Murder Mystery Party Host Secret Survival Checklist

Hosting a mystery party is part showrunner, part cat-herder, and part damage-control wizard. Yes, you’ve got the game itself covered — but it’s the behind-the-scenes magic that turns chaos into a seamless, unforgettable night.

Here’s your secret survival checklist of overlooked essentials and clever tricks that will save your night when things go sideways (which they always do — in the most entertaining way possible).

It's always good to plan ahead and think of everything in advance. That way, the day of the party, you're just checking things off the list.

Emergency Murder Mystery Party Backups

Extra Seating and Table Space for Surprise Guests

Because you never know when a plus-one will magically appear. Always have a couple of foldable chairs and a spare table tucked away. Mystery parties are like magnets — they attract curious friends of friends who “weren’t going to come” until they saw the costumes. It’s way less stressful to whip out a secret backup table than to pretend the couch counts as “interactive seating.” If you are playing a My Mystery Party game, you'll have a pre-game round that attracts other people like moths to a flame.

Have 1-2 table settings ready in case unexpected 'plus ones' show up - or last-minute RSVPs.

Spare Murder Mystery Party Costumes and Accessories

For the guest who “forgot” they were supposed to be a vampire. Just have some fun props ready — a feather boa, a pipe, a wig or two, stick-on mustaches — so your street-clothes guest can transform on the spot (and stop regretting their outfit choice). Even a simple accessory instantly boosts participation. If they look the part, they’re way more likely to jump into character.

The spare costumes can be anything - photobooth style props, boas, glasses, - anything!

Backup Snacks and Drinks

Because snack shortages are scarier than any murder plot. Keep a secret stash of chips, nuts, and sodas hidden in the pantry. Hungry guests turn into cranky detectives, and nobody solves anything when they’re hangry. Bonus points if they’re grab-and-go snacks that don’t require plates or utensils — this keeps the action moving and the cleanup easy.

Have plenty of food and drink - you can't host a party without it! Hungry players aren't happy players.

A Last-Minute Guest Role Plan

So you can patch holes in your cast faster than a spell can be cast. Always have an extra character printed and ready to go. Bonus points if you’re using a game with team leaders and expandable teams (My Mystery Party has expandable team leaders that have non-suspect roles as a team, which are a lifesaver for this purpose). Even the “I don’t want to play a role” guests always cave once the fun starts. A ready backup role means everyone is engaged and having a blast — and no one stuck wandering around feeling left out.

Host Survival Tools

A Stash of Pens, Tape, Scissors, and Safety Pins

Tiny heroes that save big disasters. You will have costume malfunctions and clue card confusion — these are your backstage crew. Having these on hand keeps you from vanishing into a junk drawer while your guests wonder where their host went.

Just keep these items handy - you never know when and if you'll need them.

Notepads and Clipboards for Clue-Taking Chaos

Give your sleuths a place to scribble wild theories. Some guests will fill their investigation cards to the margins — others will create a conspiracy wall if given the chance. Let them. It keeps the energy buzzing and adds to the drama when they whip out their “evidence board” during the reveal.

Phone Chargers and Power Strips

Because nothing kills the vibe like a dead camera mid-photo. A well-timed group selfie can solve morale issues faster than you can say “alibi.” Power strips also help keep your décor lights, sound machine, and fog machine all running without a game-ending power outage.

It's 2025, and not everyone is responsible. there are going to be players show up who need a phone battery boost.

A First-Aid Kit for Heel Blisters and Paper Cuts

Party on, even when the bandages make an appearance. Murder mystery parties are glam, but bandages are practical chic. Toss in some stain wipes, too — red punch loves a dramatic entrance.

Mood and Atmosphere Enhancers

Backup Music Playlist (Offline!)

Wi-Fi is fickle, but the vibe must go on. Don’t risk dead air — or Aunt Harriet singing “Copacabana” because the silence was “uncomfortable.” Download your playlist ahead of time so the music keeps flowing even if the internet ghosts you.

