Set the Scene: The Invitations
Your party begins the moment the invitation arrives. Set a mysterious tone with designs that evoke the Arconia's pre-war, Italian Renaissance aesthetic. Think elegant, symmetrical designs, perhaps with an archway motif reminiscent of the building's grand
entrance. Use a rich color palette of burgundy, gold, or deep greens. You can hint at the evening's purpose with phrases like, "Your presence is requested for an evening of secrets at The Arconia," or, if you're planning a full murder mystery game, include your guest's character assignment. This gets them excited and gives them time to plan their part.
Dress the Part: Arconia Attire
Encourage guests to channel the show's main trio. For the Mabels in your group, think bold colors, chunky boots, plaid skirts, and her signature yellow or orange coats and sweaters. A trench coat is also a perfect nod to her detective ambitions. For the Olivers, suggest dramatic scarves, turtlenecks, and a flair for the theatrical. The Charleses can opt for a more comfortable, classic look: think cozy sweaters and perhaps a pork pie hat. The key is to blend comfort with a distinct personal style, just like the residents of the Arconia.
Craft the Ambiance: Decor and Music
To make your space feel like the Arconia, focus on creating an atmosphere of "quiet luxury." This isn't about over-the-top decorations, but curated details. Use warm lighting with table lamps and floor lamps rather than harsh overheads. Incorporate rich textures like velvet and dark wood, and consider using removable wallpaper with a dark floral or geometric pattern to mimic Oliver's dramatic apartment or the building's elegant hallways. Create a playlist of pre-war jazz, classical music, and Broadway show tunes to capture the building's historic, theatrical vibe. For a centerpiece, you could even create a display using yellow flowers and faux crime scene tape.
A Taste of the Upper West Side: Food and Drink
No Arconia party is complete without dips. It's Oliver Putnam's favorite food group, after all. Offer a generous spread of hummus, tzatziki, onion dip, and maybe a fancy artichoke dip. For heartier fare, Charles-Haden Savage is known for his omelets, so a build-your-own omelet bar could be a fun, interactive element. You can also serve New York City classics like soft pretzels and black-and-white cookies. For drinks, consider a signature cocktail like the "Bloody Mabel" (a classic bloody Mary) or the creamy, coconut-vanilla "Cocotini" that made an appearance in season two.
The Main Event: The Mystery
This is the heart of your party. You can purchase a ready-made murder mystery kit, many of which are available online and can be tailored to your number of guests. Look for one with a New York City or old apartment building theme to align with the show. Alternatively, you can write your own mystery. Create a victim, a handful of suspects (your guests), and a series of clues. You could even incorporate show-specific elements, like a podcast recording that reveals a key piece of information or secret passageways between rooms (the "Arcatacombs"). A simpler alternative is to play a game of "Son of Sam," a card game featured on the show that is similar to Mafia or Werewolf, where players must identify the secret killer among them.
Embrace the Details: Extra Activities
Beyond the main mystery, small activities can enhance the theme. Set up a Scrabble board for guests to play, a nod to a recurring pastime in the series. You could also create a trivia game based on the show's characters and plot twists. Another fun idea is to have a "dip tasting" competition where guests vote for their favorite, in honor of Oliver. The goal is to sprinkle in details that true fans of the show will recognize and appreciate, making the experience feel truly immersive and thoughtfully planned.
