The Case of the Missing Heirloom is a printable, immersive mystery dinner party game where guests step into character to uncover who stole a cherished heirloom, why they took it, and how they hid it.
There’s no murder, making this mystery light, engaging, and perfect for mixed ages, casual dinners, friend gatherings, milestone birthdays, or a cozy night in.
This is a character-driven whodunit where everyone has motives, secrets, and a role to play in solving the case.
Planning to host The Case of the Missing Heirloom? This guide walks you through setup, character prep, pacing, décor ideas, and how to run a smooth and engaging mystery dinner for groups of any size.
You’ll receive a clear, easy-to-follow host guide that walks you through printing, character setup, Stage One mingling, Stage Two accusations, and the final reveal. Perfect for first-time mystery hosts.
Every guest becomes a dinner guest character with their own motives, secrets, and backstory. Flexible casting lets you host with 8-15 players without changing the story.
You’ll get printable prompts, accusation sheets, and supporting materials to guide the mystery naturally. These give even quieter guests something fun and structured to do.
Stage One gets everyone chatting and uncovering secrets. Stage Two focuses on accusations, theories, and the big reveal. No scripts—just natural interaction.
Designed for home printers (color or black & white). Print exactly what you need for your guest count. Can also be printed at Staples, Office Depot, or any copy shop.
Files are available immediately after purchase. Have questions? Our support team replies within 24 hours—even on weekends during peak holiday season.
You don’t need acting skills, improv experience, or hours of prep. If you can print pages and read from a host guide, you can run this game. Here’s how the game flows from start to finish.
After purchase, you’ll get instant access to your PDFs. Open the host guide first—it gives you a quick overview of the story, characters, and how the heist plays out.
Print the character packets, objectives and any signage you want to use. Assign characters before the party or hand them out as guests arrive—both options work great.
Follow the host guide through Stage One (mingling and secret-sharing) and Stage Two (accusations and reveal). Guests chat, laugh, and try to piece together who’s behind the mystery.
You can run this in a living room, office, Airbnb, or clubhouse—no stage, props, or complicated tech needed.
A great mystery dinner doesn’t need a complicated menu. Simple comfort dishes, a signature drink, and a sweet finish help keep guests relaxed and engaged in the story.
Comfort Classics
Warm, crowd-pleasing dishes like roasted chicken, pasta bakes, soups, or family-style sides keep the evening relaxed and let the mystery stay center stage.
Signature Sips
Serve one themed drink—alcoholic or not—such as a sparkling spritz, cider blend, or a mocktail named after the heirloom or a key suspect.
Sweet Reveal Dessert
Bring out dessert right before final accusations. Think brownies, a simple cake, or fruit cobbler—something easy to serve while the truth unravels.
Tip: Prep as much as you can before guests arrive—choose dishes that can stay warm or be served family-style, so you’re free to stay at the table and enjoy the mystery instead of getting stuck in the kitchen.
No need to transform your entire home. A handful of small details—soft lighting, a decorative box, or a few old books—can make any room feel like the perfect setting for uncovering a stolen heirloom.
1. Choose Your Main Gathering Area
Pick one main space for guests to mingle—a living room, open office area, or dining room. Make sure people can move around and chat, not just sit in rows.
2. Set Up a Simple “Host Station”
On a small table, keep your host guide, extra character sheets, pens, and any cards you’ll need for Stage Two. This is your control center during the game.
3. Lay Out Character Packets & Name Tags
You can either place character packets at each seat with name tags, or keep them at the entrance and hand them out as guests arrive.
4. Create the Atmosphere
Add a few easy touches: fairy lights, battery candles, a simple garland, and soft background music. You don’t need to transform the whole house—just one main area.
5. Designate a Spot for the Reveal
Make sure you have a space where everyone can gather for the accusation and final reveal moment—a living room seating area, around the dining table, or near a faux “fireplace”.
General Atmosphere
Soft, warm lighting: lamps, string lights, fairy lights, or candles (real or LED)
Dim overhead lights and rely more on table lamps and candles
A low-volume instrumental or jazz playlist in the background
Table & Centerpiece Ideas
A single “heirloom-style” centerpiece: vintage jewelry box, old hardcover books, a decorative trinket box, or a framed old photo
Mixed candle heights (tapers + tea lights + pillar candles) on a tray or runner
Fabric table runner in deep jewel tones (burgundy, navy, forest green)
Cloth napkins instead of paper for an instant upgrade
“Heirloom” Touches
Scatter a few “mystery” objects: old keys, lockets, pocket watches, vintage-style brooches
A small tray or dish with costume jewelry or faux pearls
A framed “family portrait” (can be a stock photo or something from your own family) as a conversation prop
Room Details
A stack of old books on a side table, maybe tied with a ribbon or twine
A small side table set up as a “study” corner with a notepad, pen, and candle
A coat rack with a hat, scarf, or trench coat to give “mystery character” vibes
Photo / Clue Corner
A simple photo backdrop using a neutral sheet or curtain and one or two props
A small bulletin board or corkboard where you can pin “notes,” character names, or fake newspaper clippings
A tray or box labeled “Evidence” with a few printed or handwritten “clues”
Minimal-Prep Options
Use what you already have: a favorite vase, family photo, or inherited piece as the “inspiration heirloom”
One statement decor item in the center of the table and keep everything else simple
Turn off bright overheads and rely on two lamps + a few candles—it does 80% of the work on its own
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No. This is a cozy, family-friendly mystery centered around a missing heirloom. It has secrets, motives, and drama—but no violence or dark themes.
The game is designed for 6–15 players, with flexible character assignments. You can combine roles for smaller groups or let extra guests team up as investigators.
Most groups finish in 2–3 hours, depending on how long you spend on dinner and conversation. The pacing is relaxed and designed to flow naturally.
Not at all. Each character has simple prompts and details they can read directly from their packet. Guests can be as dramatic—or as low-key—as they want.
Yes. Because the mystery revolves around a stolen heirloom (not a crime scene), it’s suitable for mixed ages, including teens and older kids with adult supervision.
You can host it again for a different group, but the same players shouldn’t replay, as they’ll already know the solution. You can reprint as many copies as you need.
Print your game, gather your guests, and get ready for drama, secrets, and an evening full of fun discoveries.
PartyKook designs printable mystery party games and themed party kits for hosts who want big impact with less stress. Since 2014, we’ve been helping people turn ordinary living rooms, offices, and rentals into unforgettable party settings with interactive stories, easy-to-follow host guides, and instant digital downloads.
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PartyKook creates printable mystery party games and themed party kits that make hosting easy, fun, and stress-free. Every kit is an instant digital download and includes professionally formatted PDFs, character sheets, clues, name tags, host instructions, and simple décor ideas—everything you need to plan an unforgettable dinner party, birthday party, holiday gathering, or Airbnb game night. Just download, print, and play.
The Party Edit • Hosting Guides
PartyKook creates easy-to-host, printable mystery party kits and scene sets designed for unforgettable group experiences.
Created with ❤️ in New York
