For most of us, throwing a party means pressure. Many people find the stress of hosting a meeting enough to burst their balloon, so to speak. The Shot In The Dark Mystery Maiden insists that doesn’t have to be the case. Everyone should be able to host a murder mystery, birthday, anniversary, or dinner party with confidence! Here are seven tips from Mystery to ensure the planning process isn’t a painful practice.
1. Keep lists
When planning a party, keep a list of preparations in your pocket, purse, or wallet. It’s instant peace of mind! Some people prefer to keep their lists on a computer, but there are benefits to choosing a notebook instead, which you can carry with you at all times. First, don’t underestimate the power of crossing an item off your list. The items you achieve are small wins that keep you motivated. Also, ideas come at the most inopportune moments. With your sheet of paper and pen at the ready, you’ll be sure not to forget a moment of creative genius! Third, the act of writing something down on a piece of paper erases it from your mind, making it easier for you to think, relax, sleep, and ultimately be more productive.
2. Rest days plan
When I host a party or facilitate someone else’s murder mystery game, I allow myself a day or two “in between” before the party. To create intermediate days, you should plan to complete your pre-party tasks a day or two before the party. Then, if something goes wrong, you have time to implement a contingency plan. For example, a vital guest cancels at the last minute leaving you with a character (or a spot at the dining room table) to fill. Because you’ve planned in-between days, you now have two full days to find someone to take your place. Protection days also help with food preparation, cleaning, anything else that could go wrong. If heaven smiles on you and everything goes according to plan, you now have two days to relax and greet your guests with a friendly smile instead of a forehead full of worry lines.
3. Be assertive with RSVPs.
Some parties, including mystery game parties, require the host to know who will be attending ahead of time so they can assign characters or create place cards. Many hosts feel uncomfortable calling guests who are undecided to ask if they will definitely attend. Remember, you don’t have to be aggressive, but you do want to be assertive. There’s nothing wrong with calling your uncommitted guests and asking for a solid response. If they can’t commit, tell them you’re sorry to hear that, but you’ll have to move someone else into your place. With your guest list solidified, you’ll have one less thing to worry about in the last few hours before your party.
4. Make the dress code clear for your guests.
Picture it: You’re hosting a murder mystery party at the end of October. You put on dress clothes, light candles and set the table beautifully. Your first guests arrive in jeans and T-shirts. The following guests arrive dressed as their character. His third group of guests arrive in zombie costumes, assuming it was a Halloween theme. You are not the only one who may feel embarrassed in this situation. Guests also worry about being underdressed, overdressed, or inappropriately dressed. All of this can be avoided with a simple “formal attire” or “dress as your character” notation on your invitations.
5. Create a fabulous guest list
With a fantastic guest list, your party will have a life of its own. With a boring guest list… well, your party will do the same. Think about the people you know. Although they are all your friends, some may thrive as a murder mystery game character, spouting accusations as quickly as they do martinis, while others may thrive over a quiet dinner. Build your guest list in the theme of your party, sit back and watch the magic.
6. Prevent anticipatory anxiety
Organizing an event can create anxiety and tension. Anticipatory anxiety, that is, anticipating all possible outcomes, is the number one reason why hosting parties can be stressful. Remember: not everything has to be perfect. The only person expecting perfection is you – your guests are probably delighted to see you and excited about the murder mystery game. So relax and don’t expect perfection. If you start to feel anxious when you think about your next murder mystery dinner or party, relax. Sit down for fifteen minutes and read a book, or do something you enjoy doing. You will instantly recharge your body’s batteries and avoid a physical reaction that is detrimental to your health.
7. Have a crisis partner
Designate a crisis partner, someone who can be on call at the last minute in case things go horribly wrong. It could be a spouse, an older child, or a friend. Your crisis buddy can help you run last-minute errands, find more chairs when your guest list suddenly doubles, or even remind you to stay calm if you get scared. If you chose a friend as your crisis partner, you can return the favor and become your crisis partner for your next event. Although you may not use your crisis partner, knowing that they are there for you will make your preparations less stressful.