Party Planning Tools

Incredible Candy Caper

Guest Info

Get Ready for A Candy Coated Contest Where Mystery is The Main Ingredient

Our kid mysteries are run a little different from our adult mysteries, so here’s your step-by-step guide on what to expect with the The Incredible Candy Caper mystery! Check it out here!

How To Play

Send your guests these totally fun invites!
To invite them to your Rootin’ Tootin’ Mystery-filled Root Beer Social at the Honky-Tonk Saloon!

Your fantastic friends show up!
Everyone from the dutiful deputy to the crooning saloon singer and the marvelous Mayor are invited! There is no shortage of colorful characters at the Honky-Tonk Saloon’s Root Beer Social in this western murder mystery game!

After introductions…a murder occurs!
Don’t worry, it’s not gruesome or gory. In fact, most times the victim goes down giggling… and ALWAYS comes back to life to help out with the investigations!

The kids are divvied up into suspects and investigators and given short scripts to read.

He did it!.. no, she did it!

Investigations occur!!! Evidence is presented!!!

And then after much deliberation

Guesses are made and… the culprit is found!

And it is time for a group picture!!!

And maybe grab some more root beer!

Costume Gallery

Candy Costumes for Boys

Find your perfect costume

Candy Costumes for Girls

Find your perfect costume

Creating an Entrance

Night of Mystery banner at the doorway
Streamers in bright candy colors
Balloon arch with pastel and neon shades
Oversized paper candy cutouts on the walls
Welcome sign shaped like a candy wrapper
Glittery tablecloth draped across the entry table
Bowls of wrapped candies for guests to grab
Twinkling string lights framing the doorway
Floor path lined with paper lollipops
Confetti or candy-colored doormat at the entrance

Inside the Party Space

Colorful streamers draped across walls and ceilings
Candy-colored balloons clustered in corners
Paper lollipops taped to walls
A bright tablecloth on snack and activity tables
Bowls of candy as centerpieces
Glittery confetti sprinkled on tables
A DIY “Candy Contest” sign on the wall
Twinkle lights wrapped around doorframes or windows
Oversized paper candy cutouts hanging from the ceiling
A simple backdrop for photos with candy colors and patterns

Setting the Table

Brightly colored tablecloths
Candy-striped napkins
Paper plates in bold colors
Clear cups filled with wrapped candies
Centerpieces made from stacked candy jars
Confetti or sprinkles scattered on the table
Colorful plastic utensils tied with ribbon
Mini paper candy bags at each place setting
Small balloons as table toppers
A playful “Sweet Treats” sign in the middle of the table

Lighting

String lights draped across the room
Fairy lights in glass jars
Colored light bulbs in lamps
Glow sticks placed in vases
Paper lanterns in candy colors
LED tea lights on tables
Twinkle lights around doorways
Neon signs or shapes
Spotlight on the snack table
Disco ball or rotating light for fun effects

Color Scheme

Bright Rainbow Mix
Pastel Candy Shop
Pink, Blue, and Yellow
Red, White, and Peppermint Stripes
Purple, Green, and Gold Sparkle

Creating a Photo Spot

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Location

Pick a small corner, wall, or open space with good lighting. Natural light works best, but string lights or lamps can brighten it up too.

Step 2: Add Props and Decorations

Here are 7 simple, creative, and easy-to-execute props or decorations:

Oversized paper lollipops
Giant candy canes (cardboard or inflatable)
Colorful balloons in clusters
Candy jars filled with wrapped treats
Glittery signs with sweet phrases
Streamers in bright candy colors
Fun sunglasses or silly glasses frames

Step 3: Create a Themed Background

Here are 7 simple, creative, and easy-to-execute backdrop ideas:

Rainbow streamers wall
Pastel balloon arch
Striped tablecloth hung as a backdrop
Glitter curtain for sparkle
Paper pinwheels in candy colors
Poster board painted like candy swirls
Twinkle lights with tissue paper pom-poms

Hosting Themes

Utilizing the Extras!

Planning Inspiration

For even more party planning ideas, check out our PINTEREST BOARD LINK

Utilize All 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.

