What you need for a murder mystery dinner

A murder mystery dinner needs more than food and drinks. You also need enough tableware for every course, serving equipment for the buffet, printed role materials, name badges and a few props to keep the investigation moving. Use this shopping list alongside your guest count, menu and venue setup. Check quantities at least one week before the dinner, then buy fresh ingredients and chill drinks close to the event.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 30
Deep platesqty 30
Dessert platesqty 30
Water glassesqty 30
Wine glassesqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knivesqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Roasting pansqty 3
Baking dishesqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving traysqty 4

Equipment

Coolersqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Napkinsqty 30
Name badgesqty 24
Candlesqty 24
Candlesticksqty 8
Themed decorations
Roll cardsqty 24
Direction envelopesqty 24
Writing suppliesqty 30
Ballot formsqty 30

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Trash bag holderqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 600 grams
- Smoked salmon - 1.2 kilogram
- Arugula - 500 grams
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Red onion - 6 pieces
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Balsamic vinegar - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Beef stew meat - 4 kilograms
- Onions - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Celery - 1 bunch
- Mushrooms - 2 kilogram
- Garlic - 4 bulbs
- Beef broth - 6 liters
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Tomato paste - 4 cans
- Bay leaves - 1 bag
- Thyme - 3 bunches
- Rosemary - 3 bunches
- Potatoes - 5 kilograms
- Whipped cream - 2 liters
- Milk - 4 liters
- Dark chocolate - 1,5 kilogram
- Eggs - 30 pieces
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Flour - 1 kilogram
- Vanilla extract - 1 bottle
- Red berries - 2 kilograms
- Powdered sugar - 1 pack
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar cubes - 1 box
- Honey - 1 jar
- Mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 8 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Beer - 36 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Non-alcoholic wine - 3 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 kilograms
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces

Tips

Count tableware by guest and course: each person needs a dinner plate, a deep plate if you serve soup, a dessert plate, cutlery, a water glass and any wine glass you plan to use. Add 10% extra for dropped or misplaced items.
Plan the buffet before you shop. You need serving bowls, trays and serving spoons as well as cooking equipment such as roasting pans, baking dishes, mixing bowls, cutting boards and chef’s knives.
Print the rules, schedule, role cards, instructions and cue cards at least 24 hours before guests arrive. Prepare one name badge and one complete role pack for every assigned character.
Allow space for coats and bags by setting up coat racks before dinner starts. Put the Bluetooth speaker, extension cords and other equipment in place during setup rather than searching for them after guests arrive.
Buy drinks with the first hour in mind: allow roughly two to three drinks per person for that hour, plus water, and keep chilled bottles in coolers. Check dietary requirements before finalising ingredients and dessert.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a murder mystery dinner?: You need food and drinks, tableware for each course, cooking and serving equipment, printed rules and role cards, name badges, decorations and any themed props. Check the complete list at least 7 days before the dinner so missing items can still be borrowed or bought.
How many plates and glasses do I need per guest?: Plan one dinner plate, one deep plate when soup is served, and one dessert plate per person. Allow one water glass and one wine glass per guest, plus about 10% extra tableware for breakage or accidental swaps.
How much food and drink should I buy for a murder mystery dinner?: Base food quantities on your confirmed guest count and menu, including separate options for dietary requirements. For drinks, plan about two to three per person during the first hour, then add water and enough extra for the full evening.
When should I prepare the murder mystery dinner supplies?: Buy shelf-stable items, decorations and printing supplies at least 7 days ahead. Shop for fresh ingredients one to two days before the dinner, prepare dessert and vegetables in advance where possible, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

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