A Villain's Vendetta
Save The Date
Don’t let your friends miss your party! Let them know the date today and all the fun that is coming in this villain’s murder mystery game!
Costumes
Decoration Ideas
Setting the Scene ~ Coming Soon!
Creating Your Entrance
Set the stage for your wicked soirée with a grand, villainous entrance. Here are some decorations and DIY ideas to make a lasting first impression:
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1. “Villains’ Lair” Welcome Sign
- Design: A dark, gothic-style wooden or foam board sign with eerie lettering that reads “Welcome to the Villains’ Lair”.
- DIY Ideas:
- Use black spray paint on a wooden board and add twisted vine accents with faux branches or black pipe cleaners.
- Burn the edges of parchment paper and glue it onto the board for an ancient, cursed look.
- Add glow-in-the-dark paint or LED lights behind the sign for a supernatural glow.
- Drape spiderwebs or tattered black cloth over the edges for a weathered effect.
2. Poison Apple Display
- Design: A large cauldron or wooden bowl filled with poison apples (either real or crafted).
- DIY Ideas:
- Paint real apples with a green, melting “poison” effect using non-toxic paint (for display) or colored white chocolate (if edible).
- Create paper mâché apples, paint them deep red, and use glow-in-the-dark green paint for a sinister dripping effect.
- Place them inside a black cauldron with fog effects (using dry ice or a mini fog machine).
- Attach a handwritten villainous warning sign: “Take a bite… if you dare!”.
3. Magic Mirror Prop
- Design: A large, antique-looking mirror, inspired by the Evil Queen’s Magic Mirror.
- DIY Ideas:
- Use an old thrift store mirror and spray-paint the frame gold or black with an aged patina effect.
- Print a villainous face silhouette (like the glowing green mask from the Magic Mirror) and attach it to the glass.
- Install a hidden tablet or screen playing a loop of eerie animations, making it look like the mirror is speaking.
- Use gold LED lights around the edges to create a haunting glow.
4. Dungeon Chains & Cobwebs
- Design: A dark, haunted dungeon entrance with chains, cobwebs, and an eerie trapped atmosphere.
- DIY Ideas:
- Create chains using painted plastic links or cut-out cardboard rings painted metallic gray.
- Hang cobwebs across the entrance using stretched-out cotton batting or store-bought spiderweb decorations.
- Add fake stone walls using foam panels or black fabric with a painted brick effect.
- Place a “Beware” or “Abandon Hope” sign in gothic lettering.
- Scatter fake bones or skeleton hands reaching out from the shadows.
- Add creepy sound effects like distant echoing screams or dripping water for a full immersive experience.
Extra Entrance Enhancements
- Smoke Machine: Let a thin layer of mist drift across the ground as guests enter.
- Red Carpet or Twisted Path: A black or deep purple carpet leading into the venue.
- Themed Villain Door Knockers: Attach large, eerie knockers (Gargoyle or snake designs) on the entrance door.
- Silhouettes of Villains: Project villain shadows on the walls, such as Maleficent’s horns or Captain Hook’s hook.
Inside the Party Space
Once guests step into your villainous lair, the inside décor should fully immerse them in the eerie, dramatic, and sinister world of Disney villains. Here’s a list of interior decorations, along with DIY project ideas to bring them to life!
1. Moody Lighting & Ambiance
.- Dim Lighting: Use purple, green, and red LED bulbs to cast an ominous glow.
- Flickering Candles: Set up LED candles or real candles in gothic candelabras.
- Glowing Potion Bottles (DIY):
- Fill glass bottles with colored water (purple, green, red).
- Insert small LED fairy lights inside or under them for a glowing effect.
- Label them with villainous names like “Dr. Facilier’s Voodoo Brew” or “Ursula’s Elixir”.
- Fog Machine: Set near the floor for a creeping mist effect.
2. Sinister Table Decorations
- Themed Table Runners: Use black, emerald green, or deep purple fabric.
- Villainous Centerpieces (DIY):
- Ursula’s Cauldron: A bubbling effect using dry ice in a bowl.
- Maleficent’s Thorny Vine Display: Black painted branches arranged like cursed thorns.
