Throwing a gangster-themed party is an exciting way to step back in time to the roaring 20s, a decade of jazz, Prohibition, and, yes, the infamous gangsters and molls. Whether planning a 30th birthday bash for him, a hen’s party, or just a fun night with your friends, here’s how to ensure your gangster party is the bee’s knees!
Let’s Start with the Invitations
Set the tone right from the start with gangster party-themed invitations. Pick designs that feature Art Deco fonts and motifs. You can create these on your own using online templates or purchase pre-made invitations that fit the theme. Make sure to include the dress code and the secret password the guests will need to enter the party.
Encourage Your Guests to Dress the Part
What to wear to a gangster-themed party? For the gents, think pinstripe suits, fedoras, suspenders, and shiny wingtip shoes. For the ladies, flapper dresses, feather headbands, pearls, and all that jazz are the way to go. Include visual aids for the gangster party outfits and themed makeup ideas in your invitations to encourage guests to follow the dress code. You can also mention that there will be a special prize for the best-dressed guest to nudge everyone to bring their A-game.
Set the Scene with Speakeasy Style
If you’re planning a gangster party, then you can never go wrong with a speakeasy. This secret bar vibe is essential for any gangster party theme. Dim the lights, play some jazz (have some live band, if possible, or prepare a curated playlist of classics), and set up a small dance floor for Charleston competitions. Use props like vintage bottles, feather boas, Art Deco backdrops, and other gangster party supplies to enhance the ambiance. You can also design a “secret” entrance, where guests must whisper the secret password to enter. That element alone can add an authentic touch to your speakeasy setting.
Elevate the Fun with Gangster-Themed Murder Mystery Games
Looking for a good icebreaker game or unforgettable gangster party ideas? Murder mystery games will never disappoint. These games are interactive, encouraging guests to mingle while having fun. They also have a suspenseful storytelling element that will keep everyone on their toes. At Merri Mysteries, we’ve got two highly recommended options that promise to deliver a roaring good time:
Poetic Justice
Setting: Step into a 1920s Great Gatsby-themed soiree, brought to the present day by H.G. Wells’ time machine. The party takes a mysterious turn when H.G. Wells is found dead. Was it T.S. Eliot, Mae West, or one of the other cultured guests from the 1920s?
Why It’s Great: This game transports players back to the roaring 20s, blending historical figures with the intrigue of a murder mystery. The presence of iconic personalities like Agatha Christie to help solve the crime adds an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the experience.
Perfect For: This murder mystery party kit is perfect for fans of the 1920s era, literature and history buffs, and those looking for a sophisticated yet thrilling murder mystery experience. If you’re adding this game to your gangster party, be sure to include this detail in your invitations. You can even ask your guests to dress like Agatha Christie, T.S. Eliot, and other roles (and play these roles during the game!) in the kit.
Murder Of The Great Chef
Setting: The gangster era wasn’t only in the 1920s—it lasted until the 1940s. This murder mystery party kit invites you to the culinary world of the 1940s in New York. The scene is set at the Culinary Institute of America during a prestigious event to honor Great Chef Alan Davies with the Edmond World Class Culinary Award. However, the celebration takes a dark turn when Chef Davies is found murdered.
Why It’s Great: This gastronomic investigation is perfect for food enthusiasts and fans of the 1940s gangster era. The game’s setting adds a unique flavor to the traditional murder mystery party, making it an intriguing choice for those who love cooking or fine dining.
Perfect For: This murder mystery game is suitable for a 1940s-themed gangster party, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a murder mystery with a unique twist.
Prepare Prohibition Era Fare
No gangster party would be complete without the appropriate food and refreshments. Since you’re going for authenticity, think about serving classic cocktails from the 1920s, like gin rickeys, sidecars, or mint juleps. If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, you could serve coffee or tea as they did at real speakeasies during Prohibition.
As for food, small finger foods are your best bet. Prepare deviled eggs, oysters Rockefeller, and shrimp cocktails. These small food items were popular during the 1920s and are perfect for guests to munch on while mingling.
Don’t Forget About Party Favors
Send your guests home with a memento from the era. Mini liquor bottles (label them as “bootlegged”), custom coasters, or even faux pearl necklaces can make for great party favors that stick with the gangster party theme.
Summing It Up
Planning a gangster party can be as much fun as the event itself. With the right décor, attire, music, activities, and refreshments, you’ll transport your guests back to the thrilling era of the 1920s. So, grab your flapper dress or pinstripe suit, and get ready for a roaring good time!
