How to Decorate for a Murder Mystery Party

When you decorate for your murder mystery party, you should create a feeling of mystery as well as set the stage for more realistic game play. Decorate with items from around your house, borrow from friends or visit a party supply store for inexpensive ways to spice up your murder mystery party.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Props required by the storyline
• Coat or hat stand, portable hanger or basket
• Crepe paper
• Heavy marking pens
• Fabric (sheets, blankets or fabric bolts)
• Music
• Small table for refreshments
• Sound equipment
• Balloons
• Seasonal decorations
• Construction paper

Decorate for a Murder Mystery Party

1. Find supplies that complement your theme. For instance, a game set in a law firm might require some office equipment, while another set at a reunion could include banners, balloons and a (makeshift) podium.
2. Use construction paper and a heavy marking pen to label the room's functions if you're hosting your party in a venue with several rooms ("Storeroom," "Kitchen"). Label any rooms that are off-limits for the game's purposes as well.
3. Use sheets, blankets or other fabric to cordon off separate areas when using one large room. You can also use material to cover any large objects that might interfere with game play or are inappropriate for the scene (such as televisions).
4. Prepare a refreshment table with snacks, soft drinks, alcohol and water for guests to serve themselves.
5. Select and label an area for guests to leave coats, purses or other items not needed for game play.
6. Use balloons or other easily identifiable markers to clearly mark the route to your party location.
7. Use a coat stand, portable clothes hanger or basket for spare costume pieces. Place the items in an area guests will have easy access to.
8. Create a playlist of music suitable to the season and era.
9. Set up any sound equipment well out of the way of the main play area. Keep music low enough for guests to converse easily.
10. Add seasonal decorations, posters or notices to walls and doors to complete your illusion.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose decorations suitable for your game's era and theme.
• Provide accessories (for example hats, costume jewelry, glasses or boas) as disguises or for guests without costumes.
• Minimize the use of candles (fire hazard) and dim lighting, which can make it difficult for guests to read.
• Never provide real or toy weapons for guests. Use pictures or index cards with a weapon name printed on them.
• If playing music, be sure the volume is low enough to allow for intimate conversation, as guests may want to whisper conspiratorially.

Who Can Help:

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