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How To Host A Murder

Author: Murder Mystery  Date: 09 February 2024

The Watersdown Affair How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 1)

It is January 1936 at an English country mansion. Sir Roger Watersdown, the wealthy owner of Watersdown Beverages, Ltd., has invited several friends to a weekend party in the countryside at his mansion. But soon murder is discovered, and the friends must decide who among them committed the crime. Perhaps the answer to this crime can be found in a deeper investigation of the setting and the relationships between host and guests? How too, too awful a beginning to a country weekend. I welcome you on behalf of Sir Roger and the entire Watersdown Mansion household, and I hope your stay will be a pleasant one. As you assume the role of one of these eight characters and solve the mystery, you and your guests will enjoy hours of suspense and intrigue. All you need is a sense of humor and a light-hearted approach toward blackmail, theft and deceit. - How To Host A Murder is so much fun, it's almost criminal!

You are invited to Watersdown Mansion, home of Sir Roger Watersdown. Assume the role of one of these eight worldly characters. Imagine your home a stately English mansion as you and your dinner guests enjoy hours of suspense and intrigue. All you need is a sense of humor and a willingness to take a lighthearted attitude toward blackmail, sex, larceny, deceit and murder. The game is designed for eight adult players. Solve the mystery – discover the murderer – and prove yourself innocent of the crime. How To Host A Murder is so much fun, it’s almost criminal.

Roger S.B Astrid - Roger is Sir Roger’s log lost illegitimate son who was kidnapped in infancy by his nurse. Although planning to become an architect, he has taken advantage of a stay in Europe to indulge in a favorite hoppy, mountain climbing. Sir Roger, having discovered that Rog is his son, has made him welcome at Watersdown Mansion. At Watersdown, he called ‘Rog’ to avoid confusion.

Miranda T. Shetes - A very beautiful and talented young American actress, acclaimed for her maturing talent and classic profile. She recently portrayed Miss Hardcastle in She Bends Over to Conquer by Oliver Goldmint. This cinematic triumpg brought her before the public eye and has launched her career in serious drama. To close friends she is known as ‘Randy’.

Prosper Alvin Bates, Esquire - Sir Roger’s lawyer, personal advisor and golfing companion. He is talented golfer and his legal practice consists of handling Sir Roger’s business affairs. He is a director on the board of Watersdown Beverages, Ltd. and a frequent guest at Watersdown Mansion. Solicitor Bates’ country home, Whole-in-Won, features a private driving range and adjoins the Watersdown estate. By his friends he called ‘Pro’.

Eiaguielle R. Aminmund - Sir Roger’s confidential secretary, she is a highly talented and motivated person. Since the death of Lady Watersdown four years ago, she has often acted as Hostess at Watersdown Mansion weekend parties. She is in charge of virtually all operation at the Mansion. Because her name is so long, her friends call her ‘E’.

Dr. Malcolm K.T Praktiss - A Harlet Street physician, Dr. Praktiss is quite wealthy and Sir Roger’s personal physician. He is also Sir Roger’s frequent bridge partner at the Gribbley, the exclusive London card club to which they both belong. He is quite personable and a well-liked professional with a growing reputation as Healer to the Rich. He has never married but has many women friends. His friends call him ‘Mal’.

Dame Allison Bigh - A writer of English mystery novels, Dame Bigh has enjoyed great popularity and success since her best seller, The Knife Slices Coldly, was published 2 years ago. Since that novel, her writing has been praised for its lifelike characterization of the criminal mind. The Dame is a guest at Watersdown to gather material, and mood, for her new book. Sir Roger is a great admirer of her work. Dame Bigh is known as ‘Ali’ to close friends.

Donald J. Brooks - A city banker and Sir Roger’s nephew. At age 35, Mr. Brooks has attained a large degree of success and enjoys a reputation as a brilliant financial strategist. He has been featured recently in Banker’s Fashion News and is developing a wide range of international associations that are proving quite valuable to his career. In the family Mr. Brooks is known as ‘Donny’.

Florence Wing Brooks - The wife of Donald J. Brooks and the heiress to the fortune of The Earl and Lady Wing, both still living. Incredibly beautiful, Florence was a fashion model until her high society marriage to Mr. Brooks and was well known as the “Far Eastern Eye Shadow” girl. Since marriage, she and her husband have travelled widely. Florence exudes charm and vivaciousness. Her parents call her ‘Flo’.

