Gather & Play: Hosting a Simple Game Day at Home

There’s something wonderfully comforting about gathering around a table — not just to eat, but to laugh, play, and enjoy the simple pleasure of good company. One of my favorite ways to do this is by hosting a game day at home with friends.

Nothing fancy, nothing fussy. Just a few loved ones, a stack of cards or dominoes, and a light lunch to keep everyone fueled between rounds of laughter and friendly competition.

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with a game called Mexican Train. It’s equal parts strategy and luck, and it’s quickly become my go-to for a fun, low-stress afternoon. Recently, I hosted a group of friends for a round of Train, and to keep the mood light and the gathering delicious, I made one of my favorite easy-but-impressive dishes: Roasted Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Capers.

Let me tell you — it was a smash hit.

There’s something about roasted shrimp that feels a little special. I learned from the great Ina Garten years ago that roasting shrimp brings out their natural sweetness and keeps them from becoming waterlogged like they sometimes do when boiled. Tossed with a touch of heat, the brightness of lemon, and the briny pop of capers, this salad is cool, refreshing, and satisfying without being heavy. It’s the perfect dish for a midday meal with friends — especially when served with chilled wine or sparkling water and a loaf of crusty bread. It’s perfect on a bed of lettuce or even in a lettuce cup if that sounds good to you.

Whether you’re into cards, dominoes, or just need an excuse to get people around your table, I challenge you to host your own simple gathering. It could be a game day, a book club, a movie night — anything that gets people talking, laughing, and sharing time together. You don’t need a reason, just a little preparation and a lot of heart.

So here’s your nudge: invite your people, pull out the games, light a candle, and make something delicious (I highly recommend this shrimp salad). The world slows down a little when we gather like this — and I think we could all use more of that.

Grace, grit, and gratitude — and a good hand of dominoes. Always,

xx, JeriLynne

Roasted Shrimp Salad With Old Bay And Capers

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Roasted Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Capers

Ingredients

4 pounds (12 to 15 count) shrimp

1 tablespoon good olive oil

Diamond Crystal salt

freshly ground black pepper

1-2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, depending on your desired heat level

3/4 cup good mayonnaise

2 tablespoons caper brine

1/4 cup minced fresh dill

2 tablespoons capers, drained

1 small red onion, small dice

2 celery stalks, small dice

Method

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Peel and devein the shrimp. Place them on a sheet pan with the olive oil, at least 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and Old Bay seasoning. Toss together.

Spread the shrimp on one layer and roast for 6 to 8 minutes, just until pink, firm and cooked through. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, caper brine, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. When the shrimp are cool, add them to the sauce and toss. Add the dill, capers, and red onion and toss well. The flavors will improve if you allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Otherwise, chill and serve at room temperature.