If you have Wi-Fi, you can stream this soundtrack for free. But have a backup offline plan in case things go off the rails with the connection.

Extra Décor Touches to Fill Empty Spaces

No one likes an awkward blank wall in their selfies. Add some string lights, fake vines, or even create a simple photo backdrop with a halo ring light. It makes the space feel intentional and doubles as your “evidence wall.” It doesn’t need to be elaborate — just something that whispers “this is an immersive experience, not Martha's living room.” Balloons are cheap and can fill space like nobody's business!

Scented Candles or Diffusers

Set the mood — spooky, cozy, or enchanting — with a hint of magic in the air. Smell is memory’s best friend, and this is a night you want them to remember. Go subtle, not overwhelming — “mysterious forest” is great; “cloying pumpkin disaster” is less so. Don't do heavy scents around the buffet, though.

Keeping Guests Engaged

Simple Icebreakers for Early Arrivals

So the first few guests don’t just stare at the snack table or try awkward roleplaying before everyone arrives. A silly warm-up question (“What’s your character’s biggest irrational fear?”) breaks the ice and gets them into character without the cringe. Early momentum matters — it sets the tone before the rest of the cast sweeps in. Have some strips of paper in a top hat for guests to pull from. Here are some examples:

Mystery Party Icebreaker Questions

Character-Themed Starters

• What’s your character’s biggest irrational fear?

• If your character had to hide a body, where would they hide it?

• What’s your character’s most suspicious hobby?

• Which other character do you immediately not trust, and why?

• If your character won the lottery, what’s the first chaotic thing they’d buy?

Goofy and Lighthearted

• What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten on purpose?

• If you were a villain, what would your dramatic catchphrase be?

• Which object in this room could be a secret murder weapon?

• What’s the most suspicious snack on this table right now?

• Which fictional detective would instantly solve tonight’s case?

Fast & Funny Lightning Round

• Cats or dogs?

• Sweet or salty?

• Early bird or night owl?

• Ghosts: real or just drama queens?

• If you had to choose a new name right now, what would it be?

Kick off the Murder Mystery Party with fun icebreakers.

Photo Booth Props and a Designated Photographer

Because half the fun is the evidence you post later. Reuse your selfie backdrop here — hand someone your phone or camera and give them the power of official “paparazzi.” Guests love it, and it keeps phones out of everyone else’s hands during gameplay. Plus, you get a ton of content for your post-party brag montage.

The photo backdrop can be absolutely anything but a blank wall.

A Timer or Bell to Keep Rounds Moving

For when the chaos needs a gentle nudge forward. Pick a sound everyone can hear, but that won’t make them jump. (Maybe skip the airhorn.) It helps keep the night on track without making you feel like the hall monitor of fun.

Keep your timeline with you and note the time with a stopwatch (or your phone's stopwatch).

Smooth Wrap-Up Tools

Small Prizes or Awards for Fun Superlatives

“Most Dramatic Death Scene” deserves recognition. Guests will brag about even the silliest awards — a printed certificate, a plastic trophy, or a hand-painted rock. It’s not about the prize, it’s about the glory. People love leaving with a token that proves they were the star detective (or the most suspicious villain).

The awards don't have to be elaborate trophies - a printed sheet of paper that says 'you did better than the others at this thing,' is all it needs to be.

A Plan for Quick Cleanup (and Who’s Helping)

Because glitter, snacks, and confetti don’t clean themselves. Ask your bestie in advance to stay behind and help you reset reality. Don’t leave it to chance — future-you will thank present-you. Promise them first dibs on leftovers or a free clue next game. Bribery works.

Final Thoughts

The secret to a smooth mystery party isn’t perfection — it’s preparation. With these backup tools, clever tricks, and a dash of chaos tolerance, you’ll be ready for anything your guests throw at you (or spill on your rug).

Your players may be solving the crime… but you just solved how to host like a pro. 💀