This year, Halloween falls mid-week, which means that people are throwing parties both this weekend and next. This is great news for those of us who feel as though October can slip away, and suddenly you’re scrambling for a costume or wishing you had done SOMETHING fun! It’s not too late, and we are masters of the last-minute celebration, so grab your Halloween-themed murder mystery party (easy-peasy) and then turn your attention to these tips to rock your food and decor, all within 24 hours.
Decor
Instant Spider Webs
Grab some black trash bags. Cut them into thin strips, pull them apart, and drape them around your space. Voila! Instant cobwebs.
Mirror Messages
Using a white board marker or lipstick, write ghostly messages or draw spooky faces on your bathroom mirrors. The message “I’m watching you” or bloody handprints can be very effective.
Floating Witch’s Hat Luminaries
Hang witch hats from the ceiling and tuck in battery-operated LED lights. The floating, illuminated hats add instant charm.
Glow-in-the-Dark Balloons
Buy white balloons and glow sticks. Crack the glow sticks, place them inside the balloons before inflating. In a dim room, these give an eerie glow. Alternatively, grab these super fun orange BALLOON LIGHTS from Amazon on one-day delivery, activate, put them in your balloons and you have instant ambience.
Guests
Digital Invites
Use online platforms like Evite, Facebook Events, or even a quick group message to get the word out quickly. Be sure to include the start time, end time, and any costume guidelines.
Dress Code
Suggest a “black attire” dress code for those who may not have costumes ready. It keeps the party looking themed and chic, even if not everyone is in full costume.
Lighting
Mood Lighting
Swap out a few light bulbs for colored ones (red or purple are great for a spooky ambiance). Or, use LED candles for a flickering effect without the fire hazard. We have used these ones to set the spooky scene for many of our mysteries
Noms
Mummy Hot Dogs
Wrap hot dogs in pre-made crescent roll dough, leaving a space for eyes. Bake as directed and then use mustard or ketchup for the eyes.
Bloody Punch
Combine red fruit juice, lemon-lime soda, and a touch of grenadine. Add a scoop of raspberry sherbet on top. For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or rum.
Candy Charcuterie
Lay out a mix of Halloween candies, chocolates, and gummies on a wooden board or plate. Add a mix of sweet and savory items like pretzels, popcorn, or cheese for variety.
Quick Guacamole Graveyard
Make or buy guacamole and spread it in a dish. Use blue corn tortilla chips as tombstones, sticking them halfway into the guacamole.
Theme
The Halloween Party Murder
This is by far the easiest Halloween mystery to pull off. It takes place at a house (like yours) and the guests can wear whatever they like, since they are going to a Halloween costume party. Download, email, and then have everyone come together to interrogate their way to sleuth bragging rights.
Murder mystery party tip!
Get the package that fits your CONFIRMED guests, not the “maybes” and “on-the-fencers”. We live this hosting life, and know that not everyone can firm up an RSVP (and let’s face it, some are just flaky… yup, we are just dropping truth today…). The packages are designed to have everyone, even if they aren’t a suspect themselves, be fully involved with the mystery, so don’t worry about anyone feeling like they aren’t involved. Trust us – most times the Sleuths have more fun than the Suspects.
Try this Hosting Hack when planning your next party, and let us know how it goes!
