Host's Guide

Below are some tips to running the party:   

• It’s helpful to split the duties with your partner or a friend. One host/hostess can handle the “front of the house” duties (greeting and assisting the guests, acting as a “referee”, and keeping the clue solving progressing forward) and the other can address the “back of the house” duties of preparing/serving the food and libations. Of course, both need to be flexible to assist each other at times as the event demands. 

• We often participate and dress as minor characters in the murder plot (as the butler, cook, landlord, doctor or other appropriate roles). Why should your guests have all the fun?   

• The busiest time will be when the guests arrive.  Each guest should be greeted, given their bag and urged to introduce themselves to the others. Discrete instructions may be needed to be given to certain of the arrivals. Once all guests are present, the host can give a brief welcome to the group, introduce each guest by their character, remind all of what is known of the murder, and the rules of the party. 

• We encourage guests to arrive in a costume and assume their character’s role during the party. Hilarious accents are encouraged. Some guests may choose not to and that’s fine. The main thing is that everyone has a good time. 

 • Be fair, generous and kind when resolving conflicts with your rules or when mediating between your guests in achieving their objectives. 

 • Be flexible on when certain scheduled events occur during the party to ensure the party does not drag on or proceed to quickly.  

• Be helpful to your guests when they are frustrated by the challenges of the puzzles, riddles, etc.  It’s fine to give little tips if needed.