Included will be:

WELCOME POSTER
WELCOME BANNER
SIGNS
FOOD CARDS
DESIGNED MENUS (you can personalize with your menu items)
AND MORE!!!

Gallery Visual Inspiration

Appetizers

1. Sweet & Sneaky Bites

A playful spread of small, colorful finger foods that look innocent but hide a burst of flavor—just like the surprises in the candy contest.

Mystery Popcorn Cones – popcorn served in paper cones with a sprinkle of candy-colored chocolate drizzle.
Hidden Treasure Cups – small cups layered with pretzels, cheese cubes, and a gummy candy surprise at the bottom.
Rainbow Veggie Sticks – bright veggie sticks served in clear cups with colorful dips.
Candy-Coated Crackers – crackers topped with cream cheese and sprinkles.
Secret Swirl Roll-Ups – tortilla pinwheels with ham, cheese, or jam spirals for a candy-like look.

2. Colorful Candy Shop Samplers

A vibrant, sweet-shop-inspired tray of bite-sized treats that look like they came straight out of a candy store.

Mini Marshmallow Pops – marshmallows dipped in chocolate and sprinkles on sticks.
Jellybean Mix Cups – small clear cups filled with jellybeans or fruit snacks.
Pretzel Twists – pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate and rolled in colorful sugar.
Cotton Candy Grapes – grapes rolled in powdered sugar to mimic cotton candy.
Fruit Wands – skewered fruit arranged in rainbow order.

3. Dramatic Detective Snacks

A mystery-inspired appetizer set with names and presentations that spark curiosity and suspense.

Who Dunnit Dip – layered taco dip served in a clear dish so the “clues” show through.
Fingerprint Cookies – sugar cookies dusted with cocoa powder “prints.”
Hidden Motive Muffins – mini muffins with fruit or chocolate chips tucked inside.
Clue Crackers – assorted crackers arranged with cheese cubes in puzzle-like shapes.

Sabotage Skewers – skewers with alternating sweet and salty bites (cheese, grapes, gummies).

Serving up yer food and drink

1. Candyland Classics

A whimsical menu of simple main courses given sweet-shop twists to keep the mood playful and colorful.

Lollipop Pizza – mini pizzas cut into circles with popsicle sticks.
Twisty Pasta Salad – tri-color rotini pasta for a candy-ribbon look.
Rainbow Wraps – tortilla wraps with colorful veggie fillings.
Sweet & Savory Sliders – mini burgers with colorful toothpick toppers.
Cotton Cloud Quesadillas – cheese quesadillas cut into fluffy cloud shapes.

2. Mysterious Feast of Flavors

A suspenseful spread where each dish hides a “secret ingredient” or unexpected twist, just like the sabotaged candy creations.

Hidden Treasure Tacos – tacos with a surprise filling (cheese, beans, or salsa).
Secret Sauce Spaghetti – pasta served with two different sauces, one red and one white, swirled together.
Undercover Nuggets – chicken nuggets served in cupcake liners with dipping “clues.”
Disguise Dogs – hot dogs wrapped in crescent dough to look mysterious.
Double Agent Mac & Cheese – mac and cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb topping “disguise.”

3. Showdown Supper Spread

A contest-style meal that feels like a grand finale, with colorful, dramatic presentations that match the candy competition showdown.

Contestant’s Choice Pizza Bar – DIY mini pizzas with toppings set out like “ingredients.”
Build-Your-Own Candy Skewers – fruit and sweet bites with skewers for guests to assemble.
Color Clash Nachos – nachos topped with both yellow cheese and colorful veggie bits.
Spotlight Sandwiches – assorted mini sandwiches cut into star or heart shapes.
Champion’s Chili Cups – small cups of chili with rainbow toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives.

Drinks

Themed Mocktails

Candy Cloud Fizz – lemon-lime soda, cotton candy garnish
Rainbow Mystery Punch – fruit punch, orange juice, sparkling water
Sweet Swirl Sipper – grape juice, lemon-lime soda, splash of cranberry juice
Bubblegum Breeze – strawberry milk, club soda, whipped cream topping
Jellybean Sparkler – apple juice, sparkling water, splash of grenadine

Desserts

Dessert Vibe 1: Sugar-Coated Secrets

A colorful, candy-shop-inspired vibe where every treat looks bright and sweet but holds a playful mystery inside.

