Are you a fan of mystery novels? The game Clue? The hit show “Only Murders in the Building?” Ever dreamed of becoming a detective yourself? As a party stylist with a penchant for dramatic flair, I recently set out to create an immersive Murder Mystery party for my teen daughter and her friends that would keep them all entertained and on the edge of their seats. If you’re planning your own mystery bash, read on to uncover the set up that made this party into a pulse-pounding, unforgettable hit!
P.S. I got most of my supplies for this party at Oriental Trading. You can find many of them on my LTK post!
How to Set up a Murder Mystery Party
Decorations
The most impactful part of this party, outside of the murder mystery itself, is the decorations. These help to set the scene and allow everyone to get into their detective characters! I found so many good props and decorations for this in Oriental Trading’s mystery party supply section. First, I placed a body outline decal on the floor in the main party area, along with some footprint decals. Whose footprints are they?! Guests will need to follow the clues to find out! I used yellow evidence tents to add a more official look to these “clues”.
Another great addition to the décor was a set of card stock wall cutouts that formed a clue board and pretend map of the area. It’s tied together with red string, which definitely adds the feel of a complex plot!
I also used a “City Morgue” body bag decoration underneath a barcart full of favors and sweet treats (more on those in a bit). Yellow caution tape is also an easy and fun way to create the look of a crime scene!
Oriental Trading’s supplies also included themed stands with cutout letters asking all of the important questions in an investigation, the main one being “WHO?”. These are perfect for table centerpieces or décor on dessert, favor, or gift tables.
I used additional themed props, like a card stock candelabra and a pretend gun as additional murder mystery party decorations and “evidence”.
Table Setting
The main table in the room served as the dining area and the work station!
I used “Who Done It?” plates, and added black plastic utensils and clue-themed napkins. Then, I gave each place setting some sun glasses, a detective badge and nametag, and some fun fake mustaches for undercover detective work,
Each setting also got a clipboard and necessary detective tools for searching for clues and dusting for fingerprints!
For the actual murder mystery game, you can find many options online that provide everything you need for an entertaining mystery challenge! I used one from Oriental Trading called “Murder of a Millionaire”.
Photo Booth
Guests will surely want photos to remember this party, so a photo booth is a must. I used a mugshot backdrop on one wall, and a “Who Done It?” banner on another for multiple options for fun photos.
An “Inmate #” sign is the perfect prop to make the mugshot photos look real! My daughter and her friends loved the results of their mugshot photoshoot.
Another great idea is to have an instant camera handy – you can take mugshots, print them, and then hang them on the “Suspects” wall!
Clues
The official clues were provided as part of the game, but I wanted to enhance the look of them and bring them more into the party by displaying them surrounded by an array of themed decorations. I used cake stands and props, and added signs for each room so the party felt more like a giant came of Clue – Colonel Mustard, in the dining room, with the candlestick!
Desserts & Favors
I used realistic-looking “Confidential Evidence” bags as favor bags to help the guests take home all of their detective supplies.
As a sweet reward for solving the murder mystery, I served vanilla cupcakes with a “bloody” red topping and stabbing knife cupcake toppers! These were served on “Crime Scene” dessert plates.
Crafting this Murder Mystery party reminded me that the magic of any event lies in the details. With the perfect blend of mystery and the right décor, it’s easy to turn a simple gathering into an unforgettable journey into suspense!
Happy Partying!
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