A successful dinner mystery party doesn't just take place. It takes planning and a simple commitment to just have a great time. With a little preparation, it's not difficult to turn your mystery theme into a dinner party that you and your fellow partygoers will reminisce about when you recall the best party you ever attended. Here are the three things you have to get right to turn your dinner mystery party into the happening of the year:

• The Dinner


• The Mystery


• The Party

Not what you expected? Muck up even one of these, and you and your fellow partygoers will be wishing you were someplace else, anyplace, rather than at a dinner mystery party that just isn't happening. So, follow these simple steps:

The Dinner
Two things: To begin with, determine what menu is authentic for the theme. Next, what type of menu will free you from the kitchen so you can mix with your guests? Be candid with yourself. Don't decide on a menu that will require so much effort that you're too tired to socialize. Remember, the purpose of a party, any party, is entertainment.

Mystery game kits often contain a dinner menu. If you're creating your own mystery game plan, ask your dinner guests to supply a dish. It's a great way to nudge your guests into co-creating the atmosphere of the evening prior to their arrival.

If you would prefer doing all the work yourself, remember: take as good of care of yourself as you do your guests. Simplify your menu, begin early, or cater.

The Mystery
Your first responsibility, if you decide to accept it: watch over the mystery. Participants only need to know what they need to fulfill their position. So that's all you tell them. Don't wreck the evening by giving away the mystery.

Envision the show you want to produce. This is your vision. If the objective is to have fun, consider who you know that will buy into your vision. Superior casting will make your evening unforgettable; inferior casting could cause it to be memorable in "a whole nuther" manner.

Choose roles for participants, or request that your dinner guests select their own. Each option has its supporters. If you decide who plays the characters, you maintain more say over the quality of the game. Still, permitting your players to select their favorite two choices gives them a chance to attempt something out of their comfort zone. This simple decision could let some guests find completely new insights into themselves during the mystery. How fun!

If you allow guests to identify their two choices, make it clear that you can't promise they will get their selection. If possible, make an effort to grant guests one of their preferred parts.

The Party
Above all else, have fun. Build in ways to keep yourself and your friends rooted in the mystery and connected to other players. Keys to a fun time:

1. Invite participants you feel will enjoy the challenge of the game. Put together a fantastic blend of "live wires" and thoughtful players. Both types have unique talents that will make the game more fun.



2. Transform your residence into the playground in which your mystery takes place. Make your dinner guests feel like they have stepped into a different time from the minute they knock at your door.



3. Make it a costume party? If you look like a time traveler, it's more natural to play the game like one. Help your guests with costuming ideas. If you acquire a mystery game kit, it might have costuming ideas.



4. Props anyone? Props provide participants something to do. Props also provide participants pointers to help them work out the mystery. Search around the house or visit your local thrift shop for the right props; you'll probably find exactly what you need.

There, you have it - tips for creating the perfect dinner mystery party. A fun little dinner, a mystery to challenge the mind and stir the competitive spirit, and a not-soon-forgotten party. Throw in great friends and guests and you can't miss.

Here's to a dinner mystery party you and your guests will always remember.



Copyright 2012 Mardi Arnold. All Rights Reserved.