1920s murder mystery dinner
Anne Perius |
What is a murder mystery dinner?
A murder mystery dinner is a game for several people in which participants work together through role-playing to identify the murderer. As the name suggests, it takes place during a meal.
Providers and differences
Preparation for the host
Choose a theme and agree on a date:
First of all, the host should decide which murder mystery game they would like to play. Depending on the game, usually 5–9 players can take part. However, there are also a few large murder mystery games for 11–20 participants.
It is best to agree on a date with everyone in advance when everyone can actually attend. There are only a limited number of nonessential roles, so everyone who agrees to come should also attend. Otherwise, the host will have to redistribute roles at short notice.
Sending invitations:
Once a date that works for everyone has been found, the host sends out the character roles by mail or email (depending on the game), so that the players can start thinking about their costumes in advance. Some providers already include costume suggestions on the role booklets or cards. Ideally, this should be done at least two weeks in advance, so guests still have time to think about their costumes. Not all roles require actual costumes. A small accessory here and there is usually sufficient.
One more note about assigning roles: Generally, the genders are distributed evenly. However, that does not matter. The murder mystery dinner is only truly funny when men play women and
vice versa.
Naturally, it is nice when the invitations are designed to match the theme. There are no limits to the imagination here. The host should also check in advance whether everything is included. If any materials are missing, they must contact the manufacturer. They usually respond promptly and provide quick assistance.
Menu:
Of course, guests eat alongside the murder mystery dinner. Since most games last 3–4 hours, a multi-course meal can be served. However, the host should not disappear into the kitchen for ages. The courses should be mostly ready for each round of the game, otherwise the guests will have to wait too long. The host also cannot be absent the entire time, as their clues are just as important to the game as those of the other participants. Stay in character even during short breaks (when a participant needs to use the restroom or takes a smoking break). However, you should not exchange any important game information during these conversations. Just have a little fun with your characters.
Do not attach too much importance to the food, as this could detract from the enjoyment of the game. Nobody expects a five-course gourmet meal. Raclette or a buffet are particularly suitable. Some murder mystery dinner producers also provide menu suggestions for individual games. Perhaps the guests can help with the cooking to make things go faster? There is also no shame in ordering a pizza. Pizza and pasta are especially well suited to murder mystery dinners set in a mafia environment. For a vampire theme, blood-red dishes would be fitting.
Decoration:
When decorating the venue, you can really let your imagination run wild. If the search for the culprit takes place directly at the crime scene, bloody handprints and crime scene tape make suitable decorations. Fake blood can also be used, but keep in mind that it cannot be removed from textiles. Therefore, only use it on washable surfaces.
Depending on the theme of the game, you can of course furnish the rooms accordingly. In an old country estate, for example, you could hang spooky pictures. For a 1920s theme, old black-and-white photos can be put up.
Name cards with the characters’ names should be placed on the table so that everyone can remember the new names. This also makes it easier to address the other players and stay in character.
Prepare a Music Playlist
Not only should the decorations and food be adapted to the theme. The musical accompaniment too (if desired) can be tailored to the theme of the murder mystery dinner. However, it should really only be quiet background music, as the conversation among the
suspects is naturally the focus of the evening.
Photo Booth or Photo Corner
Perhaps one or another guest would like a souvenir photo of this memorable event? The host can consider whether it is worth renting a photo booth or whether they could simply decorate a small corner of the room for fun group photos and selfies to match the theme.
Preparation for the guest
Prepare the role
The guest at a murder mystery dinner only needs to read the information provided in advance with the invitation to know what their role is. They should also dress accordingly. It is important to discuss with the host beforehand whether a proper costume with all the trimmings is desired or whether a few small accessories will suffice. As mentioned, it naturally always depends on the game as well. When the theme is the 1920s or vampires, there is more scope for costumes than when the Meier family meets at a café.
How a game works
The Game Begins
Once all the guests have taken their seats, everyone should briefly introduce themselves in character. This is very helpful at the beginning for getting to know the other people better. Depending on the game, the game master now either reads the introductory text aloud or there is an introduction on the CD. As a rule, each player now has their own
text, which they must read silently.
The first round of discussion now begins. The aim is to establish the sequence of events surrounding the crime. Each player has received clues in their game booklet, and these should now be discussed and compared. However, some players try to keep certain things secret, such as affairs, gambling debts, or addictions.
Only the murderer may lie. However, they must be careful to do so skillfully and avoid contradicting the other players.
Once everyone agrees that this section has been discussed sufficiently, the next official section is read aloud, and the players receive new clues in their booklets. The next round of discussion then follows. These steps are repeated until it is time for the final reveal.
Solution – The Murderer Is Identified
When everyone feels that enough discussion has taken place, the murderer in the murder mystery dinner is identified. There are three different ways to do this:
1. Each person takes a turn explaining whom they think is the murderer and why. However, the disadvantage of this option is that undecided players may be influenced by those who speak before them.
2. Count to three, and everyone points at their suspect at the same time.
3. Everyone must write the name of the suspected culprit on a small note. The game leader reads them aloud, and everyone can say something more about their suspicion.
Once it has been established who suspects whom, the game leader reads out the solution. In a game with a CD, the result is played from the recording. Once the murderer has been caught, the game ends.
Depending on how much there is to discuss in each round and how the meal progresses, a murder mystery dinner can last 3–4 hours.