P.S. I haven’t hosted one yet because I have a tiny apartment but even a small get-together can ALWAYS be jazzed up to your liking, DETECTIVES! As well as being COVID-19 safe of course!
- You need to choose your theme.
It doesn’t need to be fancy-schmancy but it should be creative and fun!
A few examples for themes are masquerades, Mardi Gras, sports murder mystery, and so much more!
2. After you pick out the theme, get or create decorations.
It doesn’t need to be super expensive nor only worth a dollar. Nowadays, there is plenty of super affordable decor that you can get on Amazon, Etsy, or even your favorite stores! Or even style up items already in your house.
Example:
3. Write the party’s story.
You can either type up or write a little mini script for yourself to read to your guest or instructions for your audience to learn the rules of the game, etc!
Example: Everyone can get an intro card: explaining their characters, the setting/time period, and the mission.
Evidence cards: where you and your players get to know how close/how far you are to solving the game.
Clue Cards: basically what the name says! You have the option to include these in your game, you can give your guests/characters a few hints surrounding their environment and give them a little bit of help.
4. Choose or make up the game.
Your party, your game, your rules!
You can also even find a few games on Amazon, I recommend “Hunt a Killer.” Available on Amazon too!
Feel free to check other games here!
5. All abroad the dressing-up train!
You have the option of having everyone dress up in costumes, fancy elegant clothes, or even in purely casual. Your party, all up to how you feel works best with your theme!
6. Make sure you have interested guests/willing DETECTIVES!
First and foremost, I recommend you invite your guests through either word of mouth, text message, email, social media invites, or even fancy mail handwritten or typed invites- anything you like!
Also, in order to ensure there are no sourpusses, scaredy cats, or anyone who just flat out doesn’t want to join in on the party fun, make sure everyone knows beforehand what your party/theme/game is about.
No one is here to do anything they don’t wish and always ask for permission, reassure everyone this is for fun and to have a nice night!
Also, if you are interested in decorating your invitation, you can find free templates online or even do a simple Google search.
Examples:
https://www.greetingsisland.com/invitations/general
https://www.canva.com/invitations/templates/
7. Put your own spin on the food!
For all DETECTIVES who are foodies out there, you know that everyone who comes to a party is always seeking food and drinks.
You also have the option to cook the meal, order takeout, or get catering.
Remember, the food should align with your theme.
For example: if you have a 1950’s murder mystery dinner party, the meal and drinks can have meatloaf, baked Alaska, wine, champagne, deviled eggs. Or if you are vegan/vegetarian, you can incorporate versions of those.
8. Most importantly task: have fun and enjoy it!
What’s the point of having a dinner party if you or your guests aren’t having a good time?
Even though you have food, drinks, game cards, the theme, decorations, plenty of guests adhering to COVID-19 safety, you should always make sure you are having fun!
Detective Writer 