How to Throw A Murder Mystery Dinner Party
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How to Throw a Murder Mystery Dinner Party

How to Throw a Murder Mystery Dinner Party

Are you thinking of having a murder mystery dinner party at home? Planning a murder mystery dinner party can be a blast and below we have shared a step-by-step guide to get you started. We hope that this How to Throw a Murder Mystery Dinner Party post inspires you. 

Portrait of man, detective in trench coat standing near human drawn silhouette on floor and smoking pipe over vintage dark green background

Image from Depositphotos

How to Throw a Murder Mystery Dinner Party

Choose Your Theme and Story

  • Pick a theme: Consider your guests' interests. Do they enjoy historical, noir, gothic, or quirky settings? Popular themes include pirate ships, Hollywood premieres, haunted mansions, and Murder on the Orient Express.
  • Popular themes include historical mysteries, Hollywood glamour, haunted mansions, tropical getaways, and even fictional universes like Harry Potter or Agatha Christie.
  • Pick a setting: Will it be a grand manor house, a bustling casino, or a futuristic space station?
  • Think about your guests: What kind of stories do they enjoy? Are they fans of historical periods, classic whodunits, or something more modern? Make sure your chosen theme has enough characters for everyone.
  • Consider the number of guests: Choose a theme with enough characters for everyone to participate.

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Craft the story

  • Decide on the murder victim and their connection to the guests.
  • Write your script: This gives you complete control but can be time-consuming.
  • Develop motives for each character, including red herrings and hidden secrets.
  • Plan out the clues, ensuring they are well-hidden and strategically placed.
  • Write character descriptions and backgrounds for each guest.
  • Create a script or outline for the evening, including key events and plot twists.
  • Use pre-made kits: Many companies offer murder mystery kits with storylines, characters, and clues.
  • Adapt a book or movie: Choose something your guests know and enjoy, but be mindful of copyright laws.

Murder Mystery Party Invitation

Invite Your Guests and Assign Roles

  • Send save-the-dates: Create excitement with themed invitations hinting at the mystery.
  • Create intriguing invitations: Include the theme, date, time, and a brief character description to pique their interest.
  • Invite: Choose the number of guests based on your story and venue space. 
  • Ask guests to RSVP: This helps you plan food and assign characters.
  • Once RSVPs are confirmed, send out character information packets with descriptions, backgrounds, and any secret motives. (see next step)

Assign characters (After Final RSVPs)

  • Consider personalities: Match characters to guests who will enjoy their roles.
  • Provide detailed backstories: Provide detailed character biographies. Give each guest a character sheet with background, motivations, and secrets.
  • Encourage costumes: Costume suggestions add to the immersion and fun!

PRO TIP: We've found countless murder mystery garb at local thrift stores. We encourage you to shop locally first and to always upcycle and/or buy used, if possible, to keep this cost-effective.

Set the Scene

  • Decorate your space to match the chosen theme: Transform your space to match the theme. Use lighting, music, props, and costumes to create an immersive atmosphere.
  • Prepare food and drinks: Finger foods or a themed buffet allow guests to mingle freely. Don't forget themed drinks with fun names!
  • Gather props and clues: These are essential for the mystery to unfold.
crime scene in the woods

Image from Depositphotos

Get Ready for Game Time

  • Prepare clues: Hide them around the venue for guests to discover throughout the night.
  • Facilitate the game: Briefly explain the rules and encourage guests to mingle and interrogate each other. Act as the narrator during key moments.
  • Provide props: Consider magnifying glasses, detective hats, and fake weapons to enhance the experience.

Murder Mystery Dinner Party Near Me

Play the Game

  • Start with introductions. Welcome your guests and introduce the characters. Each guest introduces themselves in character.
  • Brief them on the rules and gameplay.
  • Act as the narrator or detective, guiding the story and providing clues when needed.
  • Follow the script or adapt as needed: Let the story unfold naturally, allowing guests to investigate.
  • Provide deduction opportunities: Scatter clues around the room and let guests piece them together.
  • Encourage guests to interact, share their suspicions, and accuse each other playfully.
  • Hold a final showdown: Everyone gathers to share their deductions and accuse the murderer.
  • Reveal the culprit: Have the chosen guest explain their motives and how they committed the crime followed by a final discussion and a lighthearted resolution.

Funnest Family Games + Free Printable Game Night Party Kit

Tips

  • Set the mood: Play suspenseful music and dim the lights.
  • Offer prizes: Award the “best actor,” “sharpest detective,” most creative costume, or most dramatic performance.
  • Consider using pre-made murder mystery kits for a simpler planning experience.
  • Take photos: Capture the fun memories with themed photo props and a designated photographer.
  • Relax and have fun! Don't stress about perfection; the most important thing is for everyone to enjoy the interactive experience.

Remember: The most important thing is to have fun and let your guests get into the spirit of the game!

How to Throw a Murder Mystery Dinner Party

Remember, the most important ingredient is your enthusiasm! The key is to have fun and let your creativity flow! With careful planning and a touch of theatrics, your murder mystery dinner party will be a roaring success and you can host a murder mystery dinner party that will be the talk of the town. We hope that this How to Throw a Murder Mystery Dinner Party post inspires you. Happy planning!

Dinner Party Themes

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