Picture this: feather boas draped across velvet chairs, jazz softly playing in the background, and a sultry candlelit glow that hints someone in the room is hiding a deadly secret. Welcome to your very own 1920s speakeasy murder mystery party—where the champagne flows (secretly), the guests sparkle, and the killer blends in perfectly with the crowd.

What this blog covers:

• Mood-setting 1920s decor ideas
• Lighting and ambiance tips
• Tablescape and prop inspiration
• It’s not a speakeasy without a bar!

With ’20s-themed shows like Death of a Gangster, the immersive vibe is built in. Add a few Prohibition-era touches to your venue, and suddenly, your party feels like it stepped out of a noir novel and onto your Instagram grid.

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Set the Scene with 1920s Speakeasy Style

The backbone of any Gatsby-worthy party is atmosphere. You want your space to whisper secrets and champagne bubbles. Think vintage glamour meets underworld mischief.

Decor must-haves include:

• Black and gold color palette (with splashes of red for mystery)
• Beaded curtains and Art Deco patterns
• Velvet drapes or lace table runners
• Jazz posters, faux liquor crates, and vintage photo frames
• Feather plumes and faux pearls on every surface (bonus if they’re in glass vases)

You’re not just throwing a party. You’re stepping into a Prohibition-era crime drama. The décor should ooze secret entrances, shady deals, and flapper flair.

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Dim the Lights and Dial Up the Drama

Let’s face it—murder looks better in moody lighting. Candles, Edison bulbs, and string lights are your best friends. The dimmer, the deadlier (as long as no one is tripping over their own Oxfords while interrogating).

Lighting tips for full immersion:

• Use table lamps with fringe shades
• Hide LED candles inside empty liquor bottles
• Set up a soft spotlight on your “crime scene” reveal
• Add colored bulbs (amber or red) for a more sultry speakeasy glow

Bonus: Soft lighting makes everyone’s costume look amazing in photos, even the culprit.

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Prop Up Your Mystery with Statement Pieces

Sure, your guests came for the thrill of a murder mystery, but props and tablescapes seal the deal. You want them investigating and Instagramming all night long.

Clue-worthy décor ideas:

• Typewriters with staged “blackmail” letters
• Suspicious-looking suitcases, broken glasses, or lipstick-smeared napkins
• A “Mugshot Station” backdrop for guest photos (hint: we can provide this if you ask!)
• Fingerprint kits or magnifying glasses as table favors

The right props will get your guests into character faster than you can say “whodunnit.”

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How to Whip Up a Speakeasy Bar That’s the Bee’s Knees

Every roaring party needs a bar that looks like it was smuggled in the back of a Model T. Whether you’re serving hooch or mocktails, the speakeasy bar should feel a little forbidden, a little fabulous, and totally on theme.

Here’s how to make yours sparkle (without tipping off the fuzz):

• Disguise it, darling: Use a bookcase, armoire, or rolling cart and decorate it with faux books, hidden compartments, or “closed” signs. Bonus points if it opens with a secret password.
• Stock up on vintage glassware: Coupe glasses, cut-crystal tumblers, and etched decanters scream sophistication. Your Aunt Linda’s punch bowl from 1973? Not quite.
• Mix up Prohibition-style cocktails: Think Bees Knees, Sidecars, French 75s, and mocktail versions too. A lavender lemonade in a coupe glass still hits just right.
• Add an “illicit” menu board: Chalkboard signs with clever drink names like “The Alibi,” “Giggle Water,” or “Corpse Reviver” keep guests intrigued (and sipping).
• Don’t forget your bartender: Whether it’s a hired hand or a costumed cousin, a bartender in suspenders or flapper fringe keeps the vibes going and the drinks flowing.

This bar setup not only fuels the fun—it gives your guests a reason to linger, eavesdrop, and gather clues. Because in a murder mystery, the best secrets always spill near the booze.

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Ready to Party Like It’s 1929?

If you want a party that makes headlines (without actual police involvement), let The Murder Mystery Company handle the crime scene setup. Their shows are immersive, hilarious, and the opposite of cookie-cutter. Whether you’re decorating a ballroom, a basement, or your best friend’s Airbnb, they’ll help turn it into a 1920s speakeasy dripping in secrets and style.

Call 888-643-2583 or fill out a contact form on the page you’re viewing now to start planning a murder mystery party game that guests won’t stop talking about.