Party Planning Tools
Crime at Christmastime
Guest Info
night of murder and merriment at an exclusive Bel Air holiday party!
The Bel-Air Beat
Who’s Who’s Coming…..
Regina Baxter – Tech Mogul. Strong, confident, proud and, at times, very committed to appearances. The character who plays Regina will be a gold-digger who refuses to lose her wealth. Female.
Benjamin Baxter – Stockbroker. A suave and debonair character, the guest who plays Benjamin should be good at making up excuses and justifying their shortcomings. Male.
Lucinda Lewis – Doctor. Motherly, kind, and someone who often puts others before themselves. This character does not like to be misjudged and will do whatever
they can to prove others wrong. Female.
Gordon Lewis – Retired Golf Pro. The guest who plays this character should be
jovial, happy and appears to have no worries. Male.
Thomas Brown – District Attorney. Self-righteous, Thomas holds a lot of responsibility in the community and sometimes takes advantage of it. The character who plays Thomas should be able to combat people who come at them, while appearing to genuinely care about the common good. Male.
Lindsey Brown – Real Estate Guru. Lindsey is a protective woman who appears to always put her family first. The woman who plays Lindsey will not hesitate to attack others who criticize her. Female.
Theo Morgan – Investment Broker. This character is defensive and quick to point
out the faults in others. This guest should be able to confront others easily. Male.
Patricia Morgan – Socialite. Catty, rude and self-absorbed. The woman who plays
Patricia should have a chip on her shoulder, and ready to accuse others of doing
her wrong. Female.
Kelly Luccini – Actor. Over-the-top and flagrant in her actions, Kelly will not be able to admit any guilt in anything she does at the party, or in life. Female or male. If assigned male, they will be married to Gorgio, a male.
Gorgio Luccini – Fashion Designer. Suave, debonair, and sneaky, the character who plays Gorgio should be both cunning and kind, but not capable of being trusted. Male. If Kelly is assigned to a male, then Gorgio will be in a marriage with another man.
Shayne Williams – Actor. An aspiring actor, the person who plays this character
will be showy and splashy. Male or female.
Sandy Lloyd – Defense Attorney. A politician at heart, the guest who plays Sandy will need to be good at selling themselves to whomever they are talking to. In some cases, Sandy will need to be righteous and in other cases, they will need to be able to be cunning and deceitful. Male or female.
Kris Perez – Agent. Obsessed with fame and money, this guest claims to have money
at the heart of everything they do, but, they will sell out their family for any profit. Male or female.
Brent Brown – Lawyer. Someone who has led a privileged life, the person who plays this character will be able to act as though they can do no wrong. Male.
Becky Brown – Housewife. Feeling outcast by society, this character is desperate to gain attention of others, and willing to compliment others to be liked. Female.
Charlie Morgan – Lawyer. The person who plays Charlie should have a competitive nature and not be good at taking backseat to others. Male.
Hayley Brown – Professional Basketball Player. Athletic, strong, and a leader both on and off the court. This character will be very deliberate in everything they do. Female.
Avery Perez – Reality Star. Self-centered and materialistic, the person who plays Avery will be obsessed with what others always think of them. Male or female.
Billie Luccini – Influencer. This character is obsessed with social media and often thinks of themselves as more popular than they are. Since they have recently been silenced with their public presence, they will be resentful of certain other characters they blame. Male or female.
Hunter Luccini – College Hopeful. This is the youngest character at the party, so someone who can delight in their childish side. Even though Hunter is 18, they can act immature, childish and self-centered at times. Male or female.
Some characters may not be included in all versions.
Costume Gallery
Setting the Scene
How to deck out your Mystery Manor for the Memorial.
Creating Your Entrance
RED CARPET: Have a red carpet runner leading up to the entrance.
HOLLYWOOD: Have a Hollywood sign out front since, being in Bel Air, you are only steps from Hollywood.
WELCOME SIGN: Have a sign for the holiday bash printed (included in mystery!)
Holiday Wreaths with a Twist: Hang a wreath on the door but incorporate elements like masks, magnifying glasses, or faux feathers. You can also use dark red roses and black ribbons to give it an elegant, mysterious touch.
Velvet Drapes: Hang thick, heavy velvet curtains at the entrance. Guests will feel like they’re entering a different world as they pass through.
Inside Your Party Space
Champagne Greeting: Have servers in period costumes greet guests with champagne or a themed drink as they arrive.
