Murder Among the Mateys: A Halloween Night at The Salty Sea Dog Inn & Tavern at Julie’s | POM November 2025!

Ahoy, Night of Mystery crew!

We recently hosted Murder Among the Mateys for our Halloween party, and it was hands-down one of the most fun, spooky, and immersive experiences we’ve ever created. This was our first time hosting a murder mystery, and I can honestly say we’re hooked — everything about your kit made it so easy and exciting to bring this world to life.

Transforming Our Home Into The Salty Sea Dog Inn

We transformed our home into The Salty Sea Dog Inn and Tavern, beginning from the street itself. Guests walked up our driveway, which became a creaky pier leading to the tavern doors. Fishnets and blood-splattered signs lined the railings, and a 10-foot pirate ship stood at the entrance — the perfect photo op before entering the inn.

Inside, our living room became the tavern check-in, where guests were greeted by Shoutin’ Robin Dagger and offered nautical welcome drinks. Our kitchen and dining area became the Captain’s Table, with a buffet featuring dishes like Mermaid’s Bounty salmon, Crossbones Cornbread, and our signature cocktail — Dirty Wiggins’ Curse. Every plate, flower, and pirate coin on the table added to the spooky, elegant atmosphere.

Immersive Details from Start to Finish

We wanted this night to feel special from the start, so two months before the event, every guest received a handmade invitation on antique-style paper designed like a treasure map — tied with twine, nautical charms, and a tiny compass. Each player was “marked” with the Black Spot, summoning them to the tavern for the night of mystery.

The night began with mingling, tattoos, and pirate accents flying across the room. Once the Captain handed out the “Captain’s Orders” envelopes, dinner began — and so did the plotting. We had a custom suspects board where everyone took Polaroid mug shots, and even the restroom was themed as “Cutthroat McPherson’s Boom Room,” complete with warning signs and fake blood. Around the house, we had character-inspired details — a tavern bill showing everyone’s unpaid rum tabs, a “discipline board” for Merciless Morgan’s crew, and Yelp reviews from fictional patrons of The Salty Sea Dog Inn.

When the murder happened, it was pure comedy gold — the victim took a bit too long to die, but when they finally did, we played Hoist the Colours for dramatic effect, and everyone burst into laughter. The murderer didn’t even realize they were the killer until the reveal!

Every guest fully committed to their role — we even had Governor Napier played by a woman who came dressed in full 18th-century men’s attire, and she ended up winning “Best Dressed.” Everyone left with their Polaroid photos and little treasure chest favors with their character names on them.

A Night to Remember

This night was incredibly special to me because I love bringing people together — and this felt like something out of a storybook. Almost everyone who attended had never done a murder mystery before, and by the end of the night, they were asking when the next one will be!

Thank you for creating something so imaginative, detailed, and host-friendly. You gave me all the tools I needed to make a truly unforgettable night. I’ve already been planning the next one — we’re thinking a 90s New Year’s Eve Mystery!