Planning a murder mystery party can be such an adventure, but it’s easy to overlook a few small yet essential items in all the excitement. Trust me, I’ve been there, frantically running around the house minutes before guests arrive, realizing I’m missing a few key things.
So, to help you avoid that last-minute panic, I’ve put together a checklist of those little items that are oh-so-easy to forget!
1. Envelopes
You'll need plenty of envelopes for the handouts during each round. If you're hosting a 12-person party, aim for at least 36 envelopes to cover three rounds — that's one envelope each for character summaries, starting objectives, and post-murder objectives for each guest. We've definitely found ourselves scrounging for envelopes at the last second, so having more than enough on hand will keep the game flowing smoothly.
2. Pens
This one might sound obvious, but pens can be easy to overlook. At the end of the night, your guests will need to vote for who they think the murderer is and nominate their fellow guests for awards by writing down their names on accusation sheets. Make sure you have plenty of pens to go around—we always keep a few extra just in case!
3. Snacks
Solving a murder mystery is hard work, and you don’t want your guests running out of steam halfway through. I always like to have a good spread of snacks to keep everyone’s energy up. Think finger foods that are easy to grab in between rounds.
4. Detective Props
This one’s optional, but it can really add a fun twist to the night. I’ve found that having a few detective props on hand—like a magnifying glass or a detective hat—helps transition the murder victim into the detective role smoothly. It’s those little touches that make the experience memorable and helps your victim guest transition into their next character with confidence!
5. Music
Nothing sets the mood like the right playlist. I’ve curated a few Spotify playlists to match different themes, and I always make sure there’s a speaker around. You don’t want to be stuck with awkward silence, right? Side note, all My Mystery Kits games come with a playlist, like this one for our 70s Disco Mystery.
6. Safety Pins and Tape
These are for attaching name tags to clothes. I’ve learned the hard way that sticky labels don’t always do the trick, especially if people are moving around a lot. Safety pins and tape are a lifesaver here!
And, of course, don’t forget to print off all the documents from your kit and set up your themed decorations to bring the night to life.
With this checklist, you’ll have everything you need for a successful and unforgettable murder mystery party. So, take a deep breath, get organized, and get ready for a night filled with intrigue and fun!