For a fun-filled cocktail party, an evening planned around the 1985 hit comedy “Clue” will please most party guests. While perfect for a group of 10, smaller groups can cover multiple roles in this murder-mystery themed party.
Starring Tim Curry, Madelyn Kahn, Lesley Ann Warren, and Christopher Lloyd, the movie based on the classic board game drew laughs from the audiences with the campy dialogue and innuendo throughout the film. Fans of murder-mystery parties can host a fairly simple “Clue” themed cocktail party and join in the fun.
Provide a “Clue” in the Invitations
It’s possible to buy card stock for elegant looking invitations at most office supply stores. In addition to the basic facts about the party – date, time, and place – suggest to each guest which “Clue” character they will be portraying and suggest they dress appropriately.
A different approach with the invitations would be to assign characters once everyone arrives.
“Clue” on the Menu
The menu for this cocktail party is drawn from the Wadsworth (Tim Curry) line “And monkey’s brains, though popular in Cantonese cuisine, are not often to be found in Washington D.C.”
Many areas of the United States do not sell monkey’s brains, but it is possible to create a Cantonese appetizer menu. Include hearty appetizers such as Steamed Pork Dumplings or Pot Stickers and balance them with lighter fare such as Lotus Flowers – similar to a beignet.
Setting the Scene for “Clue”
While it isn’t always feasible to rent an elegant mansion for a cocktail party, the film was set during the heyday of the J. Edgar Hoover. Candles, heavy glassware for the drinks, and nice plates that aren’t disposable for the appetizers will help create the atmosphere.
Create a centerpiece with the weapons from the movie – a rope, a gun (a water pistol), a dagger, a lead pipe, a candlestick, and a wrench.
Bring “Clue” into the Party
Create scene cards for each character. If most of the guests have seen the movie or are familiar with murder-mystery parties, they will be able to ad lib the conversations.
The first major scene in the movie involves all of the characters gathered around the table as Mr. Boddy discloses the reason their presence was requested. At the cocktail party, this can be done by bringing the group together and detailing the blackmail that is part of the film.
A “Clue” cocktail party can be a fun evening for friends when the scene is set correctly.
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