If you’re hosting a 1920s murder mystery, food does more than feed your guests. It sets the pace of the night. Done well, it keeps people moving, mingling and staying in character instead of sitting down and disengaging from the story.
I’ve hosted and seen a lot of these nights play out, and one recent example really nailed the balance. Anna hosted Murder at the Mansion with 8 friends and built a food setup that felt generous, period-appropriate and easy to manage without pulling her out of the game. This guide breaks down what she did well and how you can apply the same ideas to your own 1920s murder mystery game or any Roaring Twenties style party.
Think grazing first, structure second
When I plan food for a murder mystery, I start with one core principle: keep hands free and conversations flowing. Long sit-down courses can work for some groups, but they can also interrupt momentum if not timed carefully.
Anna opted for nibbling and appys throughout the night, and it worked beautifully. Guests could drift between conversations, check clues and circle back to the table without ever feeling like they had to choose between eating and playing along.
The result was a party that felt social and fluid, not segmented.
How Anna laid out her food stations
Rather than spreading food everywhere, Anna created a few clear zones that did the work for her. This made it easy for guests to help themselves and just as easy for her to keep an eye on things.
The main savoury table
This was the heart of the setup and where most guests gravitated early on. Anna included:
- A generous charcuterie board with crackers and sliced meats
- Cheese blocks with simple spreads
- Crudites with dips placed in separate bowls
- Deviled eggs, which felt perfectly on theme
- Shrimp with sauce for something a little more elevated
What worked here was familiarity. Nothing was intimidating, everything was easy to eat standing up, and the table looked full without feeling overly styled!
Building a 1920s-appropriate savoury menu
Anna's menu is a great example of how you can keep things classic without being rigid. She hit the right notes for a 1920s setting, then let guests choose what and when to eat.
Using her spread as a base, here’s how I think about savoury food for this era.
What Anna nailed about the 1920s menu
- Deviled eggs are always a win and feel period-appropriate
- Shrimp works well as a small indulgence
- Cheese and crackers anchor the table and keep people satisfied
- Crudites balance out heavier bites
Other options that work just as well
You definitely do not need to add all of these. Think of them as alternatives or swaps if they suit your group better:
- Mini sausage rolls or puff pastry bites
- Smoked salmon on crackers
- Savoury tarts or mini quiches
- Olives and pickles for a speakeasy feel
The key is restraint. Pick a handful of items, present them well and stop there.
Dessert as a shared moment
One of my favourite parts of Anna's setup was the dessert station. Instead of a plated dessert, she created a small experience.
She used a tiered stand with strawberries, grapes, marshmallows and cookies, paired with a chocolate fondue pot. It naturally drew people back together later in the night and gave the party a second energy lift without feeling heavy or formal.
This works especially well for murder mysteries because guests often regroup once the story deepens. Dessert becomes something to gather around rather than a pause in the action.
Drinks and presentation matter more than you think
Anna also added a small but impactful touch by setting up a drinks station with a printed menu. This did a few important things at once:
- Guests knew what was available without asking
- The setup felt intentional and polished
- Anna wasn’t stuck playing bartender all night
A simple bar with bottles, glassware, ice and a shaker is more than enough. The printed menu is what makes it feel special and keeps things running smoothly.
Timing food around the mystery
Anna's choice to graze throughout the night worked perfectly for her group. It kept energy high and avoided pulling people away from the story.
That said, every group is different. Some hosts like to introduce a sit down course later in the evening, often after the murder has occurred and before post-murder objectives begin. Others prefer to keep grazing right through to the final reveal.
There’s no single right approach. The best choice is the one that suits your space, your guests, and how you want the night to flow.
A sample menu for around 15 guests
Inspired by Anna's event, here’s an example of what a balanced grazing menu could look like.
Savoury
- Deviled eggs
- Shrimp with sauce
- Charcuterie board with crackers and meats
- Cheese with spreads
- Crudites and dips
Dessert
- Chocolate fondue
- Strawberries, grapes and marshmallows
- Simple cookies or biscuits
Drinks
- A small selection of spirits and mixers
- Wine and non alcoholic options
- Printed drinks menu
This is more than enough to keep guests satisfied without overwhelming the night. You can of course do a lot less than this and still have an amazing night where guests feel taken care of.
Prep so you can enjoy the party too!
What Anna has done especially well is the preparation. Having everything ready before the first guest arrived was key to minimizing the stress of hosting.
I recommend:
- Prepping and chopping the day before
- Assembling boards shortly before guests arrive
- Using dishes and trays that can be topped up quietly
If you’re not stuck in the kitchen, you’ll enjoy the mystery just as much as everyone else.
Final thoughts
A great 1920s murder mystery menu doesn’t need to be elaborate. Focus on classic bites, thoughtful presentation and food that supports conversation rather than stopping it.
Anna's party is proof that with a few well chosen elements, you can create a murder mystery game night that feels indulgent, atmospheric and easy to host. If you’re looking to host a 1920s murder mystery, our Murder at the Mansion game pairs beautifully with this style of setup, but these ideas work just as well for any Roaring Twenties inspired gathering.