Grapes of Frath How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 2)

It is June 1925 aboard a yacht in the Mediterranean. An internationally famous distributor of champagne and owner of a multi-national corporation has invited several close ``friends'' for a cruise aboard his luxury yacht. In a secluded bay in the Mediterranean, murder is discovered and it is left to the surviving guests to unravel the crime.

The Last Train From Paris How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 3)

It is June 1940 aboard a train leaving from Paris. The German troops are about to enter the city. Roads are a hopeless snarl; the trains are full with little space aboard them. Yet, to remain in the city will not be pleasant. Aboard a government train heading for the safety of southern France, a murder is discovered. The passengers (your guests) must decide who committed the crime. Certainly, the elegant refugees and the dramatic circumstances of their flight from Paris will provide the answer to this mystery. Don't be late. Miraculously, the trains are running on time. You and your guests will enjoy hours of suspense and intrigue. All you need is a sense of humour and a light-hearted approach toward deceit, larceny, sex and murder. - How To Host A Murder is so much fun, it's almost criminal!

Archaeologically Speaking, it's The Pits (AKA Matter of Faxe) How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 4)

It is June 1895. Arthur ``Art'' E. Faxe, the ecentric Englishman, has invited eight guessts to participate in an archeological ``dig'' at a site in Mesopotamia. Almost immediately, rumors circulate of an important ``find'', butt excitement gives way to dismay when murder is discovered.

The Chicago Caper How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 5)

It is September 1928 in Chicago. Coppone has vanished, mystifying police and the criminal world. There's no shortage of suspects, motives, speakeasy glamour or gorgeous flappers in this crime tale. You've been invited to S.P. Keasys place, a speakeasy near the HQ of vile gangster Hal Cappone. Just as you get there, Hal is found murdered! Dress up and take the role of one of the suspects; Molly M. Awbster (the ultimate flapper in Chicago), Ernie ("Bet A Million") G. Ambler (Chicago's outrageous millionaire), "Silky" M. Adam (owner of the The Everlay Club), Eddie ("Socks") R. Gyle (avid golfer and gambler), Malissa F. Orrthot ("Scoop" made a name for herself as crime reporter for the city's paper The Trumpet), S. Treighton Harrow (US District Attorney), Anna Maria Carlotta Sassine (traditional blues singing has earned her the nickname "Torchy"), or Billy ("The Kid") Thrower (star pitcher for the Stock Kings). Imagine your venue is a 1920s speakeasy in Chicago as you and your guests enjoy hours of suspense and intrigue but mainly humor as you solve the crime over a dinner. So much fun, it's almost criminal!

Hoo Hung Woo How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 6)

It is 8th century China at the Autumn Moon. Guests of the Hoo family have been invited to gather in the Grand Hall at Hoo House on Hoo-Hung-Woo Islands. Hoo Houses is an elegant Chinese mansion and the summer home of the Hoo family. As guests gather for an evening of reflection, poetry, and feasting, the celebration gives way to deadly dismay about hoo dunnit!

The Class of '54 How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 7)

Roley City High School Class of 1954, celebrates its fifth reunion this month with a weekend of activities highlighted by a rock & roll concert featuring the class' most illustrious graduate, Rock N. Roley. The two-and-a-half-hour performance will begin at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 15, and is expected to fill the Roley City Municipal Auditorium. "Rock has fond memories of Roley High," said the star's business manager, Joseph K. Awledge, "and he's looking forward to seeing many of his old friends again." While the Class of '54 has much to celebrate, it will not eagerly recall the outcome of the 1954 Homecoming game. The Big Game with rival Lowe Valley was lost by the Roley Rollers 24 - 21, the first ever loss to the Lowe Riders. Homecoming was also marred by the tragic death of Becky Sue Lamour, a student at Roley High who was killed near midnight after the Homecoming dance, when the car in which she was a passenger stalled on the railroad tracks at Back Road Crossing and was struck by a freight train. The driver, Rock N. Roley, escaped without injury. Reunion activities will commence at 9:00 a.m. Saturday with a tour of the new gymnasium, after which Principal R. Anton Ravon will make his remarks.

