The popularity of the Harry Potter character has only increased with time. Whether it's the next book or the next movie, fans just can't seem to get enough Harry Potter. The trials of Harry Potter and his group of friends is appealing to both adults and children, so whether you're inclined to host a party for young, old or both groups together, this will be a fun event for all.
Setting the Stage
Invite your guests using a free printable owl invitation image or this digital Harry Potter party invitation.
Decorate your party with bats suspended from your ceiling and toads sitting around the tables.
Create a centerpiece that looks like the famous Sorting Hat which decides the residence of all first year students.
Place a sign in your entryway that reads "Platform 9 3/4".
Stick glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling for a party held at night.
Send your invitations on paper that looks like parchment and write them in invisible ink.
Turn this into a costume party asking the children to dress as their favorite student or adults to dress as their favorite professor.
Put a sign over your buffet table that reads "Honeydukes".
What to Serve
Traditional English dishes can be the main course for your party. For example, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, and Peas.
Serve root beer in mugs for children and call it Butterbeer. Make hot toddies for the adults. Remember, in the British tradition, to serve tea as another option.
Jelly Belly sells Bertie Bott's Beans and Candy Warehouse sells Chocolate Frogs. Serve both of these candies to make your guests feel right at home in Hogwarts.
Serve Trifle for dessert.
What to Do
Play "Pass the Snitch" using a small yellow ball (instead of hot potato).
Use that same yellow ball to have Snitch relay races.
For a group of older kids, divide them into four teams and name them after the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Organize a volleyball tournament using these teams.
Organize a Harry Potter trivia contest.
Divide your guests into two sides and oversee a Snape Debate - is he a good guy or a bad guy?
If hosting a party for children who enjoy crafts, set up tables where they can make wands using sticks, stars and decorations easily found in party stores.
Have children decorate their own wizard hats by making hats out of foam sheets that you staple in the shape of a cone. Supply them with glue, stickers, glitter, sequins and other decorations.
Rotate children through four activity stations:
Potions Class - Guests make their own milkshakes or smoothies.
Divination Class - Play Magic 8 ball at this station.
Herbology - Set up a small potting table with herb plants for repotting into attractive containers.
Care of Magical Creatures - Provide each child with a plastic, 8-ounce container. Give them each a growing animal toy (such as a lizard or frog). Have them fill container with water and insert pet to start them growing.
