Pack a small game box people will actually use
A small collection of familiar games is more likely to be used than a heavy box of ambitious choices nobody has time to learn.
Pack for the people coming
Choose a few games that fit the ages, interests and likely attention spans in the group. Include something that can be played briefly and something that works with the number of people who actually want to join. Do not assume every guest will participate at once. A two-person card game can be useful while others cook or read, without requiring a vote from the whole house.
Check that the pieces and instructions are present before travelling. A game borrowed from a shelf may be missing the one component that makes it playable. Keep small items in suitable closed bags or boxes and bring a pencil if needed. A compact set is easier to count afterwards and less likely to leave counters beneath unfamiliar furniture.
Think about interruptions as well as player numbers. A game that can end after a few rounds works well when dinner is nearly ready or somebody may need to attend to a child. Save a longer game for people who actively want that commitment. Packing one flexible option often earns more use than several impressive boxes with similar demands.
Match the game to the space
A long dining-table game can be awkward when the same table is needed for dinner. Choose something that can be packed away or paused without taking over the room for a day. Avoid materials likely to mark delicate surfaces, and follow the host's guidance about where activities should take place. You do not need a specialist games room to enjoy cards, but you do need a usable clear surface.
If the cottage supplies games, treat them as a pleasant extra rather than the entire plan. The collection may suit a different age group or be incomplete. Return borrowed items neatly and let the host know about missing parts without leaving a half-played game for the next guests to discover.
Choose storage that can sit on a shelf without the lid opening when another bag is moved. Small pieces tend to escape during packing rather than play. A simple closed pouch inside the box can save the final search and helps keep personal games separate from anything supplied by the host.
Keep the invitation light
Offer a game as an option, not the required activity for a wet evening. Explain unfamiliar rules briefly and choose another option if teaching them would take longer than people want to play. The purpose is an enjoyable shared interval, not a test of enthusiasm or skill.
Before checkout, gather the box from wherever it migrated during the stay and count the small pieces. A modest selection with complete contents will be ready for the next trip, while the cottage table can return to its ordinary role without a search beneath every chair.