Murder Mystery Party Decorating Ideas
So much of what makes a murder mystery party fun is largely determined by how successful the host/hostess can create the right mood for the theme. Generally speaking, there are two different sub-genres for this party theme: The Classic (made popular by Agatha Christie books set in the 20’s and 30’s) and The Contemporary (made popular by the CSI TV show series.) Ideas for both are provided below.
The Classic
Although The Classic is more iconic for a murder mystery party, it can sometimes be more difficult to decorate for a party as most of the classic ‘scenery’ for these types of murder mystery stories revolve around lush gardens and wealthy English manors. Not many people live in such places, however these types of spaces can be rented and some, surprisingly, are very economical. Check your local yellow pages for older mansion style homes that rent out portions of their property for private parties.
For those that are more budget minded, there are lots of options, as well. As much as possible, create a formal dining setting. Not everyone will have their own formal dining ware, however asking around to co-workers and family members can prove fruitful to borrow a set. Check online for setting the table properly. This, coupled with a nice table centerpiece, is a beautiful sight on its own, but also sets the mood for a more high end feel. If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can sew your own matching table linens and napkins with fabric purchased using a Joann’s monthly 40% off coupon (for those in the US.) For the meal, see what you can do to nab a couple volunteers to actually serve the food as the butler and maid. Your guests will love it!
A GREAT solution for finding decorations for The Classic feel is to visit your local thrift store(s). Here you can find small statues and knick knacks for simple decorating at table centerpieces. Remember, you are looking for anything Art Nouveau style (do a quick search online for this 20’s style of art and interior decorating.) Additionally, look for inexpensive picture frames that would hold a standard 8 ½ x 11 inch sheet of paper. Never mind what image it comes with, you’ll only be using the frame. When you get home, download some Art Nouveau style images and print them out in color. Put these in the frames and hang these up around the party space. The frames can also be spray painted gold for a special touch. These kinds of small touches really add up.
There are also classical items that you can collect to use as part of your table centerpiece (if not going for the formal dining setting) and overall decorating. Sherlock Holmes style oversized magnifying glass and classic study pipe fall within this category. Other items would include classic murder weapons such as a hangman’s noose rope, a toy revolver (spray painted black) and a small liquid filled jar with a label marked POISON.
If you aren’t able to fully decorate to this theme, but you can manage to scrounge up at least some items, consider concentrating them all at the entrance to your party. Have your guests walk through your entryway as though going through a time warp, of sorts. In this way, you can have a visual impact without having to decorate your entire party space.
The Contemporary
The Contemporary style might seem overly easy, but only deceptively so. As it’s set in modern day, what would you need to decorate, right? This is when you’ll need to be more creative to communicate the party theme.
Consider all the elements in a modern criminology science lab. If you are familiar with theCSI TV series, you’re already aware of a lot of them including a microscope and test tubes. Many children have juvenile microscopes given to them that are collecting dust in their closets. Ask around to see if one can be borrowed. Test tubes can be very inexpensively ordered online and can be used in decorating all throughout your party space. Lab coats can also either be worn or hung on the walls for decoration.
A crime scene can also be created as part of your decorating. Visit your local hardware store and pick up a roll of yellow CAUTION tape. This is GREAT to pick up for decorating any part of your party space, even used for party streamers. Tied around a crime scene is extremely effective. Within the space, stuff some clothes to look like a person, using a hat to cover what would be the head (unless you can get your hands on a wig to help with the disguise.) If outdoors, this scene can also be created with a white chalk line body drawn on the ground along with some fake blood next to the head area.
Another decorating approach is to provide different ‘locations’ at your party. With this, you would consider each room or area of your party as a different location within the city including (but not limited to): Crime Lab, Police Station, Back Alley, Court House, The Docks (where seedy activity often occurs) etc. Create signs labeling these different areas and refer to these names as you facilitate your party (i.e. “Let’s all return to the Crime Lab for drinks.”) As a special tip, use a hallway leading to the restroom to designate as your Alley (provide a couple empty boxes and some loose newspapers thrown about on the floor for a great touch. If anyone has a neon sign that you can borrow for this space, all the more fun!)
No matter ‘when’ your setting is for your party, there are lots of ways to create the mood for the murder mystery theme. Just remember to have fun with it and your guests will, too!
