Prepping Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Murder Mystery Dinner Party
Throwing a murder mystery dinner party is a fantastic way to bring friends and family together. However, hosting an event can be daunting, especially if you're juggling character roles, intricate plots, and an elaborate menu. But fear not! With a bit of preparation and a few pro tips, you can create a seamless, stress-free murder mystery experience for you and your guests. Here’s your guide to prepping like a pro.
- Plan Your Theme and Roles Early
The first step to a successful murder mystery dinner is choosing the right game. Whether you’re going for a 1920s speakeasy, Broadway magic, a haunted mansion or a Victorian tea party the theme sets the tone for the entire evening.
Pro Tips:
Choose a kit: At Masters of Mystery our games come pre-packaged with scripts, role descriptions, and plot details. Pick one that fits your group size and interests. You can view our games by following this link
Assign roles in advance: Send your guests their characters and any necessary background information at least two weeks ahead of time. This gives them time to prepare costumes and get into character.
- Curate a Themed Menu
The food you serve should complement your theme while also being practical and simple to prepare. A medieval banquet might feature various hearty pies, while a sleek modern mystery could call for elegant canapés and cocktails.
Pro Tips:
Plan a mix of dishes: Include options for all dietary needs. A balance of meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free options ensures no one feels left out.
Opt for make-ahead meals: Dishes like pasta bakes, soups, or stews can be prepared earlier in the day and reheated when needed.
Create signature drinks: A themed cocktail or mocktail can be great for getting guests in the ‘spirit’ of things. For example, serve some “Murderous Margaritas” or “Killer Fruit punch” to your guests as they arrive.
- Master the Art of Time Management
The key to hosting a stress-free dinner party is creating a realistic timeline and sticking to it.
Pro Tips:
Work backwards from the event start time: Plan when each dish needs to go in the oven and when you’ll set the table. Give yourself extra time for unexpected delays.
Delegate tasks: If a friend offers to help, let them! Assign someone to greet guests, refill drinks, manage the music etc. Anything you can do to take the pressure off yourself will help the event run smoother and give you time to enjoy it.
Set up early: Arrange your dining area, decorations, and props the day before. This leaves the day of the party for food prep and last-minute touches.
- Prep Your Props and Clues
If your murder mystery game involves props or written clues, have everything organised and ready before the event.
Pro Tips:
Print multiple copies: Ensure each player has what they need and keep spares in case someone loses theirs.
Label everything: Clearly mark envelopes or key props, so they’re easy to distribute during the game.
- Create a Flexible Timeline
While structure is important, murder mystery dinners rarely follow a rigid schedule. Some scenes may run longer if guests are particularly animated.
Pro Tips:
Allow buffer time: Schedule pauses for guests to enjoy their meals, socialise, and discuss clues.
Keep an eye on the pace: If things are dragging, gently move the plot forward. If everyone’s having fun, let the moment linger.
- Serve Dinner in Phases
Our murder mystery game are split into different rounds, use these as your guide when planning the different courses.
Pro Tips:
Serve between rounds: Plan your courses around the game’s structure. Serve starters during introductions, the main course before the investigation, and dessert during the big reveal.
Opt for easy plating: Avoid dishes that require last-minute assembly. Buffet-style service can work well, especially for larger groups.
- Encourage Guest Participation
Some people may feel shy about getting into character, so it’s your job as the host to encourage everyone to join in the fun.
Pro Tips:
Set the tone early: As the host, fully embrace your role. Your enthusiasm will inspire others to do the same.
Provide prompts: Greet your guests in character, ask them who they are. Many of our games also include character-specific objectives, bring them up and encourage them to get involved.
Offer small rewards: Hand out “Best Actor” or “Best Detective” awards at the end of the night.
- Troubleshoot Common Challenges
Even with careful planning, things can go wrong. A guest might cancel last minute, or someone might struggle to follow the plot. As the host you need to keep going and not let mishaps shake you. Plan for possible problems.
Pro Tips:
Have backup plans: Prepare extra copies of clues and have extra characters in case roles need to be reassigned and recap at the end of rounds if needed.
Adapt if needed: If a guest can’t attend, adjust the story to explain their absence, if they’re a key to the plot, find a way to add the information they provide, perhaps by having a letter from them, which you can read out.
- Wrap Up with Style
The grand reveal is the highlight of any murder mystery dinner, so make it count. Once the game is over, shift into celebration mode.
Pro Tips:
Serve a show-stopping dessert: A dramatic cake or pudding can add a sense of occasion.
Provide a recap: Go over the key clues and twists so everyone can appreciate the full story.
Thank your guests: Send them home with small party favours, like themed keepsakes or thank-you cards.
- After-Party Clean-Up
The thought of tidying up can be overwhelming but tackling it systematically can make it much easier.
Pro Tips:
Clean as you go: Wash up or load the dishwasher between courses if possible.
Recruit help: Enlist a few guests to assist with clearing plates or gathering props.
Save the big clean for tomorrow: Focus on the essentials, putting away leftovers and throwing away the rubbish on the night, but tackle the rest once you’ve had a good night’s sleep.
Hosting a murder mystery dinner party may seem like a lot of work, but with the right preparation, it can be incredibly fun. By planning, delegating tasks, and focusing on creating a welcoming atmosphere, you’ll be able to enjoy the evening just as much as your guests. So, don your detective hat, prep like a pro, and let the mystery unfold!
