How to Host a Murder Mystery Dinner Party That Is Fun and Elevated

You’ve seen it done on TV shows and maybe even attended a professional event, but have you ever wondered how to host a murder mystery dinner party of your own? It’s easier than it looks, and between the creepy vibes, dramatic reveals, and chaotic laughter, the night basically writes itself. We reached out to a few event planners for the step-by-step rundown on throwing the sort of murder mystery dinner your friends will be talking about for years to come. 

What Is a Murder Mystery Dinner Party? 

Murder mystery parties are an interactive role-playing event where dinner and cocktails are served. Each has its own spin; some are super glamorous, while others are more low-key. Whatever the aesthetic, each guest receives a character, backstory, and secrets before the dinner, and the details are slowly revealed as each course is served.

"Through the evening, with breaks in between courses, clues are revealed, alliances form, questions are asked, and everyone tries to identify the 'killer' before the final reveal," explains Vanessa Gordon, lifestyle expert, event planner, and founder of East End Taste.

She adds that these events are brimming with photo opportunities and that they’re surprisingly affordable, as most of the planning goes into the story's creativity and pace. Additionally, they’re a great way to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Don't Miss

The Pre-Dinner Party Cleaning Checklist Every Host Needs

12 Small Details That Can Elevate Any Dinner Party, According to Martha

How to Host a Murder Mystery Dinner Party

All in? Here’s how to plan your own murder mystery dinner. 

Step 1: Choose a Game and Theme

First, you need to choose a theme for your murder mystery party, such as a specific era or setting. "What I love about these events is how customizable they are. Most often people gravitate to the 1920s or '50s, but I love a good modern-day era," says Gordon.

Then decide whether you want to create your own game or buy one. Some people come up with their own storyline (perfect for writers or creatives), but you can also purchase pre-made murder mystery games that come with all the story details and character backgrounds. "There are tons of pre-made murder mystery kits available online—many with digital versions—but if you’re feeling creative, writing your own story is a fun twist," says Olivia Pollock, etiquette and hosting expert for Evite.

Whether you buy a game or create your own, ensure each guest is assigned a character description, clues, and objectives before the party begins so the game flows smoothly.

Step 2: Send the Invites 

Once you’ve got your characters figured out, you can send your invitations along with all the character backgrounds. "I always recommend sending invites at least five to six weeks in advance," says Hank Stampfl, event planner and founder of Revel Rouge. "This gives guests plenty of time to really dive into their characters: to plan their costumes, research their roles, and get into the spirit of the era."

After all, the highlight of a murder mystery is that no one shows up as themselves; everyone steps into an entirely new persona for the night. Encourage your guests to really lean into it by dressing the part, putting on the accents, and having a great time. This really breaks the ice, too.

Step 3: Decorate and Set the Scene 

In the days and hours leading up to your party, make it your mission to set the scene. Pollack says to lean into whatever your theme is and take liberties. "If it’s a vintage mystery, lean in with a dinner only lit by candlelight, lots of velvet, and old books scattered around for ambiance. If you’re hosting a more modern crime scene, sleek and 'cold' table settings with dramatic—and borderline harsh—lighting would really amp up the theme," she says. "For any dinner party, but especially a murder mystery, lighting, décor, and music go a long way to making the night one to remember."

Gordon adds that little details can also make for fun touches. Maybe it’s a magnifying glass, polaroids, or "the weapon."

Step 4: Serve Some Excellent Food 

The type of meal you serve is your prerogative. Gordon says the meal should ultimately match the pacing of the event. This might mean a grazing board and dessert table or family-style seated dining.

Stampfl says that a coursed meal can help keep momentum going. For his events, they "typically design it as a full three-course dinner. Between each course, the butler delivers sealed envelopes with clues, tips, and twists for each guest. It keeps the suspense building beautifully throughout the meal," he says.

That said, there are plenty of versions that work wonderfully as a cocktail-style evening. You can serve passed hors d’oeuvres or heavier small plates that allow guests to mingle freely while staying in character.  

Step 5: Reveal the Killer 

At the end of the night, gather everyone together to share their final accusations and reveal the murderer. Depending on your style, you can read the official solution from the game kit or unveil it dramatically. 

Along with revealing the killer, take some time to recognize players who really put on their sleuthing hats, stayed in character, or added to the fun. Some hosts like to give out small prizes, but that’s up to you. Gordon says she always loves to give everyone a yummy take-home treat, like chocolate-covered nuts, brownies, popcorn, or perhaps a snack that ties into the theme of the night.