Holiday Spirit: Decorate your space with fancy holiday decorations. The more sparkly and intriguing the better!
“Mystery-up” Your Holiday Decor:
Deck your tree with these weapons ornaments – designs and instructions on how to make them included with the mystery!
Tie big, holiday bows around weapons and use them as centerpieces or other decor.
Work some weapons into your favorite holiday wreath.
Make Santa a super sleuth, by dressing him up with a Sherlock cape or/or hat.
Signs of the Times: Add a bit of mystery with these signs – included with mystery purchase.
Stockings: Hang stockings that say Regina and Benjamin (or Reggie), depending on who your host/s are.
Classy Fireplace Setting: If there’s a fireplace, set it alight and place antique-looking tools beside it. Hang stockings with names (see above), and inside each, place a small mystery-related prop, like a weapon!
Or, use it to display all of your guest’s info for the night!
GLAM IT UP! Glam up the inside with a can of gold or silver spray paint. Paint wine bottles, candlesticks, old vases (and add flowers – fake or real), etc. to make it fancy!
Grand Chandelier with a Twist: Replace some chandelier bulbs with colored ones (like deep purples or reds) to cast a mysterious glow. Hang subtle, crystal ornaments or mini masks from the chandelier.
Projection: Use a projector to display old mystery movies or scenes (like from Hitchcock films) silently on a wall for ambiance.
Awards Show! If you are having awards at the end of the night, create a display so that your guests can see them as they walk in and/or throughout the night. A great way to create the buzz
Light it Up!
– Buy a couple of sets of Christmas lights and string them along the walls. Turn off the room lights to create a cozy atmosphere.
– Put the lights in an old wine jug and have them illuminate the room.
– Put the lights underneath a sheer, shimmering or white tablecloth to give it an extra effect!
Ornament Hang Up. Let the ceiling be the decorative focal point of the party. Using fishing line cut in various lengths, hang simple ball ornaments around the room. You could also arrange bunches from light fixtures for a cool chandelier effect. Use brightly colored ornaments or buy clear glass ones and make your own.
Buy Inexpensive and shiny ornaments in large quantities and use them to decorate the space. Place them in large bowls as centerpieces, scattered on the floor, placed on random surfaces and hung from the ceilings. By purchasing in large amounts, you will save on costs and have enough ornaments to pull the theme through your entire party space!
Tree Trimming. Ask everyone to bring one hugely tacky ornament, and have a contest to see who brings the worst one. Have your guests decorate your tree while you are there.
Spray paint old bottles to create this winter wonderland centerpiece! Find out how here.
Wrap large boxes with Christmas paper and large bows. Set out around the party space.
Setting Your Table
No matter what you do, you can really pull through the theme, simply in how you set your dinner or food tab
Some ideas to help you with your table:
• Find old Christmas fabric, tablecloths, etc.
• Use Christmas wrapping paper to create a backdrop for your table, placemats, table runner, even a tablecloth!
• Search out inexpensive Christmas decorations at your local dollar store.
• Use red and green colored paper/plastic plates — much more inexpensive than plastic or patterned plates and gives the same, festive effect!
• Find large quantities of ornaments and use them as centerpieces (see above). By purchasing in quantity, you will cut down on the price and have enough to scatter throughout your party venue and pull together your theme!
• Purchase one swatch of festive fabric, cut into strips and use as napkin bows.
• Use festive holiday ribbon to tie your silverware together in lieu of napkin rings!
• Spray paint old wine bottles and other bottles red, green, white and silver for centerpieces.
WHATEVER YOU DECIDE TO SERVE, you can put it in a customized menu and/or table tents to let your guests know! (Editable menu design and table tents come with mystery purchase.)
Lighting
For a Bel-Air or fancy holiday party, lighting plays a significant role in creating an ambiance that exudes luxury and elegance. Here are some lighting tips to enhance the atmosphere:
Chandeliers and Statement Fixtures:
Opt for grand chandeliers or ornate lighting fixtures as the focal points in key areas like the entryway, dining room, or main gathering space. They add a touch of opulence and set the tone for the event.
Warm and Soft Illumination:
Use warm-colored bulbs or LED lights to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Avoid harsh or overly bright lighting; instead, aim for softer illumination that adds warmth and comfort.
Candlelight Elegance:
Incorporate candles strategically throughout the space, particularly on dining tables, mantels, and side tables. They contribute to a sophisticated and intimate ambiance.
