[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”60″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_thumbnails” override_thumbnail_settings=”0″ thumbnail_width=”100″ thumbnail_height=”75″ thumbnail_crop=”1″ images_per_page=”20″ number_of_columns=”0″ ajax_pagination=”0″ show_all_in_lightbox=”0″ use_imagebrowser_effect=”0″ show_slideshow_link=”1″ slideshow_link_text=”[Show as slideshow]” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]Every year, I gather with a group of friends for a winter get away of games, food and of course beer. This year was no exception as tons of fun was had. What I would like to note this post as is just how much fun something like this can be and how it can be organized.

CabinCon is, for us, a 3 day weekend of board gaming. To facilitate this, we isolate ourselves to a remote location. This is key so that there are no outside interruptions. What is really neat about this is that the place we rent is typically able to seep comfortably 14-18 people. This dictates roughly how many people are able to attend the event. By allowing the attendees to have a place to stay for the weekend included in the event, makes it so that we wake up and can eat breakfast and start gaming early and often. Most of these houses (cabins) often have a couple of tables we can use to set up games on, so one or two of us bring a couple of folding tables and/or chairs. With places to sleep and plenty of games to play on, the next key is having plenty to eat.

So another key is since we are shut into the cabin for the whole weekend, we want to make sure there is plenty to eat. This can take some planning, but the way to handle this is to include the cost of food into everyone’s weekend costs. Then plan out the meals and food to cover each meal and see who wants to volunteer bringing dishes and doing the cooking. One of our traditions, is that on Saturday morning a couple of us always cook a big breakfast for the entire group. This year it was pancakes, waffles, eggs, and bacon. It really helped make the final day of the event kick off in the right direction for everyone. We also had people with smokers bring in crock pots of BBQ (pulled pork, brisket, mac & cheese). We ended up with at least a crock pot for every day. Other good options is to throw in kettle of chili, prepared taco meat, or maybe even pans of lasagna that can be baked off. Keep in mind what you have for refrigeration space at the place you rent though, as you will need to keep things ready until they can be re-heated. The other thing to keep in mind with all of these options, is that once warm, they stay heated for some time so that people can come eat at the ease and not interrupt game play. I would also plan in easier foods such as chips, candy, and such. I would also focus on getting some healthy options on the table. Veggie and fruit trays really can help.

Finally, make sure that everyone agrees on the fundamental statement for the weekend. Have fun and don’t be a jerk. The make up of a weekend like this is each person going out of their way to help out with the cooking, cleaning, and other task which helps make the weekend move along smoothly.