Hidden Surprise Cupcakes – cupcakes with a candy center (M&Ms or sprinkles spill out when bitten).
Mystery Candy Bark – chocolate bark swirled with rainbow sprinkles and gummy bits.
Secret Center Donuts – donuts filled with jelly or cream for a sweet surprise.
Rainbow Parfait Cups – layered yogurt or pudding with fruit and sprinkles.
Confetti Cookie Sandwiches – sugar cookies sandwiched with frosting and rolled in sprinkles.

Dessert Vibe 2: Clues & Confections

A mysterious mood where each dessert looks like it hides a clue, encouraging guests to guess what’s inside.

Detective Brownie Bites – brownie squares dusted with powdered sugar “clues.”
Who Dunnit Trifles – layered mini trifles with alternating flavors (chocolate, vanilla, fruit).
Hidden Motive Muffins – muffins with fruit or chocolate chips tucked inside.
Puzzle Piece Cookies – sugar cookies cut into puzzle shapes.
Clue Pops – cake pops decorated with swirled icing “fingerprints.”

Dessert Vibe 3: Candyland Showdown

A contest-style finale filled with bold, playful desserts that shine like winning creations in a candy competition.

Champion’s Candy Cupcakes – frosted cupcakes topped with lollipops or candy pieces.
Color Clash Krispies – Rice Krispie treats made with colorful marshmallows.
Final Round Fudge – simple fudge squares topped with sprinkles or edible glitter.
Sweet Victory Sundaes – DIY sundae station with candy toppings.
Crown Jewel Cookies – cookies topped with gummy “gems” or bright candies.

Musical Playlists

How to Find the Perfect Playlist

Start with Pre-Made Options
- Search for the Night of Mystery Spotify playlist for a ready-to-go option designed to match the playful mystery mood.
Use Spotify Search Tools
- Look up keywords like “candy party,” “kids mystery,” “fun upbeat,” or “sweet treats” to find playlists filled with colorful, energetic songs.
Check Out YouTube Party Mixes
- Search “candy-themed party playlist” or “kid-friendly upbeat mix” on YouTube for long, auto-play mixes that keep the energy flowing without interruptions.
Build Your Own on Apple Music
- Create a custom playlist by combining pop hits, candy-themed songs (like ones with “sugar” or “sweet” in the title), and playful instrumentals to keep the vibe immersive.
Explore Pandora Stations
- Use stations like “Family Pop Hits,” “Happy Pop,” or “Party Favorites” for a fun, hands-free option that adapts as you listen.
Mix in Mystery & Drama Tracks
- Add a few light “mystery” or “detective” background tracks to play during investigation moments for extra atmosphere.
Keep It Kid-Friendly & Energetic
- Make sure the music stays fun, upbeat, and appropriate for all ages—matching the candy-competition excitement.

Tips

Host Ideas – Themed Invites

Golden Ticket Insert – Print or cut a shiny “golden ticket” and slip it inside the envelope, just like a prize to the candy contest.
Candy Confetti Sprinkle – Add a few pieces of colorful paper confetti or candy-shaped cutouts inside the invitation so it feels like opening a candy box.
Sweet Scented Touch – Lightly spritz the paper with a vanilla or cotton-candy–scented spray to give the invite a candy-shop aroma.

Host Ideas

1. Themed Conversation Starters

Provide elegantly designed cards placed at tables or tucked into envelopes with theme-inspired questions, riddles, or prompts. Guests can use these as icebreakers, sparking playful interaction while drawing everyone deeper into the story world of the party.

2. Immersive Role Play Moments

At intervals during the event, have short scripted or guided moments where guests are encouraged to take part in theme-appropriate actions (e.g., revealing a secret clue, passing along a mysterious message, or making a dramatic proclamation). These mini-performances keep everyone engaged without requiring acting skills.