Categories
Holidays

Face time not Facetime

During the holidays we usually plan a big family get-together.

Discussions of who will host, who will travel and who is staying home this year will ensue. But being with family is part of what makes the holidays special. You come together with those that are dear and remember old memories all while creating new ones. However, there are times when your uncle’s “wit” can become grading and your cousins just don’t seem that cute anymore. It’s easy in those moments to find your distractions on your device. For some, they will retreat to their phone that will give them updates on their friends picture-perfect Christmases or to read the latest BuzzFeed list of how to make the perfect Christmas playlist. Some will watch the game, and some will play a game on their iPad.

You would not be alone to retreat to the comfort of a warm screen.

Polls are saying that Americans are spending an average of 10 hours in front of a screen. That’s almost half of a day spent absorbing that blue light. While these numbers are growing, there is also a growing concern for the health of this choice. Experts are suggesting to limit the number of screens available. We would also recommend creating an alternative way to spend your time. This is where having a pool table, table tennis or foosball comes in handy. Instead of seeing your teenage cousins making duck face after duck face for Snapchat, you can school them on the perfect serve for ping pong.

Outside of just having fun, face to face communication comes with huge bonuses.

You learn the art of non-verbal cues. Stronger relationships are forged through face to face communication as you can ask questions as follow up and it is easier to build trust. These are all skills that are necessary to grow and develop as an adult and can be learned over something as simple as a pool table. If you want to help your family spend time together and not just spend time around each other, look at Games for Fun for some great options.

Categories
Gifts

Christmas is Coming

Tis the season…For gift giving that is! Christmas is just around the corner. We also know one of the hardest things during this time is finding the perfect gift. But that’s why we are here. Everyone loves to have fun, so why not give them the gift of joy:

 

Air Hockey:
Who doesn’t remember playing air hockey at a local arcade? There was such a thrill in watching the puck zoom across the table and to land smack dab in your opponent’s goal. Talk about satisfaction when hearing that clanging sound of victory when you make the goal! Air Hockey continues to be one of the most well-loved games around. It’s easy to play; anyone can pick it up and understand the rules. But with some practice, you can grow your skills. Finding that right angle that your opponent won’t be able to block takes time, but is worth it. If you want to have hours of fun playing with friends or family, this may be a great gift. Check out all of our different air hockey tables that we have available.

 

Pool Table
One usually doesn’t get the opportunity to play pool until they turn 21. Which is such a shame, because this game is for all ages! Few memories are sweeter than showing a younger family member how to hold their cue correctly, line up their shots, and see their reaction as they make their first break. This Christmas you may want to consider getting a pool table. It’s a game that crosses generational divides and guarantees hours of laughter, competition, and fun. You can see our many pool table options here.

 

Foosball
Foosball is a game that many people played in their younger years. It was something that was readily available at different youth establishments. But that would never take away the thrill of playing this fun game when you get older. This is the sort of game that brings out the competitive spirit in people. Even if you’re not playing it, it’s fun to watch and cheer along as those plastic soccer players score a goal. If you have younger family members or if they are just young at heart, this will be a Christmas win! See our foosball options here.
Categories
Pool

Treat Yo Self

 
So you’ve done it, you’ve bought yourself a pool table! Good for you! Now that you’ve finally decided to treat yo self; let’s make sure that your table stays in good condition for years to come. Most pool tables are lovely pieces that are meant to last you a long time. However, improper care can result in damage to your table that ultimately damages your game. So here are a few tips on how to properly care for your pool table:

Use a Cover:

This is some of the best preventative care that you can give to your table. A cover does a few key things. It keeps dirt and lint off. Dust can be part of life, but for some people who have pets or just really long hair, a cover can save you. Getting hair off your tabletop can take time, and a buildup of hair is just bad for your game. (Speaking of pets: please make sure Fido knows not to “mark” your table legs. Nothing will destroy that wood faster than urine. Basically, good pool table care = no pets near your table)

Clean up spills, or better yet, don’t have them!

Nothing is better than having a cold one with your buds while playing the best game. And it’s easy to want to set your drink down in between shots on the table. Please don’t. Its one of the easiest ways to ruin the fabric. Instead, we suggest having lots of other places for you and your friends to place their drinks. You can find a great selection here or at our store. But if you do spill, take a cloth and get up as much of the liquid as you can. Don’t rub the fabric, but simply blot it.

Don’t sit on your table:

The rail cushions were not designed to hold weight. By sitting on the table, you are putting pressure on the glue joint which can cause the rails to sink or sad. When your balls hit a sagging rail, they will sail in a completely different direction than what you had intended, totally ruining a good game for some.

We hope that these few tips have helped you. If you have any questions on the proper care, we have experts ready and available to help you with any of your pool table needs.

Games For Fun