• Play "Clue" games at your party that include weapons like candlesticks.candlestick image by hannahfelicity from Fotolia.com
  
  The board game "Clue" came into being in 1948 in the United Kingdom. Over the next few decades, it gained popularity and a following in the United States. The game involves players trying to figure out who killed Mr. Body, the owner of the home in the game. Players must choose a character, weapon and room used in the event. You can play on this them for a very entertaining themed birthday party.
  
  

Decorations

• Take note of how the home in the board game and film is set up. Hang pictures in big gilded frames, refurbish an old chandelier and hang it in the entryway wrapped in battery-powered twinkle lights. Put down oriental-style area rugs; you can also make your own with old linoleum and paint. Simply paint an oriental design on the underside of the linoleum and lay it out on hardwood, stone or linoleum floors. Divide your house into the rooms from the game, adding clear elements such as bookshelves and pool cues so the guests know which room is which.
  
  

Activities

• Play a round or two of Clue, the game, before turning your party into the game itself. Get a parent, older sibling, or friend of the family to be the victim (this allows all the guests to enjoy the party). Allow guests to choose an identity and a weapon from the hat. If you have more than six guests, make up some new names and weapons. For instance, Lady Violet could have a pair of scissors and Count Gray could have a crowbar. Each guest must keep his weapon secret. The rest of the party should be spent gathering clues and trying to figure out who is the murderer. If you have time, you can wind down the party with a viewing of the film.
  
  

Food

• Set up a side table full of plastic wine glasses and brandy tumblers. Fill some crystal carafes and wine bottles with fruit juices and soda. Put out an ice bucket as well. You should also have finger foods like cheese, crackers, fruit, veggies, and dip. For the main meal, give pizza an elegant twist by topping it with chicken, peppers and other light ingredients. Serve it on plastic gold or crystal plates and instruct your guests to eat it with a fork (this can be humorous if done correctly). Dessert can be death-by-chocolate brownies or red velvet cupcakes. Top the cupcakes with red frosting, candy body parts and bones, and candy or plastic weapons. .