- Jafar’s Scarab & Lamp: A golden genie lamp with scattered fake gold coins.
- Hades’ Underworld Flames: Blue LED string lights in a glass bowl to mimic fire.
- Skull Goblets & Poison Chalices: Use metallic spray paint on dollar-store goblets.
- Napkin Holders (DIY):
- Tie napkins with small plastic snakes for a Jafar-inspired look.
- Wrap napkins in black ribbon with villain silhouettes as tags.
3. Villain Portrait Gallery (DIY)
- Haunted Portraits: Print and frame dark, dramatic images of Disney villains.
- Interactive “Moving Eyes” Portraits:
- Print villain pictures with cut-out eye holes.
- Place LED tea lights or lenticular images behind them for a creepy shifting effect.
- Ancient Spellbook Display: Open old books with pages marked as cursed spells.
4. Themed Room Sections
- Ursula’s Dark Cove:
- Blue and purple lighting to mimic deep-sea ambiance.
- Black netting and seashells strewn about.
- A DIY tentacle display using pool noodles wrapped in purple fabric with white suckers attached.
- Maleficent’s Forbidden Forest:
- Fake twisted black tree branches with purple fairy lights.
- DIY floating candles (to mimic an enchanted forest) by hanging paper towel rolls painted white with LED tealights inside.
- Jafar’s Treasure Chamber:
- Scatter plastic gold coins, painted jewelry boxes, and plastic rubies.
- A glowing hourglass prop made from an empty clear plastic bottle and colored sand.
- Dr. Facilier’s Voodoo Lounge:
- Candles with “dripped wax” effects (use hot glue on LED candles).
- Skull and tarot card displays.
- A shadow puppet wall using cut-out villain shapes and a backlight.
- Hades’ Underworld Throne:
- Black and blue drapery with a throne chair for the “ruler of the night.”
- DIY flame effect: Blue and orange tissue paper glued to fan-lit lanterns.
5. Poisoned Bar & Drink Station
- Potion-Themed Drinks: Label drinks as “Maleficent’s Curse” (purple cocktails) or “Evil Queen’s Poison” (apple cider).
- DIY Drink Labels: Print vintage-style labels for bottles (aged with tea stains).
- Dry Ice Punch Bowl: Creates a bubbling, smoky effect for a villain’s brew.
- Chalice Garnishes: Freeze red grapes in ice cubes for a “poisoned” effect.
6. Creepy Floor & Ceiling Decorations
- Hanging Chains & Banners: Black banners with villain quotes like “It’s Good to Be Bad”.
- Glowing Footprints (DIY):
- Use glow-in-the-dark paint to create ghostly footsteps leading to different sections.
- Torn Drapes & Floating Fabric: Black and deep red sheer fabrics hung for a gothic castle effect.
- DIY “Floating Villain Eyes”:
- Cut villain eye shapes into black cardboard.
- Attach glow sticks behind the cutouts and hang them from the ceiling.
7. Villain-Themed Game & Clue Area
- Murder Mystery Clue Table: Decorate with ancient maps, spell books, and old scrolls.
- “Detective Board” (DIY):
- Pin-up villain suspects with string connecting them.
- Add fake newspaper clippings like “Mysterious Curse Strikes Again!”.
- Hidden Clues in “Poison Bottles”: Write hints and hide them inside decorative potion bottles.
Color Scheme
Disney Villain-Themed Murder Mystery Party – Color Scheme Decorations
A bold and sinister color scheme will tie your villainous theme together. Here’s a breakdown of color schemes, decoration ideas, and DIY projects to enhance the atmosphere.
1. Primary Villainous Colors
- Black – Dark, gothic, and mysterious (use for backdrops, tablecloths, and drapes).
- Deep Purple – Regal and ominous (perfect for lighting, fabrics, and candles).
- Emerald Green – Enchanted and eerie (great for potions, lighting, and centerpieces).
- Blood Red – Represents danger and power (ideal for accents, drinks, and table décor).
- Gold & Silver – Adds a royal, villainous elegance (for frames, chalices, and props).
