How to Host a Murder Mystery Birthday Party
- 1). Decide on a theme for the party. Keep in mind the interests and personality of the friend who you are planning the party for. The party itself is part of her birthday present. Find a theme that you know she will enjoy. Keep in mind the sort of character she would like to portray and what style of clothing she would enjoy wearing for the party.
- 2). Purchase a murder mystery kit related to your theme. Murder mystery kits are available online or at local retail stores. The murder mystery kit comes with all sorts of items such as printed maps, police reports, a list of characters and instructions. The kit provides a detailed structure for the game. A good online source for mystery party ideas for children is birthdaypartyideas.com.
- 3). Put together a guest list. Read the instructions for the game, and determine the number of characters needed to play the game. Murder mystery games typically require between six to eight players. However, don't be afraid to add to the number of characters if your guest list is larger. Tweak the game to meet the needs of the party.
- 4). Send out invitations. Create attractive invitations that reflect murder mystery theme of the party. Make sure the guests know that it is a birthday party as well. The invitations should include the time, date and location of the party. Tell the guests how they should dress. A fun thing to do with the invitation is to assign a role or character to the guest, and he can dress accordingly. For example, if the party is a Sam Spade/Humphrey Bogart style theme, the male guests can wear fedoras and suits and ties, and the female guests can wear 1950s-style evening gowns.
- 5). Decorate your home or the venue for the party. Select decorations that reflect the murder mystery theme and that celebrate your friend's birthday as well.
- 6). Plan a menu for the party. Plan a menu that fits the theme of the party. Start out with cocktails and appetizers. Having a butler serving drinks and dinner is a nice touch. Don't forget the birthday cake.
- 7). Take photographs of everyone in character. The photograph will be a cherished memento for everyone who attends the party.
