Murder mysteries have entertained audiences since the mid-nineteenth century. The genre reached its height in the 1920s and 30s, during the “The Golden Age of Detective Fiction.” One hundred years later, murder mysteries are still taking center stage with remakes of Agatha Christie classics and the third installment of Knives Out dropping on Netflix this December.
What makes the genre so timeless? Murder mysteries are notoriously clever, cozy, and fun. They’re crowdpleasers for a reason. If you love watching or reading murder mysteries, consider hosting your own! Here’s a step-by-step guide for planning a murder mystery dinner party that would put Benoit Blanc to shame.
Choose your theme
Every great party starts with a great theme. Where will your murder take place?
From the roaring 20’s to masquerade balls and the wild west, murder mysteries can take all shapes and sizes. Choose a theme that inspires you to craft a great story and interesting characters. And remember — have fun with it! This is your chance to live a different life and be someone else for a night.
Pro tip: watch your favorite murder mysteries for inspiration. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Pick your venue
Once you’ve established your theme, it’s time to lock down a venue. Your party venue is more than just a place to meet; it helps set the tone for your murder mystery and acts as its own character.
Here are a few popular locations to consider for your murder mystery party, depending on your theme:
- Rent a historic mansion for a night and cosplay as characters from Clue
- Make your own movie magic a la Death on the Nile with a riverboat party
- Act in your own small town drama at the local theatre
- Book a ballroom for maximum glitz and glamour
- Take it back to the prohibition era with a murder mystery at your local speakeasy
- Channel your inner Archie and the gang with a Riverdale-inspired murder mystery at a diner
Pro tip: if you’re on a budget, skip the venue and host your murder mystery party at home. Set the scene with a few basic props and let your characters do the rest.
Invite your guests
Next, it’s time to cast your characters. You can do this in a few different ways: assign each guest a character with their invitation, or wait until your guests arrive at the party to assign each person a role.
What’s the difference? If you assign roles ahead of time, it gives your guests time to get into character — but it also means that some characters (like your murderer!) may not end up attending.
Think about your guests and how reliable they are. If you think they can commit to the bit ahead of time, assign away. If you’re worried about last-minute changes, wait until your guests walk in the door.
Pro tip: include a dress code and costume inspiration on your invitations. It’s also a good idea to have a few basic costumes and props available for guests who forget to bring their own or run out of time to prepare.
Write a script
Now for the fun part: crafting the storyline. Your murder mystery plot can be as simple or complicated as you desire. Here are a few key elements to include:
- The victim
- The detective
- Multiple suspects with potential motives
- Evidence and clues that point to different suspects
- A smoking gun, or foolproof evidence of the killer
- The murderer
Pro tip: not a playwright? Search online for free or cost-friendly murder mystery resources. You can also purchase a readymade game at your local Target or TJ Maxx.
Plan a menu
Last but not least, you can’t throw a party without food and drinks. Your captivating characters and scintillating storyline will take precedence, but a thematic menu can help create a four-dimensional experience.
If your murder mystery involves a lot of movement and walking around, opt for finger foods that are easy to grab and eat on the go. If it’s a sit-down affair, choose entrees and sides that support your central theme: steak, potatoes, and beer for a saloon soiree or ham, deviled eggs, and champagne for a flapper fiesta.
Wherever your murder mystery takes you, we hope these tips make it a dinner party to remember!
Rachel Kauffman is a Detroit-based content writer, bookworm, and cat mom to two feisty felines.
