Hosting Tips: Shake, Rattle, and Rest in Peace 1950s Murder Mystery
Transport your guests to 1957 with this guide to hosting the diner-themed murder mystery, Shake, Rattle, and Rest in Peace.
Tags: murder mystery, party games, interactive games, host a party, 1950s theme, Shake Rattle and Rest in Peace
## Step Into Biff's Burger & Shake Emporium
Ready to host a party that's truly 'the most'? Our **1950s murder mystery**, Shake, Rattle, and Rest in Peace, is an interactive game filled with comedy, grease, and a cold-blooded crime. Setting the stage in 1957 Oakhaven requires a mix of nostalgia and suspense. This guide will help you manage the jukebox and the suspects for a night of unforgettable party games.
## Setting the Scene: Decorating Biff's
The setting is Biff's Burger & Shake Emporium. To bring this to life, focus on neon colors, chrome, and red vinyl. You can transform your dining area using black-and-white checkered tablecloths and printable vintage soda advertisements. Don't forget the recording booth for Richie 'Records' Romano—a small corner with a vintage microphone and a 'Live on Air' sign works perfectly. For a morbid touch, put a 'Danger: Walk-in Freezer' sign on your kitchen door to mark the spot where poor Biff met his end.
## Building Anticipation with Host-Party Invitations
Great interactive games begin long before the first burger is flipped. Use the Host-Party invitation system to send character dossiers to your guests. Whether they are playing the overachieving Barb 'The Brain' Bernstein or the rebel Johnny 'Jet' Jackson, giving them their backstories early builds excitement. Encourage them to keep their secrets close and their 'motives' closer.
## Costume Suggestions for 1957
A murder mystery is only as good as its costumes! Encourage your guests to dive deep into their Oakhaven personas:
- **Peggy Sue Miller:** Think poodle skirts, cardigans, and a high ponytail with a ribbon.
- **Johnny 'Jet' Jackson:** A classic white t-shirt with rolled sleeves, blue jeans, and a leather jacket.
- **Donna 'Dot' Dipp:** A retro waitress apron, a notepad tucked into a pocket, and a pencil behind the ear.
- **Sheriff 'Skip' Sterling:** A tan button-down shirt with a toy badge and a serious demeanor.
- **Richie 'Records' Romano:**A bowling shirt or a loud patterned button-down and thick-rimmed glasses.
- **Barb 'The Brain' Bernstein:** A pleated skirt, cat-eye glasses, and a stack of library books.
## Meal Planning: Diner Classics
Stay out of the kitchen and in the middle of the **murder mystery party** by using our themed menus. The Jukebox Jam Menu and The Rebel's Roast Menu are designed for easy preparation. Consider serving sliders, crinkle-cut fries in baskets, and thick chocolate malts. For a more formal approach, The Sock Hop Special offers a structured **mystery dinner party** that fits the 1950s vibe. Pro tip: Prepare the 'shakes' (or milkshakes) in advance and store them in the fridge so you don't miss a single clue while blending.
## General Hosting Tips for Murder Mystery Party Success
To keep the **murder mystery** flowing smoothly, manage the pace of the investigation. If the guests are stuck, have Donna 'Dot' Dipp 'discover' a new piece of evidence while wiping down the tables. Keep a 1950s rock and roll playlist humming in the background to mask any quiet moments. Most importantly, remind everyone that while there is a killer among them, the goal is to enjoy the comedy and the historical atmosphere of Oakhaven.