How to Throw a Harry Potter Party

With the final Harry Potter book soon to be released, you may want to throw your children a Harry Potter themed party as they and their friends anxiously wait. Considering the amount of detail thrown into those books there are sure to be many things you can do to turn a party in your home into a day at Hogwarts.

First off, you'll need to create a guest list and invitations. Let your kids help decide who they want at the party. It will be even more fun for them if they feel like they are part of the planning. There are ready-made Harry Potter invitations available everywhere, but why not be creative and make your own? Use the Gryffindor colors (maroon and yellow) and some magical symbols like lightning bolts, dragons, and broomsticks. Sharpie makes metallic markers that would create a perfect look.

Before the guests arrive, it will be time to decorate the area with a magical theme. Many objects from around the house can be used. Gather some brooms and tie ribbons around them to give them a magical touch. Remember the magical ceiling in Hogwarts? Cut some stars out of cardboard and cover them with tin foil. Hanging these from the ceiling will make the children feel like they're in the Hogwarts dining room. Start a fire in the fireplace and put arrange your sofas and chairs around it. Stacks of books everywhere would make a nice touch.

As the guests arrive, have each one try on the sorting hat. You can use an old witch hat from Halloween. Split the kids into four teams based on the four houses at Hogwarts (Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff). Hide a walkie-talkie inside the hat and have another adult announce the name of the house when the child puts the hat on.

Wood doweling is cheap enough that a piece can be given to every guest so that they can make their own wand. Supply them with paint, glitter, and ribbon.

Explain that throughout the party the adults will be able to award points to the four houses for helpfulness, manners, and winning games.

There are many games that can be made to fit the Harry Potter theme. How about pin-the-glasses-on-Harry's-face? Convince the kids they are in potions class but have them make punch to drink later from sodas and juices. Of course any Harry Potter party will need a game of Quidditch. Hide a small, brightly painted stone as the snitch. Use Nerf balls as quaffles and beach balls as bludgers. Split the group into two teams and the kids will know where to go from there.

Small magic tricks will make great party favors. Have something special for the team that wins the most points.