Crime fiction has a long history. The first fictional detective, even preceding Sherlock Holmes, was C. Auguste Dupin from the Edgar Allen Poe short story “Murder in the Rue Morgue.”

Ever since then, many people have become fascinated with crime fiction. This is one of the many reasons why the murder mystery party has exploded in popularity. What is a murder mystery dinner party? This is when players solve a fictional murder using clues and some teamwork.

If you’re an amateur detective, online game/murder mysteries are a great way to unwind.

But how do you host the best murder mystery dinner party game? Here are two ways to host a murder mystery dinner party and other tips to know.

What Is a Murder Mystery Dinner Game?

A murder mystery party is an event where party guests work together to solve a murder.

In many games, each participant plays a character and one of them is the murderer. Many participants make a big event out of these parties, such as dressing up in the wardrobe of the time period and even acting out their characters.

Are murder mystery party games ideal for a younger audience too? You can find family murder mystery dinner party games that are suitable for players of almost all ages.

Traditionally, these groups would meet in person and have dinner while solving a murder mystery. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option during the COVID-19 pandemic. Later in the article, we will discuss options to host detective mystery games online.

How Many People Can Play?

The number of people that play depends on the game and the characters you have to assign. Most games are murder mystery dinner party games for 8 players. With that being said, hosts usually have flexibility in choosing the number of people they invite. There are murder mystery dinner games for 10 players — you can even invite as many as 20 people!

It’s recommended that several people play because murder mystery parties are a wonderful way to meet new people. Your guests can improve their team-building skills and learn other lessons. 

Keep in mind, you may have no-shows as well as mo-shows (more people showing up than you expected). Because of this, it’s important to be flexible with your characters and your story. Always have more costumes and props available so everyone can participate.

While hosts don’t have to participate, you should be ready to participate in case you have too few guests.

2 Ways to Host a Murder Mystery Party

As you figure out how to plan a murder mystery party, it’s important to know what your options are. Traditionally, participants will meet at the host’s house or another space. But now, virtual murder mystery parties are increasing in popularity. Here’s more information about the 2 ways to host a murder mystery dinner party.

1. In-Person

In-person is the most classic way to host a dinner and murder mystery party. If the host has a big home, they can invite all participants over to gather in a large room or even the backyard. You can also rent a place, such as a restaurant or another space, to host your party.

As stated previously, you have flexibility when choosing how many guests you invite. Just be sure you have extra costumes and props to assign in case more show up!

Many hosts go all out with the decorating to match the setting of the story. Era-themed murder mystery games are also popular because your guests dress up as characters from the era. 

2. Online

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing participants from hosting traditional in-person murder mystery parties. This is where murder and mystery games online come in.

You host your party via a virtual platform such as Zoom. You create the event, select a time, and send the invite to your guests. When everyone signs in, you can start the event.

Virtual murder mystery parties are similar to traditional ones.

Everyone is assigned a character and will gain insight into their character and their goals for the game before it starts. Because of this, all participants should use separate devices and play in a room separate from others (in case you and someone you live with are both participating).

Unlike traditional murder mystery parties, Zoom has a limit on the guests that can be in the chat. Host murder mystery dinner party games for 8 to 10 players at the most.

If you’re hosting a murder mystery game online, all participants will have to watch a video before the game begins.

Once the game begins, guests can talk among each other in a “breakout room” where they solve clues.

Do guests have to eat? Even though these are technically dinner murder mystery party games, eating isn’t a requirement. Leave it up to your guests and let them decide if they want to pig out or focus on the game.

What about dressing up? Since you’re home, it’s understandable if you want to wear your PJs. But feel free to dress up and use any props you want.

Suggestions for Murder Mystery Dinner Party Food

Another thing to think about as you figure out how to host your murder mystery party is what food should you serve? The food and drinks you encourage your guests to consume during murder mystery online parties depends on your preferences and what your guests like.

If you’re stuck, here are some popular options:

• Cocktails (if you and your guests are over the legal drinking age)
• Appetizers
• A popular entrée
• Dessert

Always ask your guests about their dietary preferences and food allergies. For best results, offer different options so everyone can find something they like.

Host a Murder Mystery Party!

If you’re looking for a fun way to connect with loved ones, try hosting a murder mystery party. The best murder mystery dinner party games have a story, everyone is assigned a character, and the guests work together to find the murderer.

Even though there are some setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can host an engaging and fun virtual murder mystery party with your loved ones.

Does hosting a murder mystery party sound difficult? Don’t worry, we can help! Our team will help you with everything from costume suggestions to figuring out the perfect themed party for your group of friends. Click here to find out more information about how we can help you throw a murder mystery party your guests will never forget.