• Murder mystery events---in which participants gather to play out and solve a fictional crime scenario---often take place at a house, typically the home of the event organizer, or at a function facility such as at a hotel. The event host has to ensure that the scenario goes ahead smoothly and that everyone has a good time. Aside from the scenario itself, the host is often also tasked with handling catering and drinks for the event.
  
  

Choosing The Scenario

• A range of murder mystery game scenarios are available, and that all will suit the number of players you have attending or their dispositions. Murder mystery events can consist of a few friends sitting around the dining room table, or they can feature dozens of guests. Choose a scenario which involves every guest but doesn't leave lots of characters without players to take on their roles, as this will disrupt the smooth running of the plot.
  
  Murder mystery scenarios vary in terms of content. Some scenarios may involve sex or drugs, for example, content which some guests may find offensive. Bear in mind the views of the majority of guests when deciding on a scenario.
  
  

Starting Times

• Murder mysteries are often divided into separate parts, or scenes, and can last a few hours or more. Playing through a whole mystery is time-consuming, so begin in plenty of time, otherwise you may find that you reach the end of the evening and there are still parts of the scenario to go. This may leave guests feeling rushed or even bored if the event drags on. Guests might also be delayed in arriving to the event, so it's worth factoring this into the event's arrangements.
  
  

Drinks

• Hosts are typically responsible for providing the drinks for the event. You'll find that it's handy to have a range of drinks available, including soft drinks, since guests may be driving or may prefer not to drink alcohol.
  
  Having too much alcohol available can spoil the event; if guests are inebriated, the event will likely slow down, or worse, be entirely disrupted. As suggested on the Great Murder Mystery Games website, allowing guests only a few glasses of wine or the equivalent can help prevent alcohol-related disaster.
  
  

Food

• You might have decided to prepare a meal for the event. For some events this is very impractical, however, so it's worth considering putting together a finger buffet for guests. Players can help themselves to the buffet easily without slowing down the flow of the game too much.