Board Games, Cake, and the Joy of a Night In

To us, there is simply nothing better than a night in. No rushing, no noise, and no pressure; just you, your favourite armchair, and a mug of something comforting (and maybe some cake, but hey, we’re biased). 

In today’s world, it’s easy to get lost in the wonderous world wide web, with our phones constantly buzzing, updating us on everything from world politics to your sister’s neighbour’s uncle’s cat (Facebook, we’re looking at you). It can all be a bit too much. So, let’s take a step back, put our devices down and focus on what really matters. Something that brings us together, where we are all equal, where we can all be part of a ‘moment’ in a way that feels increasingly rare. Enter, board games.

Why Board Games Still Matter

Board games aren’t just about winning (although a little friendly competition never hurts). They’re about how they make you feel. They’re about bringing people together. 

Once the dice is rolled and the cards are shuffled, the titles and labels disappear. It doesn’t matter what your day looked like or how busy your week has been. What matters is whose turn it is, who’s bluffing, and who’s definitely cheating.

They create memories; inside jokes that last for years, moments of triumph and dramatic defeat, and that one rule everyone remembers differently (can you really stack 2 +4 cards in Uno?) These are the kinds of memories that don’t live in your camera roll, but stay with you long after the game is packed away. 

The Need for Community (and How We Find It)

The rise in board game popularity speaks to our deeper need for community. At our core, we need connection. And while there are fewer and fewer spaces for us to connect, there’s nothing stopping us creating our own at home. What makes board games so fantastic is their ability to make moments wherever they go; they don’t need a fancy set up or an expensive meal. Just the board, a flat surface, somewhere to sit and that all important feeling of belonging and showing up for one another, even if it’s just for an evening. 

A phrase that is often thrown around is “to have a village, you must first be a villager” meaning in order to receive help and be part of a community you must first be willing to support others. Board games are just the ticket to start your village.

Cake Makes Everything Better

And now onto the important stuff — cake. Let’s be honest, no great night in is complete without something sweet. It’s just always a good idea.

Cake has a way of breaking the ice. It’s celebratory without needing a reason. It turns an ordinary night into something a little more special. Whether it’s shared between rounds, used to settle a debate (“winner gets the last slice!”), or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea after the game ends, cake brings comfort and joy in the simplest way.

At Sponge, we love the idea of cake as a centrepiece, not just a dessert. A reason to gather. A reason to linger at the table. A reason to say yes to one more game.

Spending Time Together, On Purpose

What makes a board game night truly special isn’t the game itself, it’s the choice to spend time together. To unplug. To be present. To listen, laugh, and engage without distractions.

In a culture that celebrates productivity and busyness, choosing a night in can feel almost rebellious. But those quiet, shared moments are often the ones that fill our cup the most. They remind us that connection doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it looks like mismatched pieces, ‘house’ rules, and crumbs on the table.

An Invitation from Sponge Cakes

So, here’s our invitation: plan your big night in. Dust off the board games. Invite the people you love (or the people you want to know better.) Bring out the cake. Let conversations wander, let laughter take over, and let time slow down just a little.

Because community isn’t built in big, dramatic gestures. It’s built in small moments, shared slices, and evenings spent together, one game at a time.

And if there’s cake involved? Even better.