Accent Lighting:
Use accent lighting to highlight architectural details, artwork, or specific decorations. This can be achieved through spotlights, uplighting, or wall sconces, drawing attention to focal points in the room.
Dimmer Switches:
Install dimmer switches to control the brightness levels of various light fixtures. This allows for flexibility in setting different moods throughout the event, from vibrant and lively to subdued and elegant.
Festive Lighting Décor:
Incorporate holiday-themed lighting decor such as string lights, fairy lights, or elegant light curtains to add a festive touch to the space. Use these sparingly and tastefully to maintain the sophistication of the setting.
Well-Placed Lamps:
Place decorative table lamps or floor lamps strategically in corners or near seating areas to create cozy nooks and add an extra layer of ambient lighting.
Outdoor Illumination:
If hosting an outdoor event or if your space has an outdoor area, consider decorative lighting for pathways, trees, or landscaping. This creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Highlighting Décor Elements:
Use lighting to accentuate your holiday decorations, whether it’s a beautifully decorated tree, festive centerpieces, or thematic displays. Proper lighting can make these elements stand out.
Professional Lighting Design:
If the budget allows, consider consulting with a professional lighting designer or decorator to create a bespoke lighting plan tailored to your space and the specific ambiance you wish to achieve.
Remember, the key is to strike a balance between various lighting elements to create an inviting, festive, and luxurious atmosphere without overwhelming the space. Experiment with different combinations during the setup to ensure a cohesive and captivating lighting scheme for your Bel-Air or fancy holiday party.
Creating 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:
• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.
• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with. Consider extra wigs, top hats, bowler hats, mustaches, sherlock hats, magnifying classes, feather boas, etc.
• 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.
• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone in to 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 mug shots, 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.
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:
Welcome Sign and Party Posters:
Print and hang around the party space to add the ambiance
Suspect Boad
Enter your own party date.
Print out and back on a card stock or foam core.
Use to take mug shots of your guests when arriving.
Consider making your photo spot to take your mug shots and/or other party photos. Type in CrimeAtChristmastime.com and search decorations ideas for more ideas on creating a photo spot
Killer Chillers
Directions on how to create these special blood-rimmed glasses!
Create Weapon Ornaments
Print out the weapons and trim.
Insert into 3 “clear fillable ornaments.” Can be found at your local craft store, or on the internet.
Hang on your tree or use as ornaments throughout your party space!
Customizable Menu and Drink Menu
Enter your dishes into the editable fields, print out and hang!
To get the font to match, download and install the front Belymon Script. You can find it by searching by for “free font download download Belymon Script” on the internet.
For more menu planning tips, click on the “party tips” tab in the Crime at Christmastime section of nightofmystery.com or go to CrimeAtChristmastime.com.
Food Table Tents
Enter your dishes into the editable fields.
Print out onto carstock or thicker paper.
Using the back of scissors, score on teh red lines.
Using exacto knife or scissors trim out the table tents.
To get the font to match, download and install the font Haunt AOE. You can find it by searching for “free font download Belymon Script” on the internet.
For more menu planning tips, click on the “party tips” tab in the Crime at Christmastime section of nightofmystery.com or go to CrimeAtChristmastime.com.
Wine Labels Awards
Print out labels and trim.
Adhere to bottles (alcoholic, non non and/or wine bottles) as award for the winners at your party.
AND MORE!!!
Gallery Visual Inspiration
Musical Playlists
Creating 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:
• Pick a place where there will be good lighting.
• Accessories and decorations can make the difference. Have some extra props on hand that your guests can pose with. Consider extra wigs, top hats, bowler hats, mustaches, sherlock hats, magnifying classes, feather boas, etc.
• 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.
• Make sure there is enough room to fit everyone in to 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 mug shots, 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.
Win a Free Party!
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 [email protected]
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 decorations 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! Once submitted, you will not have to resubmit, but will be entered EVERY MONTH until your party wins!
Tips
If you still have question, the Frequently Asked Questions page at Night of Mystery is a great resource or you can contact us.
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.
• HOW TO MAKE A TOMBSTONE
• SIGNS
• NAME CARDS
• FOOD CARDS
• DESIGNED DINNER MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
• WINE BOTTLE LABELS (to use as awards!)
AND MORE!!!
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 [email protected]
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!!!