The Hollywood Premiere of Powar & Greede How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 8)

You are invited to the premiere of Powar Film Studios' latest release 'Powar and Greede'. As an important member of the production, you are a guest of producer W. Anton Power. Your guests find out that the year 1936 is curtains for a mutual friend. Dress up and assume the role of Hollywood's dominant mover and shakers: Denise N. Dayer (beautiful and talented actress and director who does not enjoy the recognition she deserves); Heidi Voltaje (one of Powar Films' newest stars); Ivonde B. Ahlone (Swedish-born glamorous star); Hackford Ryder (Hollywood's finest scriptwriter); Savoy R. Fayre (his strong British accent and elegant charm have made him Hollywood's leading man); Seldon "Sel" U. Lloyd (Hollywood's preeminent director); Stuart D. Muphin (Stu embodies the tall, dark and handsome actor); or Tatyana "Tat" Eltale (formerly a successful actress, now retired but a syndicated gossip columnist). Imagine your home is a glamorous theater banquet hall as you and your guests enjoy hours of suspense and intrigue - but mainly humour - as you solve the crime over dinner. So much fun, it's almost criminal!

Denise N. Dayer - Denise is a young actress who has not yet enjoyed the success and recognition she deserves. While she has appeared in secondary roles in a few films, she has not yet had the big break that will launch her on the road to stardom. Undoubtedly, given her obvious talent and considerable beauty, this will only be a matter of time. In the meantime, in order to keep herself as close to the action as possible, she has found work at Powar Film Studios as a Producer’s assistant, including Seldon U. Llyod and Phil M. Acher. Denise has, in fact, shown a remarkable flair for directing.

Heidi Voltäje - One of Powar Film Studios’ newest stars, Heidi was discovered by W. Anton Powar himself and is his newest protégée. She first appeared on film in Powar’s recent release, Lay of the Land, though only in a minor role. Nevertheless, film-goers across the country were electrified. “Shocking!” the Boston Bulb declared. “’Hi’ Voltäje and Powar Film Studios uncover new ground!” one reviewer proclaimed. Rumor has it that she has been given a major new role in Powar’s new film and she seems assured of a rapid rise to fame and fortune. Her nickname is “Hi.”

Ivonde B. Alohne - Born on a Swedish dairy farm, Ivonde never expected to be in pictures but, with her remarkable beauty and natural acting ability, she was destined for greatness. It was Sel U. Lloyd who first noticed her in a low-budget Italian production entitled War and Pizza. He brought her to the United States where she starred in his next production, Daze of Wynan Rosas, co-starring Savoy R. Fayre. She has starred in several movies since, including The Thick Man, a spy thriller, and is one of Hollywood’s truly glamorous stars.

Hackford Ryder - While “Hack,” as he is known in Hollywood, enjoyed a degree of critical acclaim as novelist, it was not until he came to Hollywood to write for Powar Film Studios that he achieved financial success. Having written several brilliant screenplays, including Goddess, featuring the life of the ill-fated silent screen star Sola Sivius, Hack is now acclaimed as one of Hollywood’s finest screenwriters. The leap from an impoverished, Bohemian lifestyle eked out in a Paris garret to fame and wealth has not spoiled Hack. He remains, at heart, the same down-to-earth guy he was before coming to Hollywood. Friends call him “Hack.”

Savoy R. Fayre - Savoy’s crisp British accent and graceful, elegant charm have made him one of Hollywood’s favorite leading men. Contracted to Powar Film Studios, he began his acting career with a series of minor roles, became well known for his portrayal of Arnold in the classic, The Scarlet Pimp, Arnold (co-starring Tatyana Eltale) but achieved true stardom as the butler in the movie version of Dame Alison Bigh’s thriller, The Butler, Diddit starring opposite Mallisa Ann Greede. Savoy is a hunter and a superb marksman with a rifle as well as an excellent golfer.

Seldon “Sel” U. Lloyd - As one of Hollywood’s preeminent directors Seldon has a remarkable string of cinematic successes to his credit and is so much in demand that he commands fabulous fees and can pick and choose your films. He is so influential that actors and actresses vie for the opportunity to work with him. His award-winning film, Daze of Wynan Rosas, established Ivonde B. Alohne as a star. He also directed two of the movies that made Mallisa Ann Greede famous, Tequila Mockingbird and The Butler, Diddit. Close friends call him “Sel.”

Stuart Dyron - Young and powerful-looking, Dyron is the embodiment of the tall, dark and handsome actor. He began his career in Hollywood as a stuntman, but his look and his manly style quickly earned him feature roles in several Powar Film Studio’s westerns, including The Dark Side of the Horse and The Treasure of C. Arram Audrey. In his first starring role, Dyron immortalized the character of the alcoholic birdwatcher, “Rudolph”, co-starring with Mallisa Ann Greede in Tequila Mockingbird. The film gave a tremendous boost to his career. His adoring fans call him “Stu.”

