How to Host a 1920s Murder Mystery Party: Real Speakeasy Party Ideas from a First-Time Host
Thinking about hosting a murder mystery party but worried it won’t be the right fit? We hear the same questions from first-time hosts all the time:
What if I've never hosted a murder mystery before?
How do I know this game will be a good fit?
What if my friends are shy or introverted?
How do I convince everyone to participate?
What if nobody gets into character?
The truth is that some of the best murder mystery parties are hosted by complete beginners! Today we're featuring Stella, a first-time host who transformed her home into a glamorous 1920s speakeasy for her birthday using Murder on the High Note, our 1920s jazz-age murder mystery game. Her party was packed with costumes, poker tables, mugshot photos, and plenty of dramatic accusations, proof that you don't need event-planning experience to create an unforgettable night.
Host Your Own 1920s Murder Mystery Party with 20% off using the code CHOOSEYOURGAME
Inspired by Stella's party?
Murder on the High Note is a 1920s murder mystery game for 6-10 players (or more with investigators!) set in a glamorous jazz club filled with secrets, scandals, and suspects.
Perfect for:
Birthday parties
Roaring Twenties themed events
Game nights
First-time hosts
Groups looking for something more interactive than a traditional dinner party
Each game includes character booklets, invitations, clues, host instructions, and everything you need to run your own mystery.
Meet Stella: A First-Time Murder Mystery Host
When Stella reached out after hosting her birthday party, we knew we had to feature her experience.
"I've never had a murder mystery birthday party before, and I wasn't expecting it to be THAT successful and THAT fun! I was kind of nervous, but all the guidance I got from Foulplay Games was truly helpful! Everyone came dressed up as Broadway stars in full glam looks and gave performances that deserved an Oscar!"
If you've been nervous about hosting your first murder mystery party, Stella's experience should be reassuring. The guests didn't just participate, they fully embraced their characters.
Dressed up as Broadway stars in full glam looks with performances that deserved an Oscar
How Did the Game Go?
“Everybody loved the game.
Even before the party we were all hyped finding what to wear and studying our characters. The game was also a perfect icebreaker for the people who didn't know each other.
I was left speechless with my friends' performances. I didn't even know they were that talented at lying.
The girl who turned out to be the murderer deserved an Oscar, Emmy, Tony, SAG, Critics Choice, Nickelodeon, and Spelling Bee award!
We made deals with each other, we blackmailed each other, and we danced a lot.”
One of our favorite things about murder mystery parties is watching guests surprise themselves. We've seen introverts become scene-stealers and first-time players completely immerse themselves in their characters.
Themed decor really added to Stella’s party vibes!
5 Speakeasy Party Ideas to Steal from Stella
Looking for 1920s party inspiration? These were some of our favorite details from Stella's event.
1. Create a Mugshot Wall
Guests could pose for booking photos when they arrived, instantly getting into character and starting to think like suspects.
2. Decorate with Feathers, Pearls, and Gold
A few well-chosen decorations transformed the space into a convincing speakeasy.
3. Add a Poker Table
Nothing says Roaring Twenties quite like cards, gambling, and a little friendly deception.
4. Use Vintage Props
Stella brought out a vintage camera for photographs that looked straight out of the Jazz Age.
5. Create Character Envelopes
Custom envelopes made receiving character information feel even more immersive and special.
Fun envelopes for everyone’s character profiles
Were there any extra touches you added or fun memories or stories to share?
I had the best time decorating the house. I wanted it to be realistic so I transformed my place into a speakeasy! The only thing that was missing was Leonardo DiCaprio! I decorated my piano, I had feathers and pearls everywhere–I even had a poker table. I also found my vintage camera and used it for aesthetic pics. Lastly, I made envelopes for everyone’s character profiles, made a crime scene body outline, and I also made a mugshot wall!
A mugshot wall is an easy fun way for a quick photo
We love the mugshot wall! It’s such a fun way to get folks into character and to begin thinking about others–and themselves!-- as a suspect!
Tips for Hosting Your First Murder Mystery Party
Just have fun and enjoy it! Foulplay’s guidance is so good that you will have absolutely no problem hosting your party. Getting everyone dressed and getting the house decorated surely added a little spice so I highly recommend you to do that! In that case, just make sure you have enough time because I did everything a little last minute and it was a little rushed.
No doubt Stella’s friends felt really supported and safe in her hands, which helped encourage them to dress up and get into character even more. We appreciated Stella’s review and that she left us feedback to help make our party experiences even better. Thank you, Stella, for sharing your wonderful murder mystery party with our Foulplay community!
What Comes With Murder on the High Note?
Everything you need to host your own mystery:
✓ Character booklets
✓ Invitations
✓ Host instructions
✓ Clues and evidence
✓ Solution materials
✓ Instant digital download
No acting experience required. No complicated setup. Just gather your suspects and prepare for a night of secrets, scandals, and murder.
Ready to Host Your Own 1920s Murder Mystery Party?
Stella's party is proof that you don't need to be an experienced host to throw an unforgettable event.
With a little creativity, a great group of friends, and the right mystery, you can create a night your guests will talk about long after the killer is revealed.