2. Color-Themed Decorations & DIY Ideas
🖤 Black – The Base of Evil
- Black Drapery & Curtains: Hang sheer black fabric to create a haunted lair atmosphere.
- DIY Gothic Candles:
- Use black melted wax over white candles for a sinister dripping effect.
- Stick LED candles inside antique-style candleholders.
- Spiderweb Table Runners (DIY):
- Cut out a lace-like spiderweb pattern from black felt for a villainous touch.
- Silhouette Cutouts (DIY):
- Cut black cardboard into villain silhouettes and place them on walls or windows for dramatic shadows.
💜 Deep Purple – The Royal Darkness
- Glowing Purple Potion Bottles (DIY):
- Fill bottles with water and add purple glow sticks or fairy lights.
- Label them with mystical potion names like “Maleficent’s Venom” or “Dark Magic Elixir”.
- Purple LED Fairy Lights: Wrap around tables, mirrors, and doorway arches.
- DIY Floating Candles:
- Use paper towel rolls painted purple with an LED tealight inside.
- Hang them with clear fishing wire for a suspended candle effect.
- Dark Floral Arrangements:
- Use deep purple roses or paint artificial flowers black & purple for an enchanted garden effect.
💚 Emerald Green – The Enchanted Glow
- Green Fog Effects: Place a green light inside a cauldron with dry ice for a bubbling potion look.
- Glowing Green Lanterns (DIY):
- Paint mason jars with translucent green paint and place LED tealights inside.
- Add silhouettes of villain symbols, such as Maleficent’s horns or Ursula’s tentacles.
- Poisoned Drink Station:
- Use green liquid-filled bottles as drink dispensers labeled “Witch’s Brew”.
- Serve green cocktails or mocktails with glow-in-the-dark ice cubes.
❤️ Blood Red – The Sinister Touch
- Red Velvet Tablecloths & Napkins: Adds a luxurious yet ominous feel.
- Poison Apple Centerpieces (DIY):
- Spray-paint apples deep red and drip black or green wax over them.
- Display in a cauldron or skull bowl.
- Red LED Candles: Place in ornate candle holders for a gothic vibe.
- Bloody Handprint Windows (DIY):
- Use red acrylic paint or window cling decals to create eerie handprints.
- Blood Drip Wine Glasses (DIY):
- Dip wine glass rims in red edible gel to create a dripping blood effect.
🪙 Gold & Silver – The Royal Villain Elegance
- Golden Frames & Mirrors (DIY):
- Spray-paint thrift store frames gold and use them to display villain quotes.
- Hang an ornate golden mirror as the “Magic Mirror”.
- Silver Skull Goblets: Spray-paint plastic cups metallic silver for a cursed treasure look.
- Gold Coin Scatter: Place fake gold coins around treasure chests, tables, or Jafar’s lair.
- Silver Candelabras: Adds a haunted castle aesthetic.
3. Themed Color Sections for a Multi-Villain Vibe
- Maleficent’s Forbidden Forest: Black & purple with thorny vines.
- Delphina’s Dark Cove: Deep blue, purple, and silver with glowing seashells.
- Malazar’s Treasure Chamber: Gold and red with jewel-toned fabrics.
- Dr. Facilier’s Voodoo Den: Green and purple with eerie candles and masks.
Evil Queen’s Poison Room: Emerald green, red, and silver with potion bottles.
Lighting
Lighting is essential for creating a mysterious, eerie, and dramatic atmosphere. Here’s a list of lighting ideas, including DIY projects to enhance the villainous ambiance!
1. Main Lighting Colors & Effects
- Deep Purple: Creates a magical, mysterious glow (perfect for Maleficent or Ursula themes).
- Emerald Green: Enhances an eerie, enchanted feel (ideal for poison, potions, or Jafar’s lair).
- Blood Red: Adds danger and drama (great for the Evil Queen or Hades’ underworld).
- Blue Flames: A supernatural effect (inspired by Hades or the Shadow Man).
- Flickering Candlelight: Sets a gothic, haunted castle mood.
- Shadows & Silhouettes: Project villain shapes onto walls for a haunting effect.
