"My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other people do not know."
-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventure of the Blu
This murder mystery party was a blast! Come see how I set up and executed (pun totally intended) a murder mystery dinner for 20 teens in my house, complete with hidden clues, a detectives board, and an incredible dinner!
For the last year, my 12 year old has been obbsessed with the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Specifically, anything Sherlock Holmes. So in honor of his 13th birthday, along with my love of literature themed parties, I decided to throw him the biggest bash ever! (With a side of murder.)
Although the party was mostly my invention and imagination, the murder mystery game was purchased from a website. Here is the synopsis (and link) of the game off of the website MyMysteryParty.com:
"Sherlock and Watson are hosting a dinner party with an intriguing group of guests at their flat on Baker Street. Londoners were shocked recently when the infamous Lord Blackstone assisted Scotland Yard with the capture of the depraved serial killer, Victor von Vacher. Has Lord Blackstone turned a new leaf and abandoned his cult of followers? Or, is this all a ruse to gain the trust of those he seeks to destroy? Alas, you have been invited to the party and wouldn't miss it for the world. This is where your story begins."
The entire thing was based at a upscale dinner party so I decided to feed the kids a menu that the birthday boy was thrilled to be part of.
Menu
- Appetizers: Shrimp cocktail, Sherlock Holmes silhouette cookies, and black licorice pipes.
- Drinks: Tea and sparkling cider.
- Soup Course: Chicken and rice soup with overnight crusty bread.
- Main Course: Roast beef, roast potatoes, & gravy, and vegetable tray.
- Dessert: mini pies, cinnamon bunt cake, lemon bunt cake, lemon mini tarts.
I wish I got more photos of the food, but I had 20 teens in my house so every thing was snapped up the second it went out except the cake.
The invitations had costume suggestions that went along with each character, and all of our incredible guests showed up ready to play the part! I had a few favorites;


Seriously, our friends are the best!!
Seriously, our friends are the best!!
The decor was all focused on Victorian era apartment style, similar to one that Sherlock Holmes himself would have had. I used a large, black, science fair, tri-fold board and stuck it to the wall with contact strips. Then came the fun part. I printed a poster sized map of 1859 London and placed it in the center. Then, I added clues and fun bits of trivia and I had a investigator's murder wall.
Between Google and my vintage newspaper collection, I didn't buy anything but paper for this project. I wanted it to resemble what Sherlock may have had up on his walls when he was doing an investigation so it was messy, kind of all-over-the-place and with ripped parts of newspapers, and even a bloody handkerchief for good measure.
The rest of the decor followed suit.
All kinds of vintage London and candlelight, with a touch of macabre.
The game was set up in rounds with three stages and a solution round. The guests got their character bio-sheets along with their invitations and were able to start with pregame clues as soon as they got here.
I chose a special girl for the victim. I knew she would eat up the part as she is a wonderful stage actress and even assistant director before she graduated.
She was perfect for the part of the opera star who had blackmailed one too many people at the party...
Clues were found, characters were accused, and lots of laughs were had.
After the game, we had fun at the photo booth which I set up to look like a vintage mug shot wall.
Our constable helped us round up the suspects.
Last but not least, the favors. Because the theme was so complex and took so much, I made simple favors for the kids to take with them. Something to encourage reading. Maybe even a bit of Sherlock Holmes.
11 comments
Very Interesting Party theme!! Thanks for sharing with us. It makes me wonder when I read your article.
Nice Story dear.. I like Sherlock Holmes Stories...
Nice story. I already watch sherleck holmes. i like the movie.
Great, The story you shared is really good. Thanks for sharing it.
I like these party themes.. Thanks for posting useful information. You have provided an nice article, Thank you very much for this one.
This is a really cool idea for a party! Wow
The photos that you took of the Detective themed party looks great especially the one where the boys look like they are from that time
Nice Post. Keep posting. Blogger at http://laptopexpert.in/
Where can I find the vintage peints?
Post a Comment