You’ve got the costumes. You’ve printed the character cards. You’ve even cleared off your dining room table. But now… people expect to eat. Like, actual food. That matches the theme. And suddenly your fun mystery night feels like you’re catering a wedding reception in a jungle, saloon, or 1930s train car.

Deep breath.

You don’t have to become a Michelin chef to host a great murder mystery night. In fact, at Megan’s Mysteries, every mystery comes with easy, theme-appropriate menu ideas built right into your Host Guide. Seriously—we’ve got your back like an apron at a Wild West chili cook-off.

Here’s how to feed your guests something fun and on-theme, without turning your kitchen into a five-course panic attack.

Step 1: Embrace the “Good Enough” Menu

Let’s get one thing clear: you do not need a roasted wild boar and flaming bananas foster to create a good themed menu. This is a printable party, not a cooking competition. What your guests want is food they can eat with one hand while pointing an accusatory finger with the other.

And guess what? A solid crockpot of pulled pork or a tray of Costco cookies dressed up with a clever name card (“Mystery Macaroons,” anyone?) goes a long way.

Step 2: Match the Vibe, Not the Complexity

Pick menu items that evoke the setting, even if they aren’t historically accurate. Hosting The Emerald Expedition? Think tropical punch, fruit skewers, jungle trail mix, and grilled chicken sliders. Nothing needs to be authentic 1930s archaeologist rations (because… ew). But wanna know what it would be? A friend of ours, Creek Stewart, survivalist and host of Fat Guys in the Woods shows you in this clip. (It’s gross. FYI)

For Murder at Copper Gulch, a Wild West theme, go with cornbread muffins, BBQ anything, or chili with shredded cheese on the side. Boom—instant cowboy feast.

If you’re riding the rails on The Grand Gilded Express, you can go elegant with finger sandwiches, cucumber bites, sparkling cider, and a silver tray of cookies. No tea service required. Unless you want it. In which case, pinkies up.

Step 3: Rename What You Already Love

Do you have a go-to pasta bake? Fantastic. Now it’s “Criminale Casserole.” Store-bought cupcakes? “Sugar-Coated Lies.” That’s not just a salad—it’s “Deadly Greens.” We’re big fans of bad puns.

Renaming your food items with a little mystery flair makes everything more festive—and lets you skip complicated recipes. Bonus: it gives your guests a reason to giggle and talk while eating, which helps loosen people up for gameplay.

Step 4: Lean on Snacks and Buffets

Buffets and snack tables keep things flexible—no assigned seats, no complicated serving order. That means guests can nibble between scenes or chow down while they whisper secrets in the corner.

Here’s a foolproof themed snack table idea:

• Theme: Jungle Adventure
• Snack Mix: “Temple Treasure Trail Mix” with chocolate gems and goldfish crackers
• Fruit: “Forbidden Fruit” skewers with pineapple, grapes, and strawberries
• Main: “Explorer’s Sliders” (mini chicken sandwiches)
• Drink: “Poison Punch” (fruit punch with Sprite and sherbet)

Minimal cooking. Maximum atmosphere.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Kids (or Picky Adults)

If your mystery night includes younger guests or those who fear anything fancier than ketchup, have a backup plate ready. A few PB&Js cut into “mystery shapes” or a pizza labeled “Mob Boss Marinara” is enough to keep everyone happy and well-fed.

We kept this in mind while designing our family-friendly themes like The Emerald Expedition and our upcoming Mystery at the Desert Palace adventure for kids. We know that not every 9-year-old is excited about goat cheese or cilantro. (Honestly, same.)

Step 6: Make the Food Part of the Fun

If you’ve got time, let your guests help! A potluck mystery night lets everyone bring a dish. Just assign categories ahead of time (“Appetizer from the Old West,” “Jungle-Inspired Dessert”) to avoid 8 trays of brownies and no actual dinner. Although, the fourth grader in JK doesn’t see a problem with that.

Or turn the menu into part of the mystery—was the poisoned scone the reason Lady Rose fainted? Should the “Suspect Sandwiches” be treated with suspicion? Food can be a fabulous plot twist.

Step 7: Use the Menu Suggestions We Already Gave You

We know not everyone’s a foodie. That’s why each of our mysteries comes with themed menu ideas right in the Host Guide. We include suggestions for snacks, mains, drinks, and desserts—plus serving tips that match your scene. No Pinterest rabbit hole required.

So when you buy one of our mysteries, you’re not just getting a killer story—you’re getting dinner help too. (We are nothing if not full-service fictional crime consultants.)

Final Word: Nobody Remembers the Carrots

People remember who confessed to the crime. They remember how Jack Silverstone dramatically flipped a table. They remember when Isla Fields whispered about poison plants and spiked the fruit punch with…extra lime.

What they don’t remember? Whether your cookies were gluten-free. Or whether the mac and cheese came from a box. It’s okay to keep it simple. Your real job is to create laughter, suspense, and maybe a fake alibi or two.

Need Inspiration? Check Out Our Blog

If you’re still hungry for ideas, we’ve got you covered. Visit our blog to read about more tricks for pulling off the perfect evening—even if your oven is only used for storing baking sheets.

Now go forth and feed your guests like the mysterious party genius you are. And remember: if someone complains about the menu, you can always label them “next week’s victim.”