Tatyana “Tat” Eltale - Formerly a very successful actress, Tatyna recently retired to become a gossip columnist, something she has always wanted to do. As the columnist for the Los Angeles Morning Express, Tatyna is syndicated nationally and has recently been offered a radio show of her own. All of Hollywood mourned her decision to give up acting, particularly after her award-winning portrayal of the tragic silent film star, Sola Sivius, in the blockbuster film, Goddess. As Tatyna said at the time, though, “I’m a gossip first and actress second. When you’ve got a calling, the way I have, you can’t ignore it.” The public knows her as “Tat.”

The Duke's Descent How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 9)

It is September 1931 at an English country estate. The 13th Duke of Airesborne has invited his eight possible heirs to announce just who among them will be thte successor to his title. Before he can do that, however the Duke is murdered in a hot air balloon accident. The potential heirs must figure out who among them killed the Duke and the other unfortunate victims.

The Wall Street Scandal How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 10)

It is October 20, 1987 in the New York penthouse apartment of mega-rich Wall Street financier Jon K. Bonds. Jon K. has called a special meeting of the Argonaut Fund Partners to discuss the impact of yesterday's stock market plunge. The partners arrive at 6:30PM to begin their meeting but discover murder instead.

Roman Ruins How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 11)

Having mentioned your name in his Roman epic, a renowned poet invites you to a banquet for the premier recitation of his historical work. But when you arrive , you discover there's been a murder in the garden. And a priceless statue is missing. You assume the role of one of the great Roman characters listed and solve the mystery, as you and your dinner guests enjoy hours of suspense and intrigue. All you need is a sense of humour and a light-hearted approach toward deceit, larceny, sex and murder. How To Host A Murder is so much fun, it's almost criminal!

The Good, The Bad, and The Guilty How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 12)

At the request of Judge Waylon Payne, you have been invited to the public hanging of The malevolent Seven, a gang of villainous scum. But before the "festivities" begin, a murder is discovered. Assume the role of one of these Old West characters, as you and your dinner guests enjoy hours of suspense and intrigue. All you need is a sense of humour and a light-hearted approach toward deceit, larceny, sex and murder. How To Host A Murder is so much fun, it's almost criminal!

The Tragical Mystery Tour How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 13)

After finding new dimensions of consciousness writing my enlightening songs, I've decided to share this summer of love with my closest friends and invite you all on a week-long trip onboard my infamous psychedelic peace bus. I will be performing at Beefstock and you are all invited to be part of my conspiracy of love, spreading peace and sugar cubes laced with sunshine along the way. Can you dig it? We will embark on our historic journey after sharing the communal human experience of watching the first man set foot on the moon. Please join me. It'll be your best trip ever. Peace and love, Hedda Leiss As you assume the role of one of these eight characters and solve the mystery, you and your guests will enjoy hours of suspense and intrigue. All you need is a sense of humor and a light-hearted approach toward blackmail, theft and deceit. - How To Host A Murder is so much fun, it's almost criminal!

Maiming of the Shrew How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 14)

When frosty winter shall besiege thy brow, come ye, my friends, to Twelfth Night at the Glib. Such revelry the gods may still allow for foodstuffs sticking tightly to the rib. Her Royal Highness Queen Illicibeth shall with her presence deign us at our spree. With recipes of our Lady MacDeth, O verily what foods these morsels be! My lovely lady Katheter DeVane doth with me host our heavenly soiree. Her beauty driveth many men insane, but only I could steal her heart away. So join us at our genuine behest and take the blade of revelry to breast!

Saturday Night Cleaver How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 15)

You are cordially invited to shake your fool thing at a special party at the one and only Flunkytown Disco, the hottest dance club in da' Bronx. As owner of Flunkytown, you can bet I'll be your boogie man on the dance floor all night long, as I always am. With that bodacious DJ Wolfman Bob crankin' the discs it will be one hapennin' night - and, hey, superstar singer Manny Baritone has promised to stop by and sign autographs. So bring your leisure suits, gold chains and platform shoes and take the love train down to Flunkytown, where we play that funky music till you die! Be there or be square, Stan A. Live. You and your guests will enjoy hours of suspense and intrigue. All you need is a sense of humor and a light-hearted approach toward blackmail, theft and deceit. - How To Host A Murder is so much fun, it's almost criminal!

