Styling the game table
- Missy Mahjong
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 19 hours ago
Mondays are always my days for cleaning the house… and a little interior decorating. During the school year, I pay extra attention to styling my game table. I always like to set out a puzzle or board game as an invitation to play.
I love beautiful games. I play mahjong because I like it, but 90 percent of the reason I play is for aesthetics. Rummikub and scrabble are also beautiful tabletop games to display. Have you even seen my clue game? It’s almost too gorgeous to use!
Here are my favorite tips for styling the game table:
The perfect place
Table linens and game mats
Layer with accessories
The perfect place
The location of the game table is the most important way to set the mood. Table size is also important; I like to have enough space for a beverage and a little extra elbow room.
I have a round game table in our second floor living room. The table is next to floor to ceiling windows with sunset views over the rolling Nashville hills. In the morning, this table is a quiet place to build a puzzle with a cup of coffee. In the evening, it’s the perfect perch to play a four-person game before bedtime.
During the Christmas season, I often style part of the kitchen island with a game and holiday decor. I like to have classic Christmas movies playing in the background, a fire in the fireplace, something baking in the oven and a view of the decorated tree. With the shorter daylight hours, I want to create a cozy and inviting table to connect. In the center of it all, the game table still begs for a moment to play during such a busy season.
When I’m hosting guests by the pool, I like to set the outdoor dining table with a game. Sometimes I’ll bring out my table and folding chairs from Ballard Designs. Living in Nashville, we spend a lot of time in the outdoor living room. It’s relaxing any time of day to sip some iced sweet tea or a sparkling water, listen to the buzzing yard and play a game.
Table linens and game mats
Before the puzzle or game comes out of the box, we need to set the table base.
If I’m using a folding table, I use tablecloths to start. Most of my tablecloths are simple Amazon linens that I can throw in the wash, but they give the table a solid pop of color. Do you love patterns? Start with a beautiful, patterned tablecloth to cover the flimsy card table legs and give the table an elevated style.
For tile games like mahjong or rummy, I like to have a smooth padded surface. Whether I’m playing on my game table, the island or a folding table, I like to add a pop of color with a game mat.
I have some favorite reusable game mats. The best washable patterned game mats? Oh My Mahjong $90. The best solid game mats with embroidered initials? Sprinkled with Pink $50. The best wipeable game mats? Tigre de Tartan $175
My secret for the most versatile game mats? Hester and Cook table runners. This local Nashville company is known for their fabulous tablescape decor. In the spring of 2026, I was styling a set for a TV appearance. I went to Hester and Cook looking for dice trays and I came out with gorgeous tablecloth runners.
These Hester and Cook table runners are the perfect width for a four-person mahjong game. The runners create a gorgeous base for a rummy game, a tabletop board game or card game.
If someone spills on the Hester and Cook runners? No big deal! These runners are paper and disposable. I don’t like committing to decor at the game table. These runners keep my game style flexible and updated.
My friend sent me a photo from her mahjong game at the beach. She used the themed runner on an outdoor table. Not only was the table beautiful, but she also cut space for the umbrella pole. It was perfect!
Layer with accessories
Now for the really fun part… accessorizing the game table. From great game pieces to cocktail napkins, this is when to layer style into the table.
Is it fall? Set out a seasonal puzzle. Add cocktail napkins with pumpkins or in solid deep jewel tones. Have the football games on the background tv and burn a whisky scented candle nearby.
For an evening adult game night, bring out martini glasses with themed cocktail picks. Set out a charcuterie board and colorful snack plates that fit at the table. Have a set of stylish dice and a designer deck of cards. Playing something that requires pencils? Invest in a custom set of your game pencils as your game night souvenirs.
Mahjong is basically the game of endless accessories. Choose tiles and racks that reflect your mood. Find a cute little dice dish. Set out great coasters. Add custom stickers or folios to the playing cards, or have a themed set made for your game table. The possibilities are endless!
Styling the game table of my dreams…
Someday, I’d love to have a designer create a game room with the perfect table for me. I don’t need an office or a library; I need a game room.
When my favorite caterer in Lake Geneva styled my summer brunch, we played mahjong after. Next year I’m going to ask him to bring in extra game tables to set in the garden. Can you even imagine gorgeous linens and elegant chairs set for afternoon play?
If you think there is a table I need to join or an accessory I need, let me know at missymahjong@gmail.com. I love suggestions!
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