Monthly Archives: March 2024

Pepe Roni was found, shot in the back, in his restaurant La Speranza. A murder in the neighborhood and there were 8 suspects.

Ok, not a real murder, but a murder mystery dinner party! I received this as a Christmas gift from Nate’s parents and I have been so excited to host! The party in a box comes with invitations, character books, and secret clues that get revealed throughout the evening. The party planning book has suggestions for decorations and menu, but for the most part, it’s a pretty simple concept- invite 8 friends, assign each a character, and then there are 3 rounds that include scripted dialogue, facts each character reveals, accusations each character is supposed to make, and the secret clues that get shared through the night.

I asked my neighbors if they would be interested and everyone was excited. There were 14 of us who wanted to play. The planning book said you could have more guests- they didn’t get to be characters, but could help solve the mystery. It worked out that a few people didn’t want to be characters, so I assigned the 8 roles and sent out invitations. The invitation had character descriptions- dressing up optional, but my neighborhood went all in.

I’ve been planning this party for 2 weeks. I had so many ideas for details and every idea made me happy and excited. My mom commented that the party was a lot of work- yes and no. I put in a lot of time, yes. But this is my most favorite thing in the entire world- facilitating fun, taking a theme and making it come to life. When I left camp, this was the thing I was most afraid to lose- I LOVE being creative, thinking up tiny details and making a production. The party was fun, so fun, but the preparation was just as fun for me.

The box came with a police report and clues. But when I imagined it, there was an evidence board. We knew there was a gun nearby and an earring left under the body. I’m a visual person and I imagined those things hanging on the evidence board. I crafted a giant diamond earring and printed a cardstock gun- both into evidence bags and hung on the wall.

Over the years, I’ve accumulated a lot of random hosting supplies. I also have 2 bins of “program supplies” that I use for parties or other things. Most supplies I bought for this party came from the Dollar Tree or were crafted/printed by me. The 8 main characters didn’t get their books and secret clues until the party. I put those things, along with a pen and some after-dinner mints into red envelopes. But if I went to a party and most of the guests got exciting red packets and I didn’t, I would be SO bummed out. So I scanned and re-created the books for the non-character guests so that they could follow along with the script and have packets waiting for them too.

I made menus (that looked like a restaurant menu) so everyone knew what was being served. Sean’s comment when he saw them, “you are insane. Completely bananas out of your mind.” Accurate. But also what makes me fun.

The planning book suggested having a prize for whoever solves the mystery. But what if all 12 people (not including me who knew the murderer and the murderer) solved the murder? I needed 12 prizes! I decided on boxes of pasta because it followed the theme, allowed me to have 13 prizes (one for the murderer too) and if everyone didn’t solve it, I would be left with a year supply of pasta.

I printed signs for the door (“when you’re here, you’re family” which is the Olive Garden’s slogan), the bathroom, and cheesy restaurant signs to decorate.

Xander and Augustus went to Grandma Debbie’s for the night, but Xander was pretty outraged that he didn’t get to go to the party. He decided to add to the decor of the evening with a sign on his bedroom door. He suggested I make his bedroom “the kitchen” and made a sign that said “Kitchen employees only”. He’s good with a theme and is going to be an excellent co-host when he gets a little older. Red and white checkered table cloths and flowers in olive oil bottles.

I googled italian cocktails, and had fancy garnishes to go on them. I knew tiramisu was the dessert I was going to make, but we also sampled panna cotta, orange polenta cake, and lemon ricotta cake over the last 2 weeks so that I could have a second dessert option. Lemon ricotta cake for the win!

After weeks of party prep here and there, I was mostly ready, although Saturday was a busy day finally putting it all together. Do I love a party that includes an itinerary?! Of course I do. Do I love a party that starts with me going over rules? Yes!

Everyone arrived looking amazing. I had aperol spritz (an italian cocktail), bruschetta and stuffed mushrooms to start. Then everyone got to look at their character packet and then we began with everyone introducing themselves- providing some character background. Each round had a scripted part that everyone read, followed by information that you revealed about your character. There was also an audio accompaniment to each round.

After round 1, we took a break for dinner. My house is NOT made for a sit down dinner for 14 people, but we made it work. We ate lasagna, chicken alfredo, salad and bread. There were SO many bottles of wine.

After dinner was round 2, followed by tiramisu and lemon ricotta cake.

By round 3, we’d gotten the hang of it and people were doing a great job of staying in character (including accents). I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time.

Round 3 was followed by another italian cocktail- negronis with bulldog shaped ice and a flower garnish.

After cocktails, it was time for final statements and accusations. Tara Misu, Rocco Scarfazzi and Father Al Fredo were the top suspects. In the end, only one person correctly guessed it was Andy as Bo Jalais! He was a fabulous murderer and was a very intentional choice. I knew he would be cool and wouldn’t accidentally let it slip that he was the killer. I was worried that I would be the one to slip up and spoil it, but luckily I played it cool too.

This was such a fun get-together. Every time we get together as a neighborhood, whether it’s drinks, a meal, or an activity, I always end of laughing until my cheeks hurt and having the best time. This was an entertaining way to spend a night and I was so happy everyone got into it and played along.

On the back of the book, there is an advertisement for more murder mystery boxes- everyone agrees that Mardi Gras needs to be the next party! I am already googling recipes and decor. Summer Mardi Gras garden party planning has begun!