Then it’s time to bring in the ultimate crowd-pleaser: the humble quiz.
Whether you're throwing a birthday bash, a dinner party, or a casual get-together, a well-run quiz can take your night from nice to legendary.
Here’s how to make it a hit without breaking a sweat.
1. Pick Your Format: Team or Solo?
First things first — decide whether people will be quizzing in teams or flying solo.
Team quizzes are great for bigger groups and help take the pressure off shy guests. Individual quizzes work better for smaller gatherings or competitive crowds who love a challenge. You can also mix it up: start solo and switch to teams for a bonus round or two.
2. Choose a Theme (or Don’t)
Quizzes can be general knowledge free-for-alls, or themed to suit the occasion. Think:
Pop culture (music, films, memes)
Decades (a roaring ‘20s night? Nostalgic '90s?)
Themed to the party (Halloween trivia, Christmas questions, etc.)
Personalised rounds (how well do you know the host?)
If your guests know each other well, a cheeky “Who Said That?” or “Guess the Baby Photo” round can get some real laughs.
3. Write (or Steal) Your Questions
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Plenty of great quiz questions live online, or you can write your own if you're feeling creative. Aim for a mix of:
Easy warm-ups
Trickier thinkers
Picture rounds (print out or display on your TV)
Music rounds (play snippets from your phone or smart speaker)
Pro tip: Test your questions beforehand. No one wants a debate over whether Pluto is a planet again.
4. Set the Scene
Create a bit of drama. Dim the lights, light a few candles, cue a theme tune if you’re feeling extra. Give the host a “Quizmaster” badge or a silly hat. Set up a scoreboard or use a whiteboard to keep track. And most importantly — have pens and answer sheets ready! (Scraps of paper work fine too.)
5. Keep It Snappy
Don’t let it drag. Aim for 4-6 rounds, around 5 questions each. Add in a half-time drinks break, maybe a snack round (guess the crisp flavour, anyone?), and wrap up while spirits are still high.
6. Add Fun Prizes
You don’t need to splash out — think:
A mini bottle of bubbly
Chocolate bars
A dubious-looking trophy from a charity shop
“Bragging rights” and a place on the Quiz Night Wall of Fame
Silly booby prizes for the losing team can be even funnier.
7. Be the Host with the Most
Project your voice, keep the energy up, and don’t take things too seriously. A bit of banter goes a long way. And if someone challenges an answer? Flip a coin or open it to the floor — it’s your party, after all.
Bonus Tips:
Use a PowerPoint or Google Slides if you’re going digital.
Include a music round using Spotify, YouTube, or even a live performance if someone plays an instrument.
Have a tie-breaker question ready, just in case!
Final Thoughts
A home quiz isn’t just about who knows the capital of Kazakhstan — it’s about laughs, light-hearted rivalry, and bringing people together. So pour a drink, channel your inner Paxman, and let the games begin.
Happy quizzing!