How to Throw a Murder Mystery Party
Knock 'Em Dead With 15 These Murder Mystery Party Tips
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What better way to celebrate the Halloween season than with a classic whodunnit? By setting the tone with the perfect decorations, food, and DIYs, you can throw the ultimate murder mystery party that your guests will remember for years!
1 Get into Character
Take your murder mystery party to the next level by attempting to stay in character (and keep everyone else in character!) throughout the whole case.
2 DIY a Beautiful Table Setting
Dinner parties require a beautifully set table, and your table decor should match the theme of your murder mystery party. Get some plates from the thrift store if your current ones don't fit the theme, and don't skimp on the centerpiece decor!
3 Create Themed Invitations
Whether you choose e-vites or old school paper invitations, they're a fun way to get your guests into the mood for the party.
4 Bake Ghostly Desserts
These Oreo eye-balls are really simple and they make the perfect murder mystery treat!
5 Add Special Touches to the Decor
This fun bleeding candles DIY makes a great centerpiece or decorative accent for your murder mystery. Add special touches like this all over the house for a spooky effect!
6 Take Tons of Polaroids!
Have a Polaroid camera on hand so your guests can take home a keepsake from your party.
7 Build a Mugshot Backdrop
Make some memories with a mugshot backdrop for photos!
8 Make Classic Cocktails
Cocktails are another fun way to carry through your murder mystery dinner party's theme! This negroni is retro, fun, and simple. Stick to one or two specialty cocktails so you're not overwhelmed.
9 Choose (or DIY) Your Game
The Murder Mystery game ($36) sets the tone of the party, so choose carefully and make sure it goes along with the theme. If you've chosen a more mainstream theme, it's easy to find a ready-made game you can use. Otherwise, get creative and make your own.
10 Set Up Plenty of Props
A murder mystery party isn't complete without plenty of murder props. Head to the dollar store and pick up some toys and scrounge your house for other props that all add to the story.
11 DIY a Chalk (Or Masking Tape) Outline
It's not a murder mystery without a body. If you don't want to fully commit to a chalk outline, make one with masking tape instead. Simply ask a friend to sprawl out on the floor and make an outline using tape!
12 Make Fun Finger Foods
Although murder mystery sit-down dinner parties are a popular choice, finger foods are a fantastic way to feed your guests while they try to solve the puzzle. Try this Halloween bark recipe for a seasonal goodie.
13 Pick a Theme
The classic theme for a murder mystery is the 1920s and the Prohibition Era, but you can get creative and choose whatever theme you want! Our other favorites are Old Hollywood, the classic Clue, or a really out-there science fiction theme.
14 Make Name Cards
If you're giving your guests characters to play, make sure you have name cards ready. They're also useful if your dinner party is a sit-down affair.
15 Give Out Awards
Hand out DIY awards to the party goers who solve the mystery first, and feel free to include those who got "dead" last, too.
