What to Buy for a Murder Mystery Evening

A murder mystery evening needs more than the game kit itself. Plan food and drinks around the number of players, then check that every guest has a plate, glass, cutlery set, character information and a pen. You will also need a practical serving area, prepared clue envelopes and enough seating for the full group. Buy or collect disposable items at least two days ahead, and chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Buffet table
Stoolsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 6

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 30
Dessert platesqty 30
Drinking glassesqty 36
Wine glassesqty 30
Coffee cupsqty 24
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knifeqty 3
Mixing bowlsqty 4
Serving tongsqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Equipment

Kettle
Coffee maker
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Game materials

Murder mystery kit
Player foldersqty 24
Clue envelopesqty 24
Name badgesqty 24
Ballotsqty 30
Ballpoint pensqty 30

Decorations

Table décorqty 6
LED candlesqty 12
Themed decorations

Lighting

String lightsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Hand soap dispensersqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Baguettes - 6 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cream cheese - 600 grams
- Hummus - 600 grams
- Pesto - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1,5 kilograms
- Arugula - 300 gram
- Mixed lettuce - 1 kilogram
- Red bell pepper - 6 pieces
- Red onion - 6 pieces
- Garlic - 3 bulbs
- Mushrooms - 1,5 kilogram
- Zucchini - 5 pieces
- Carrots - 1 kilogram
- Potatoes - 4 kilograms
- Rice - 2 kilograms
- Pasta - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast - 3 kilograms
- Vegetarian meatballs - 1.5 kilograms
- Cooking cream - 2 liters
- Diced tomatoes - 8 cans
- Vegetable stock - 2 packs
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Black pepper - 1 jar
- Paprika powder - 1 jar
- Italian herbs - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Shredded cheese - 1 kilogram
- Aged cheese - 1 kilogram
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Brownies - 30 pieces
- Vanilla ice cream - 3 liters
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Non-alcoholic beer - 24 bottles
- Beer - 36 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Tips

Allow one dinner plate, one dessert plate, one drinking glass, one wine glass and one cutlery set per guest, plus 10% extra for breakage or replacements.
Prepare one player folder, name badge, ballot and ballpoint pen for every participant. Pack clue envelopes in story order and keep a few spare pens available.
Plan drinks by time rather than guesswork: allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per hour, with water available throughout.
Set aside the buffet table, serving platters, serving spoons, tongs and cutting boards before cooking starts. These are easy to overlook when the main shopping is focused on the menu.
Check the practical equipment the day before: test the Bluetooth speaker, kettle and coffee maker, and make sure extension cords and power strips reach the game and buffet areas safely.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a murder mystery evening?: You need a murder mystery kit, player folders, clue envelopes, name badges, ballots and pens for the game. For hosting, plan tables, chairs, tableware, serving equipment, food, drinks, table décor and sound equipment.
How many plates and glasses do I need per guest?: Plan one dinner plate, dessert plate, drinking glass, wine glass and cutlery set per guest. Add around 10% extra, so a group of 10 needs 11 of each basic item where possible.
How much food and drink should I buy for a murder mystery party?: Buy enough dinner for every registered guest plus one extra portion, especially if the menu cannot be easily stretched. For drinks, allow two to three per person in the first hour and about one per hour afterward, including non-alcoholic options.
When should I prepare the murder mystery materials?: Prepare folders, name badges, ballots and clue envelopes at least one day before the evening. Finish shopping two days ahead when possible, then chill drinks several hours before guests arrive.

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