Once a year we like to dress up in costumes and host a murder in our home. Costumes, you say? Yep. We even wear wigs once in while! Corny? Maybe a little. But really... what fun is there in costumes if they're not a bit corny?
How, you may wonder, did a nice Christian couple become interested in hosting murders? Easy. We gained this fascination at our former church. That's right... The couples ministry at the church we attended early in our marriage turned us on to murder mysteries. This amazing couples ministry at (which also led terrific Bible studies and small group activities) began hosting murder mystery dinners in 2003. If I remember correctly, there were no less than 24 couples at the first dinner. We had several round tables with four couples at each, portraying the eight different characters in the game. Even our pastors (who happened to be husband/wife co-pastors) participated in the rather racy and inappropriate event. I should probably point out that we are Methodist. Methodists are not known for being extremely conservative, but we are known for loving most any event where good food is offered. Well, the food at that first murder mystery dinner was better than good. We were served an elegant five course dinner throughout the game. The food, fellowship, and fun times made for an amazing evening at Valley UMC.
Below is a photo of us at that first dinner, which was called "The Watersdown Affair." This was February of 2003, and I was approximately 11 weeks pregnant with our first baby. We had only told our parents at that point, so I was really trying to suck in my ever-growing baby bump. Finding something to wear was also a challenge. Yes, costumes are highly recommended, though not entirely necessary, for a successful murder mystery dinner. This particular game was set in a 1930s English mansion. My character was to wear an evening gown, which I thought would be simple seeing as I had a closet full of delightful bridesmaid's dresses. I had two such dresses that I had truly loved wearing... The first was a two piece black satin halter top with an a-line full-length skirt. This was what I hoped to wear that night. However, my chest was the first thing to grow in my pregnancy, and I soon discovered that I could not zip up the top of the dress. :( My second choice was a very tasteful navy full-length gown. Again, it was a no-go on the zipper. Mind you, I had not gained a single pound yet in the pregnancy. After shedding a few tears, I slowly tried on the last gown that I felt would be appropriate for the dinner. Praise the Lord - it fit! Not quite as it had fit at the wedding I'd worn it in a few years prior, but still... (I apologize for the bright flash in this pic... I was pale, but not ghostly white).
Many of us begged the leaders of our couples ministry to make the murder mystery dinner an annual event. They did so, and we had an even bigger turnout the next year. Some of us even invited friends from outside the church. The second year's theme was "The Class of '54." This one was based on a 10 year class reunion and my character was the slutty cheerleader named E.C. Lays. What really cracked everyone up was that Pastor Leila was the same character at another table! How many churches have pastors willing to play the tramp in a game with her congregants? We were assured that no one had been typecast. ;) My adorable (and very lean, competitive cyclist) husband was cast as Del Toids, the beefy quarterback. He borrowed a Simpson College jersey from a co-worker and used bubble wrap to enhance his biceps and chest. Again, a good time was had by all, as evidenced by the following not-so-flattering pics. (No, I did not memorize the characters' names; I had them written on the back of one of the photos).
For whatever reason, we didn't get any photos of us at the third annual dinner. The theme was "Hoo Hung Woo." Because I do not have any kimonos in my wardrobe, I went to Target and sought out a cheap satin bathrobe. All I could find was a long black number that was not very pretty, and I had to pin it to keep it closed (don't worry... I did wear other clothes beneath it!). I honestly cannot remember what Ross wore. I do recall some great wigs and make-up on our friends that night, though!
Not long after that we began seeking a church closer to our home (we were tired of driving a half-hour to church and our wonderful pastors were no longer there). Our new church, of which we've been members since 2006, sadly does not have the same type of couples ministry. Honestly, I doubt very many churches have the type of couples ministry that could (or would) put on a smashing annual murder mystery dinner! I didn't feel qualified to start a huge tradition like the annual parties, but we did decide to host a small dinner party at my in-laws' for New Year's Eve.
We found that there was an abundance of murder mystery game kits available on Amazon or eBay, so we chose one that sounded intriguing. After getting the little ones to sleep, we all changed clothes and got down to "The Grapes of Frath." This game was set in the roaring 20s. Ross played host/waiter while the rest of us (his parents, his two sisters, his two brothers-in-law, his brother, and I) played the game. We had randomly assigned the characters a couple weeks before so everyone had time to plan their costumes. Ross & I were pleasantly surprised by how everybody went all out on dressing their characters. It was a hoot. Below is the photo we took in the wee hours of the morning after the game. (Note: this group includes two or three major introverts, which made the costumes and fun night all that more surprising).
Flash forward to New Year's Eve 2009. We had been missing our murder mysteries more than we realized, so we hosted some of our best friends to ring in 2010. We still had "The Grapes of Frath" game, and frankly, we'd forgotten who the murderer was. Ross & I chose to just host the party, and it was perfect. This was the year that I decided our murder mystery dinners were scrapbook worthy.
If you know me, you're well aware that I am prone to traditions... and planning... and let's face it, hosting a murder mystery annually is right up my alley. Fall seemed to work out better than New Year's Eve after that initial party. For one thing, it's easier to find costumes in the months leading up to Halloween. Also, many of our friends have regular New Year's plans. Our 2nd annual dinner was "The Tragical Mystery Tour," based on Woodstock. Now these were some sweet costumes. Some guests made use of Goodwill, some shopped at a local costume/theatrical shop, others checked out the Party City Halloween section. Friends in attendance included our current pastor, a local police sergeant, our oldest child's soccer coach (who was unrecognizable to said child), and a man who was willing to go all out and wear a woman's suit. It doesn't get any better than that!
Our 3rd annual dinner party was "The Maiming of the Shrew." Shakespeare has always been one of my favorites, and this murder mystery did not disappoint. There was phony royalty, borderline incest, thievery, and prostitution galore. Once again, the costumes were a riot and we all got to know one another just a little bit better than we'd ever thought we could. Oh, and I had to include a picture of the yummy Danish apple torte we enjoyed for dessert.
Last year we traveled to the 70s and hosted "Saturday Night Cleaver" for our 4th annual murder. We're talking big hair and rad outfits, man. One of the couples we invited had to cancel at the last minute, so Ross & I filled in and played along while hosting. Lots of laughter ensued that night.
Here we are just a week away from our 5th annual murder mystery dinner! Ross & I have been feeling nostalgic for high school since we've had recently passed milestone class reunions. This party will be a 90s theme. Tight rolled jeans. Capri leggings with lace around the bottom. Big bangs. Shoulder pads. Should be a night to remember. I'll be sure to share pics. :)
*For those new to my blog, check out the beginnings of ABC Summers here.*
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