An Affair to Dismember How to Host a Murder Game (Episode 16)

A storm rages outside and the Halloween midnight buffet at the Castle Von Morgue is about to commence. Your host Neville Aster-Night is nowhere to be seen. As you all gather in the mourning room, the head servant apprises everyone of her master's murder. As you assume the role of one of these ghoulish characters and solve the mystery, you and your seven dinner guests will enjoy hours of suspense and intrigue. All you need is a sense of humour and a light-hearted approach toward deceit, larceny, sex and murder. - How To Host A Murder is so much fun, it's almost criminal!

How does a murder mystery party work?

How to Host a Murder Party Game

One type of party that has been gaining a lot of recognition lately is the murder mystery party. It gives guests something to mingle with each other about, and they get to use their minds to figure out sometimes difficult puzzles. Not only that, but there’s a lot of excitement and such that also comes along with a murder mystery party. Let’s take a quick look at how you can put together a murder mystery party for your family and friends and what you need to think about in order to do so effectively.

Who, What, Where, When, How?

These are the words that are often associated with solving a crime, but they are also the things that you need to consider when you’re looking at putting together the murder mystery party as well. First off, who are you going to invite? Many murder mysteries are meant to be adult parties, but some of the kits that you can find make it so that you can include teenagers in on the fun as well. Think about your audience and how you want to reach them.

The “what” is already done, but what about the where and the when? Where do you want to host the party? You want to make sure that it is somewhere that has plenty of space for people to walk around and for teams to work together, but you want to make sure that you aren’t going to get interrupted by things like loud music or other interruptions that can make the whole thing difficult. Of course, the where may also determine the when – if you do it in an area with outside seating, you may not want to do it in the dead of winter. What time of day do you want to do it? Do you want to do it in the evening to get a bit of a creepy feel, or do you want to do it during the day? It’s all up to you as the host.

Last but not least, you want to figure out the “how.” What are you going to use? Are you going to put everything together yourself, or are you going to use a kit that another company has produced in order to throw the party that you want to throw? Either option is fine, it just depends on how much work you want to put into it and whether or not you have ideas to take care of it.

Other Thoughts

If you’re doing a party where people are getting up and moving a lot, make sure that the food is easy to eat; finger foods and hors d’oeuvres are usually great choices. Also make sure that people at least are comfortable with one another, and that you have all the supplies that people will need in order to work together. This is where a kit, like we mentioned above, would be a good idea – they will give you everything that you need in order for your murder mystery party to be a big success.

So, there are a lot of options for you to consider if you are looking to host a murder mystery party. If you’re looking for a website that may be able to help you out, go and check out murdermystery.com.au. They’ve got a comprehensive party kit that you can use and have fun with, no matter how big or small your murder mystery party may end up being. Most of all, make sure that you have a great time, even as the host! Check it out today. 

Congratulations on purchasing your Murder In A Box Premium Edition game! This information is designed to guide Party Organisers (that’s you!) through the preparation process, all the way to a great event. 

Your Murder In A Box Premium Edition party will be a fantastic night of interactive sleuthing.  These suggestions are designed to help make your night as fantastic as possible.

What how to host a murder mystery party game should I get?

Below are our fabulous themes. Click the game image to get all the gossip!

How does a murder mystery party work?

How to host a murder mystery party!

Three weeks before your party:

Identify Everything

From the contents sheet (printing guide for downloads) identify each item and make sure it’s all there.  Note that you can read “The Presenter’s Handbook” but do not read “The Full Story” or “The Clues” (unless you are the presenter) as this identifies the murderer.

Read This Information Thoroughly

It’s really important that you read this guide thoroughly, and you may like to use a pen and paper and make some notes as you go.

Select your presenter

When you are deciding how to host a murder mystery party the presenter will make a big difference. Either a hired host, yourself or one of your most outgoing friends will need to be your presenter.  This person will facilitate the event and their job is to lead the action, keep everything running smoothly and help people have a great time.

• Anyone can do this, but we particularly recommend someone who:
  • Is outgoing, friendly and loves the spotlight
  • Has a big voice and can hold attention
  • Is willing to dress up, get into character and set a great example
  • Will have the time to spend 2-3 hours preparing for the party
  • Ideally, has some experience in acting, public speaking or facilitating groups

You can certainly be the presenter yourself but keep in mind that it is an extra job in addition to being the party organiser, which will require its own preparation.  We strongly recommend you only take on both roles if you feel like you’ll have plenty of time to devote to it and don’t mind being busy at the party. 

If you do not know anyone who would like to be the presenter, why not hire a local actor to do it for you?  Otherwise the Murder In A Box web site murdermystery.com.au has a list of experienced hosts in your area.  If you are expecting 40 or more guests, we recommend that you ask someone to assist the presenter.  Please give the presenter the “Presenter’s Handbook” ASAP!

