hosting: Backgammon Soirée Home Edition

A private backgammon soirée is never just about the game. It’s about setting a mood, choosing the right details, and creating a space where your chosen people linger, conversation flows, glasses refill themselves, and the game becomes an excuse to stay a little longer.

The Board as Centerpiece

Choose a beautiful board, wood over vinyl, in our opinion, and let it anchor the room.

If you have an heirloom board, this is its moment. Open it early, let it be seen, let guests gather around it naturally. The board is not just for play; it’s a signal that the night has a rhythm.

Nothing says cool as our Play GAMMN x Backgammon Social Board

Seating & Flow

Comfort matters more than you think.

Make the chairs proper for the game so players can settle in without shifting constantly. Arrange seating to facilitate rotation, spectators become players, players become commentators.

San Francisco @ The Faight Collective

Lighting the Board

As we mentioned in our previous newsletter, lighting is the quiet companion of every game.

Use directional light from above or the side, no glare. Candles work beautifully when placed away from the board itself. The goal is clarity without interruption, intimacy without darkness.

London @ The Hero

Perfect Backgammon Foods

Backgammon food should be elegant, quiet, and easy.

Serve:
Roasted nuts, good olives, pre-sliced cheese and crackers, thin charcuterie, grapes or figs, and dark chocolate broken into pieces.

Avoid:
Chips, dips, anything oily, and hot appetizers that pull attention away from the table.

Delicious set up in Philly

Comfort Provisions

Great hosting, like great playing, is all about anticipation.

Clear your coat closet. Stock the bathroom with a fresh hand towel, good soap, and a candle. Make phone charging available but discreet, encourage presence without enforcing it.

Perfect ambiance @ The Good Oak in London

The Hosting Mindset

You set the tone.

Keep drinks refreshed without hovering.

Introduce guests through backgammon lore (such as, "Sarah is ruthless with the doubling cube, be warned"). Accept that you’ll play less than others, that’s the quiet art of hosting.

The OG hosts! - BGS Founders @ The Moore in Miami

Setting the Mood

Good music playing softly in the background, objects that showcase your home’s personality. These are the details that turn a game night at home into an elevated evening for your guests.

Hostess Maddie @ our San Francisco Event

The Host’s Secret

What nobody tells you is that the smartest move is letting someone else host… 😉 When in doubt come to our events and we’ll do the heavy lifting for you.

Our Recommended February Setup:

❤️A wooden board left open
❤️A low lamp angled just right
❤️Tumblers, not matching, with delicious mocktails
❤️Friendly faces and some intriguing strangers

Take a leap, make your move. And if you’d rather sit back and enjoy, BGS has a seat waiting for you (click here for our website!)

From ancient origins to modern nights, we’re grateful to be part of your table, your traditions, and your rituals of play.

We’ll see you at the next event!


— The Backgammon Social Team