5 fun ideas to enjoy your long weekend with family and friends without stepping out of home

Long weekend plan: Board games are a timeless way to bond with family and friends, offering hours of entertainment. Dust off the classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, Dixit or Clue, or try something new that challenges your wits and brings out your competitive spirit (Image: Canva)

The idea of a long weekend often brings with it a longing for a short getaway or a staycation. As the weekend approaches, you can almost feel the pull of a comfy mountain retreat or a breezy beach escape. But then, reality hits; maybe it's the unexpected costs that make you pause, or the thought of driving through packed roads or bustling airports that keeps you home.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean your long weekend has to be anything less than awesome. You can still savour a break from the routine, creating new memories without even stepping out of your front door.

Here are 5 fantastic ways to enjoy a holiday at home with your family and friends:

Plan a potluck: Time to turn your dining room into an international food fest? A potluck is a perfect way to gather friends and family around the table without the pressure of hosting a full meal. Invite them to prepare their favourite dishes, whether it's an old family recipe or something exotic they've always wanted to try. Not only does this take the burden off one person cooking, but it also introduces everyone to new flavours and recipes. Set the mood with themed décor, perhaps inspired by the cuisines you’ll be sharing, and enjoy a meal that’s as diverse as the people around your table.

Play board games: Board games are a timeless way to bond with family and friends, offering hours of entertainment. Dust off the classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, Dixit or Clue, or try something new that challenges your wits and brings out your competitive spirit. If you're feeling creative, make it a themed board game night where everyone dresses up according to the game's theme. Board games encourage teamwork, strategic thinking, and, of course, plenty of laughter.

Watch movies together: Say hello to mini-cinema by planning a movie marathon. Whether it’s binge-watching an entire film series, diving into a new genre, or revisiting nostalgic favourites, watching movies together can make your weekend special. Create a pleasant atmosphere with blankets, pillows, and dim lighting. Don't forget the popcorn and snacks. You could even vote on the movies beforehand, ensuring everyone has something to look forward to.

Get nostalgic: You click photos on almost every occasion but how often do you get the chance to go through old photos and videos? A long weekend is the perfect time to gather everyone around and relive those cherished memories. Plug your devices into the TV and take a trip down memory lane, sharing stories that haven’t been told in years. You might even discover moments that some of you had forgotten. This is a great way to connect with family and friends.

Play fun games: With everyone constantly glued to their phones, why not make it a tech-free weekend? Declare a no-phone zone and encourage everyone to be present in the moment. To make it even more interesting, mix in some fun games that everyone can enjoy; charades, truth and dare, cards, Pictionary, or even a home treasure hunt. To keep the mood light, set a no-argument rule, where anyone caught bickering has to do something silly as a penalty. It’s a playful way to ensure everyone stays engaged and has a blast.