2. Lighting Decor & DIY Ideas
🕯️ 1. Floating Candles (DIY Hogwarts-Style Candles)
- What You Need: Paper towel rolls, hot glue, white paint, LED tealights, fishing wire.
- How to Make:
- Glue hot wax drips down the sides of the rolls.
- Paint them white or black for a gothic look.
- Place battery-operated tealights inside.
- Hang from the ceiling with clear fishing wire for a floating candle effect.
💜 2. Glowing Potion Bottles (DIY Mystic Elixirs)
- What You Need: Glass bottles, glow sticks or LED string lights, colored water.
- How to Make:
- Fill bottles with colored water (purple, green, red).
- Drop in glow sticks or place fairy lights behind them.
- Label them “Maleficent’s Curse”, “Poisoned Brew”, or “Jafar’s Sorcery”.
- Place near the bar or table for a glowing potion effect.
🕷️ 3. Villain Silhouette Projection (DIY Shadow Effects)
- What You Need: Cardboard, black paint, flashlight or LED projector.
- How to Make:
- Cut out villain silhouettes (Maleficent’s horns, Ursula’s tentacles, Jafar’s staff).
- Attach them to a flashlight or LED projector.
- Angle them at the wall to create moving shadow effects.
- Works great for a haunted portrait hallway or eerie entrance.
💀 4. Haunted Mirror with LED Glow (DIY Magic Mirror Effect)
- What You Need: An old mirror, purple LED lights, printed villain face.
- How to Make:
- Place LED lights behind the mirror to create a glowing outline.
- Attach a printed image of the Magic Mirror’s ghostly face for a haunting effect.
- Works well for photo booths or an Evil Queen’s vanity display.
🔥 5. Hades’ Blue Fire Flames (DIY Fire Lanterns)
- What You Need: Blue tissue paper, LED candles, glass jars.
- How to Make:
- Cut blue and orange tissue paper into flame shapes.
- Attach them to the inside of glass jars.
- Place an LED candle inside for a flickering flame effect.
- Arrange them around the room for an underworld glow.
🕸️ 6. Spiderweb & Skeleton Lanterns (DIY Eerie Hanging Lights)
- What You Need: Black string lights, cheesecloth, glue, small balloons.
- How to Make:
- Blow up balloons and wrap them in cheesecloth or string dipped in glue.
- Let them dry, then pop the balloons, leaving eerie cobweb lanterns.
- Insert LED lights for a haunted glowing effect.
- Hang them in corners or above a villain’s lair area.
💚 7. Green Mist Cauldron (DIY Bubbling Brew Effect)
- What You Need: Dry ice, a black cauldron, green LED lights.
- How to Make:
- Place green LED lights at the bottom of a cauldron.
- Add warm water and dry ice for a bubbling mist.
- Looks great for Ursula’s lair, a poison apple station, or a villain potion bar.
🦴 8. Red “Dripping Blood” Light Effect (DIY Horror Glow)
- What You Need: Red plastic wrap, LED strip lights.
- How to Make:
- Cover white or yellow LED strip lights with red plastic wrap.
- Drape the lights over a doorway or around tables for a dripping blood effect.
- Perfect for Evil Queen’s lair or a spooky villain’s feast table.
✨ 9. Glowing Eyes in the Dark (DIY Creepy Hidden Eyes)
- What You Need: Glow sticks, toilet paper rolls.
- How to Make:
- Cut creepy eye shapes into toilet paper rolls.
- Place glow sticks inside and hide them in bushes, dark corners, or under tables.
- Creates the illusion of lurking creatures watching the guests!
3. Themed Lighting for Different Villain Zones
- 🏰 Maleficent’s Throne Room: Green and purple glow, thorny shadows.
- 🌊 Ursula’s Lair: Blue & purple jellyfish lanterns, glowing seashells.
- 🐍 Jafar’s Chamber: Golden candlelight, flickering torches.
- 💀 Dr. Facilier’s Voodoo Lounge: Green flickering skull lanterns, floating candles.
- 👑 Evil Queen’s Poison Room: Blood-red lighting, glowing mirrors.
- 🔥 Hades’ Underworld: Blue fire effects, glowing rock formations.