Select your venue

You can hold your party almost anywhere that you could hold an ordinary function or party.

• The advantages of holding your party at home are:
  • It’s free!
  • You have complete control over the space
  • You can easily set up in advance
  • You can use several rooms throughout the night

• If you are going to hold your party at a function venue such as a hotel or restaurant, we recommend you select a venue that:
  • Is a totally private function room, ie:  not a restaurant with other patrons
  • Has plenty of room for guests to move around
  • Is very quiet – what would it be like with a band playing next door?
  • Has staff who understand what you will be doing and are happy to work with your plans

Understand the characters and groups

Each person at your party will be playing an individual character and will be given a character name badge at the party.  We recommend that you don’t allocate characters until the night.  This means if guests can’t make it the game won't be affected.

Your guests will work in roughly 4 to 7 groups of about the same size. You can decide how you want to break people into groups before the party or the presenter can split people up into groups at the party (recommended).

Send out your invitations

Your invitations explain to your guests that they have been invited to a Murder Mystery Night and provide costume suggestions.   Print or email the invitations provided online murdermystery.com.au/myparty (even if you have already verbally invited your guests) so they know what to expect.  We have included electronic invitations to save you time.

Collect RSVPS

Collecting RSVPs is always important for planning any function. However as we suggest putting people into groups on the night, it shouldn’t be a problem if some of your guests can’t make it at the last minute or if extras turn up.

Leading up to the big day…

Decide on your food and drinks

• Your food and beverage choices will depend on your budget, your venue and your individual preferences. However, please note the following:
  • Light “finger food” is ideal during the event.
  • If you have to have a sit down meal it is best to play our game before or after the meal.
  • If you do wish to have a full meal, please eat before or after the entertainment as stopping half way through tends to detract from the night.
  • If you feel inspired, why not try some theme-based food? It adds to the atmosphere and interest. This can include what you serve, what you call it and how you serve it.  Use your free murder themed recipe book for ideas.
  • Try not to allow guests to drink too much too early or things may well lose their way…

Speak with your presenter

Check in regularly to make sure your presenter has read their notes and is well prepared.  Offer to help them rehearse and confirm what you will be providing.

Encourage Costumes

Costumes are an important part of the build up to you party and great outfits will really enhance the event!  It is up to you to encourage your guests to dress to fit the theme and offer your help if they need it.  Costume suggestions are on your invitations.

Decorate!

Decorating your venue creates a great atmosphere and can make all the difference to your event.  You can do as much or as little decorating as you like and there are plenty of low cost ways to transform your space.  If you do wish to decorate, use the “Decoration Ideas” sheet to get you started and allow plenty of time to set up on the day of your party.

Final things to think about

Here are a few final things to think about to make your event extra special:

Music

Background music can really enhance the atmosphere!  Try to choose music which suits your theme and ensure the stereo is in easy reach for the presenter to adjust the volume.  MP3.com, itunes and other online music sites are a great way to get music.

Set up

• It is a good idea to visit your venue in advance and plan what will go where and how you will use existing furniture. For example:
  • Where is the best gathering space?
  • Where is a good place for the presenter’s materials?
  • Where should the groups gather?

Microphone

Most groups do not need a microphone but it can be a big help if you have more than 40 guests or if you are using a particularly large venue.  If in doubt, ask your presenter if they’d like one.

On the day:

Venue set up

• Get some friends to help set up your venue, checking the following things:
  • Decorate to suit your theme.
  • Clear your main room as much as you can to make plenty of space.  Put chairs around the edge of the room.
  • Close off any rooms that you do not want used. Why not use theme-specific signs on the doors e.g. “Marilyn’s Powder Room - Keep Out”.
  • Put away any delicate or valuable items for protection.
  • Confirm with the venue owner exactly what part of the venue you will be using.
  • Identify your central area which all the guests can gather in at once.

Set up your presenter's area

This should be easy for the presenter to access from their central “presentation area” and should contain all the items provided in your Murder In A Box Package.  Use the “Contents Sheet?” to ensure you’ve included everything. 

Bring everything!

Never assume your presenter doesn’t need an item.

Relax and enjoy

This is the most important part! Remember the guests will be more likely to have a good time if you do!  Let the presenter work their magic and let the mystery unfold.If you don't know how to host a murder mystery party then you can relax. Our how to host a murder mystery party games contain everything you need.

If you have any questions contact us on the contact us link at the top of this page.