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Killing for the Crown: The Ultimate DIY Galentine’s Celebration
Forget the chocolates and roses! This year, we are elevating Galentine’s Day with a little drama, a whole lot of sparkle, and a mystery that needs solving. (I mean, who doesn’t love a good whodunnit with their besties?)
Welcome to “Killing for the Crown.” This isn’t your average brunch, it’s a high-stakes Miss America-style pageant where everyone is a contestant, but only one is a cold-blooded killer. It’s the perfect theme for your friends who love to dress up, get into character, and maybe get a little competitive for that sash.
Whether you’re a seasoned hostess or planning your first big DIY event, this guide will walk you through everything you need to host a pageant-themed murder mystery that your friends will be talking about until next February.
THE VIBE
A little drama, a whole lot of sparkle!
Color Palette: Hot Pink, Red, and Gold.
Mood: High-energy, glamorous, and mysterious.
Music Vibe: Pageant instrumentals mixed with high-tempo girl power anthems.
Guest Count: 8–16 “contestants” (size will determine game)
THE FULL PARTY BREAKDOWN
The Decor
Setting the stage for a pageant is all about the glitz!
Gold Sequin Tablecloth: Use this for your main brunch spread to make everything pop.
Red Metallic Heart Balloons
Fill the room with these to keep the love (and the mystery!) in the air. You can grab them at the Dollar Store for an inexpensive impact!
XOXO Wall Backdrop
This is the perfect spot for contestant “headshots” and group photos. It’s one of my favorite elements of the party.
Banners: Hang “FRIES BEFORE GUYS” and “FOOD BEFORE DUDES” banners for that classic Galentine’s feel.
DIY MOMENT
DIY Custom Sashes
I made custom sashes for each guest/contestant
FOOD MENU
Pageant Brunch Menu
Keep the food easy and “classic” so you can focus on the mystery.
Mini Pancakes
Served with Nutella, raspberries, and bananas.
Red Velvet Heart Waffles
A must-have for a Valentine-themed brunch.
Classic Sides
Eggs and Bacon
Pink French Toast
A pink twist on a classic brunch favorite!
You can find all these recipes on my post about
5 Easy Valentine’s Day Recipes for Galentine’s Brunch!
THE DRINKS
Mimosa Bar
This bar setup was simple this time. I provided orange, cranberry, and grapefruit juices, and each guest brought a bottle of sparkling wine to contribute. This kept costs low and the bar was perfectly stocked!
ENTERTAINMENT
The Murder Mystery Game & Activity
The big event is the murder mystery game, “Killing for the Crown”.
The Scripts
I put each guest’s script in a custom red booklet to make them feel official.
Mingling
Everyone got so into their characters, asking questions and digging for clues while sipping mimosas.
MASH
While you’re waiting for the “investigation” to heat up, play a quick round of MASH for some nostalgia.
The Prize
With their award each winner got a mini wine bottle with custom Galentine labels like “uteruses before duderuses”. (I love this part!)
Get the Murder Mystery Party Game
Want to play this murder mystery game for when you host your own Galentine’s Party?
Grab the game on the game’s site at the link below:
The Awards
Don’t forget the trophies! I gave out awards like “Dressed to Kill” (Best Dressed) and “Smoking Gun” (Got Away with Murder).
DRESS CODE
What to Wear
As the host, you have to set the standard! I wore a hot pink velvet cowl dress, a tiara (obviously!), and pink tassel earrings. Encourage your guests to go full pageant mode—tiaras, sashes, and full makeup are highly encouraged!
SHOPPING LIST
Shop the Party
Check out my favorite finds to make this party happen!
Ready to host your own mystery? Pin this post to your “Party Ideas” board and follow us for more DIY guides to elevating your events!