Table Setting
Disney Villain-Themed Murder Mystery Party – Table Setting Decorations
Transform your dining area into a wicked feast fit for the most sinister villains! Below is a list of table décor ideas, including DIY projects to help you craft an immersive experience.
1. Table Linens & Color Scheme
- Tablecloths: Use black, deep purple, or emerald green as the base.
- Layered Table Runners (DIY):
- Use black lace over purple or green fabric for a mysterious, elegant look.
- Create a ripped velvet effect by distressing the edges of a deep red runner.
- Chair Covers:
- Drape dark, sheer fabric over chairs for a haunted effect.
- Tie back chairs with black ribbon and villain medallions (DIY printables).
2. Sinister Centerpieces & DIY Projects
💀 Villain-Themed Centerpieces
- A Glowing Rose for Gaston (DIY):
- Use a glass dome with a single LED-lit red rose inside.
- Scatter red petals on the table.
- Ursula’s Misty Cauldron (DIY):
- Fill a small cauldron with dry ice and colored water to create a fog effect.
- Add glowing purple shells or small tentacle decorations.
- Dr. Facilier’s Tarot Deck Display:
- Spread out tarot cards and gold coins as a table accent.
- Add a small crystal ball with a glowing LED for mysticism.
- Jafar’s Candle-Lit Hourglass:
- Use a mini hourglass with black sand as a centerpiece.
- Surround it with gold-painted candleholders for a treasure-chamber effect.
- Evil Queen’s Poison Apple Bowl (DIY):
- Spray-paint apples deep red and drizzle with green glow-in-the-dark paint.
- Place them in a gothic bowl labeled “One Bite and All Your Dreams Will Come True.”
- Hades’ Underworld Flames:
- Use blue and orange tissue paper flames in a black cauldron.
- Place small LED lights inside to mimic flickering flames.
3. Wickedly Themed Dishware & Drinkware
- Skull Goblets (DIY):
- Spray-paint cheap plastic goblets silver or black and add small rhinestones for eyes.
- Poison Bottles & Potion Flasks (DIY):
- Fill glass bottles with colored water (green, red, purple).
- Label them “Drink Me,” “Elixir of Doom,” or “Witch’s Brew.”
- Use aged paper labels (stained with tea) for an authentic look.
- Themed Plates & Cutlery:
- Use black and gold plates for a regal yet ominous look.
- Wrap silverware in black napkins tied with red ribbon like a spell scroll.
4. Sinister Place Cards & Name Settings (DIY)
- Villain Autographs (DIY):
- Print place cards in the handwriting of Disney villains (e.g., “Jafar” in elegant script).
- Magic Scrolls:
- Roll aged parchment paper into small scrolls for place cards.
- Tie with black wax seals featuring villain symbols.
- Crystal Ball Name Holders (DIY):
- Use clear plastic ornaments filled with glitter and water.
- Write each guest’s name on a gold tag attached to the ball.
- Poison Apple Tags:
- Attach a miniature poisoned apple charm to each guest’s napkin.
5. Mystical Lighting for the Table
- Candle Holders with Dripping Wax (DIY):
- Melt red or black wax over white candles for a “blood-drip effect.”
- Glowing Potion Bottles:
- Insert fairy lights into potion bottles for an eerie glow.
- Floating Candles:
- Suspend LED candles above the table using invisible fishing wire.
6. Dark & Dramatic Table Accents
- Spellbook Placemats (DIY):
- Print villain spell pages onto parchment paper as unique placemats.
- Scattered Themed Elements:
- Small black crows or ravens (for Maleficent or the Evil Queen).
- Miniature snake figurines (for Jafar).
- Plastic red roses with thorny vines (for Gaston or Maleficent).
- Mystical Fog Effect:
- Use dry ice or a fog machine under the table for a misty, haunted vibe.
- Highlight Your Menu: Use the designed menu, included in your mystery purchase, to feature your villain-inspired with Art Deco fonts (this changes per mystery)and embellishments.
- To pull your theme through even more, serve food reminiscent of the Villains and/or name your food consistent with the theme.
