How to Throw a Murder Mystery Game Dinner Party

Throw a 1920s-themed murder mystery with our DIY kit that includes free printable invites, character cards, menu ideas and decorations.

By: Heather Baird

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Photo By: Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com

Plot the Mystery

There are so many fun, engaging themes and storylines to choose from when planning a murder mystery dinner party. You could kick up your heels with a Wild West scene or get groovy with a retro 1970s disco party. However, you can never go wrong with a roaring 1920s affair. We think it surpasses other themes in terms of intrigue, excitement and overall enjoyment with its nostalgic glamour and atmosphere. Plot your mystery with a ready-made kit complete with character sheets, customizable invites, killer recipes and storylines to guide novice hosts.

Send Swanky Invites

An elegant invite will set the mood in advance and get your guests jazzed up for the party. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on invitations. Simply download our customizable template, fill in your details and then either print or email the invites. Keep your invite info factually simple — include the date, time, location and clear instructions to RSVP. Send them out early, because it’s good to have a firm guest list to move forward with planning. The success of your party depends on the enthusiasm of your guests, so choose friends who are game to fully immerse themselves in character.

Assign Characters to Each Guest

Every good murder mystery party needs fascinating characters. After your guests have confirmed, assign and send out personalized character information. Download these editable cards to use as place cards with each character's name. Consider your guests' personalities, interests and comfort levels when assigning characters. Try to match characters to guests who will feel engaged by the role they're given. Ensure that your character assignments cater to both introverted and extroverted personalities.

Set the Scene — and the Table!

Deck out your space with period-appropriate decor and props. Instead of a floral centerpiece for the table, opt for fun ostrich feather arrangements of the era. Add a touch of glamour with sparkling black and gold details. An art deco printed tablecloth paired with a sequin table runner sets the perfect backdrop for dinner discussion (and interrogation!). Candlelight and jazz music will also make your party environment an immersive experience.

Include a Mysterious Envelope

Leave an envelope of clues and cues at each place setting for guests to read during the game. Inside should contain clues that characters can reveal about themselves and some they should conceal. If asked about clues they should conceal, they should tell no lies and instead change the subject. Depending on your storyline or kit, you may have more than one envelope to hand out during the game.

Plant Some Evidence

Arrange obvious clues around the room that will help guests unravel the murder. A candlestick, a pocket watch, a pair of aviator sunglasses — all of these make fun physical clues that guests can discover throughout the game. A description card should be included to help identify the objects relevant to the game. Example: “This camera has a missing bulb and bloody fingerprints on the flash.”

Dress to Impress

Encourage guests to dress in costume. The fashion of the 1920s is iconic and easily recognizable. Guests will have fun dressing up as glamorous flappers, dashing detectives, mobsters and socialites. Encourage guests to seek out inexpensive pieces that suggest the era. Recommend looking at estate sales, secondhand shops and swapping or lending costume items to each other.

Accessorize Your Guests

If guests struggle with costuming, have a few inexpensive accessories on hand to help guests dress the part. It doesn’t take much to suggest a character. A hat, feather boa or a fake mustache can go a long way to bring a character to life. Remind guests that they don't need to be 100% historically accurate with their costumes. Encourage them to have fun and get creative with mixing and matching items that evoke the style and theme of the party.

Plan + Print the Menu

Treat guests to a lavish menu of foods that fit your theme. Remember to label your dishes with creative names that fit the theme and consider incorporating art deco designs into your menu cards to enhance the experience. Not sure where to start? Check out our sample menu for inspiration. And be sure to download our deco-inspired printable menu template — just fill in your fare and print.

Serve Appetizers That Were Popular in the Era

Deviled eggs were as popular in the 1920s as they are today. Try our recipe for devilish eggs with bacon (below). Also, Chinese culture and cuisine gained popularity in the US during the 1920s, so consider adding some Eastern flair to your menu. Purchase your favorite frozen spring rolls to bake for the party. Before serving, bias-cut them to make smaller appetizer-sized bites that will provide more servings.

get the recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs Recipe

Make Easy Entrees

Choose make-ahead entrees that can be assembled ahead and served at room temperature or kept warm in a crock pot. Beef tenderloin can be precooked and served at room temperature on crostini or in a puff pastry shell. Prepare frozen homestyle meatballs in a flavorful Asian sauce using your crock pot. They can be served as appetizers or as part of a main course. Remember to follow food safety guidelines when preparing and serving dishes at room temperature, especially in terms of storage time and temperature.

Find More Ideas: Easy Party Food Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Serve Speakeasy Sips

Booze was big in the 1920s, thanks to prohibition and the underground world of speakeasies. Serve iconic cocktails like Martinis, old fashions, brandy Alexanders and sidecars, which were popular during the prohibition era. Invented in 1921, the Bloody Mary cocktail is also a perfect choice because it fits the theme in more ways than one. Offer mocktails like Shirley Temples or Italian sodas for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options.

Find More Ideas: 20 Top-Notch Cocktails

Sweeten the Mystery With Dessert Noir

There’s no sweeter way to go than Death by Chocolate trifles; they are easy to make and fit the theme. And what's better? They hardly require a recipe! Start by preparing a boxed brownie mix and chocolate pudding mix according to the directions. Thaw a tub of whipped topping and chop up two chocolate toffee bars. Place alternating layers of brownies, pudding, and whipped topping in the glasses. End the assembly with a dollop of whipped topping and a sprinkling of toffee. Make them up to two days ahead and refrigerate for a fuss-free dinner party ending.

Question All the Suspects

Lively dinner conversation is sure to ensue as guests pore over their clue envelopes and scrutinize the other characters. When dinner is finished, ask each guest who they think is guilty. After everyone has made their guess, open a top-secret envelope to reveal the murderer and their motives.

Reward Your Guests

At the end of the party, when the murderer is caught and justice is served, prepare a closing scene to hand out awards to guests for outstanding performances. Download and print our certificates for Best Villain, Best Costume, Most Untrustworthy and Best Performer. Invite guests to break character and enjoy the rest of the evening as themselves.

Find More Ideas: 13 Creative Party Themes for Any Occasion