How to Host a Mystery Game
Hosting a mystery party can create an entertainment-filled evening. It will take a lot of careful planning to put the party together, to choose the appropriate guests and to give everyone plenty of time to prepare. You and your guests will have to put your costumes together, and as the host you will also have to prepare the clues. Preparation is an important part of hosting a mystery game.
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Things You'll Need
- Game directions for host
- Game directions for guests
- Written out and sealed game clues
- Props that match the mystery game's theme
- Invitations
- Costumes that match the game's theme
- Music to accent the party's theme
Instructions
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Preparing for the Party
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1
Select the theme for your mystery party, and purchase the party game pack. Choose the date you plan to host your event.
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Make a list of all the supplies you will need, including food, drinks, napkins and props. Make a list of guests who you'd like to invite. List who you'd like them to play for the game. Assign each guest a character. Copy game rules and instructions for each guest.
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Write the name of the character each guest will play on each invitation and include a list props they need to bring. Specify if costumes are required. Send your invitations out about one month in advance so guests can have enough time to plan to attend.
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Set up your decorations, the game instructions and props before your guests arrive. Check that your clues are put together and in order for distribution. Prepare any food or drinks. Put on your own costume.
Playing the Game
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Read the instructions for your game outloud after all guests arrive. Make sure everyone is clear on who they are to play. Greet your guests in character. Give your guests name tags so everyone knows who is playing who. Ensure all participants understand the rules of the game. Instruct each character to make an introduction to the group.
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Distribute the clues to the game as instructed in the directions. Ensure "reveal" or "conceal" is clearly marked so each player understands what to do.
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Solve the mystery. Discuss what everyone thought of the game, clues and what conclusions they have drawn and how they came to them.
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Tips & Warnings
Several types of mystery games are available such as pirate murder mystery, Hollywood murder mystery, haunted castle or mansion murder mystery, murder on the ocean mystery, '80s-themed murder mystery, wild west murder mystery, broadway murder mystery and medieval murder mystery.
Game packs can be purchased online or at a local toy store or party store.
Props needed for the game can include items such as the murder weapon or if you're doing a pirate murder mystery, a treasure chest. Some game packs come with these items or cards representing the various clues. If your game pack comes with prop cards, you can decorate your party with props.
After all the clues have been delivered and discussed, the solution to your mystery should be apparent. Reveal the mystery if guests are not able to solve it.
Have food ready prior to your party so while you are hosting you don't have to stop the game or ask for a time-out to prepare food. Sometimes it is easier to ask guests to each bring a side-dish so you don't have as much cooking to do beforehand.
Remember to take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the party. Hosts often feel a lot of pressure while putting on a party, and tend to forget to enjoy the party and game. Play music softly in the background to add to the game.
Clues are normally given out at intervals throughout the evening and with enough time so players are able to figure out a clue's meaning. Some clues are meant to be revealed to the entire group and others are meant to be concealed by individual players.
If you are serving alcohol at your party, be sure no one drives home intoxicated.
References
- Photo Credit The girl a magnifier a hat image by Hunta from Fotolia.com