- Some ideas for creative food names: Sinister Sliders, Mad Scientist’s Mac & Cheese, Wicked Wings, The Butcher’s Bloody Steak, Villain’s Venom Pasta, Bloody Betrayal, The Poison Apple, Villain’s Venom Pasta, Menacing Meatballs, a
- See Menu Ideas for more examples.
Create Your Photo Spot
Give your guests an unforgettable souvenir by setting up a photo area where they can capture a picture of themselves in character.
A few suggestions:
Lighting: Pick a place where there will be good lighting.
Props: Accessories and decorations can make a difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with. Some suggestions include:
Backdrop: An easy way to create a background is to use a “scene setter.” These affordable rolls of images transform your room instantly and make for a good backdrop to your picture.
Space: Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone into the frame.
- For individual shots of guests, designate someone to be in charge of pictures as your guests arrive.
o, Consider your character list and which character would fit the role of taking the picture. I.e., if you want mugshots, perhaps ask the investigator to be in charge of taking the pictures. - For a group picture, take one just before the introduction is read or right after the solution is read (before people may start heading out).
o These are two times when you can count on everyone being around and attentive.
BACKDROP IDEAS for A Villains Vendetta:
Utilizing the Extras
Whatever you decide on; BE SURE TO UTILIZE ALL OF THE EXTRAS THAT COME WITH THE MYSTERY —
These are one-of-a-kind designs, ideas, templates and more that Night of Mystery has developed to help you throw your own unique and authentic mystery party.
With ordering this mystery, you will find:
- Scrolled Invite
- How to make a Castle Facade
- Blood Moon Celebration
- Blank Room Signs
- Suspect Boards
- Wine & Drink Labels
- Food Signs
AND MORE!!!!!!!!!!
Food & Music
Drinks
Spotify Playlist
Tips
All of the information regarding how to run your A Villain’s Vendetta party can be found online at Night of Mystery. We highly suggest that you take time to look over our website and download A Villain’s Vendetta preview file. Upon reading the introduction file of this vampire murder mystery game, it will give you a better understanding about how the parties are run and what to expect once you purchase a full mystery file.
If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
Since our games are custom written for the size of the party (ie, we don’t just create a mystery with 8 characters and then keep adding more characters to it), each mystery size is unique unto itself. That being said, going from 10-15 version to 15-20 version, will not only add in more characters, but it will change the storylines of the existing characters, and vice-versa in going from a larger version to a smaller one.
Because of this, WE STRONGLY SUGGEST you get a guest count before formally ordering. You can do so by downloading an invitation, inviting your guests and then purchasing your mystery once you have a more accurate number of people attending. Unfortunately, if you find yourself purchasing the wrong sized party, you will have to purchase another version of the mystery for the size you want unless you are moving from the 15-20 version to the 20+ version.
You can download an invitation here before ordering.
For even more party planning ideas, check out our A Villain’s Vendetta Pinterest board here!
Once you order, in your mystery packet you will receive directions and/or printables to make unique and original decorations specific to your party! Included will be:
• WELCOME BANNER
• WELCOME POSTER
• SIGNS
• FOOD CARDS
• DESIGNED MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
• DRINK BOTTLE LABELS
AND MORE!!!
• SIGNS
• FOOD CARDS
• DESIGNED MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
• DRINK BOTTLE LABELS
AND MORE!!!
Each month we highlight one of our customers who has posted on our blog and award them a FREE party!
To get your $5 coupon AND be entered in the Party Of the Month contest for a chance to win a FREE party, please email nompartyofthemonth@gmail.com
Don’t forget to add all the important details and party highlights that made your party one to remember! We love to hear about all of the hard work you, as host, put into your party. From the decor, to the food, costumes, whatever. As well as how you and your guests acted (and reacted!) throughout the night! Everything that made your party one your guests will never forget — tell us about it! And be sure to attach some pictures!!!
Upon submitting, we will email you back a coupon to use for $5 off your next party AND enter you in our “Party of the Month” contest, where you could win a FREE party! One submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!
Check out some of our past winners here! Night of Mystery POM Blogs
Thanks again for hosting with Night of Mystery and we can’t wait to hear all about your party!!!
