How to Throw Your Own Harry Potter Release Party

Mention the date of July 21 to any Harry Potter fan and you'll most likely get a chorus of squeals and excited jibber-jabber that ends with the phrase, "I can't wait!"

The release of the Harry Potter books has become akin to blockbuster movie premieres and sporting events. Fans line up at select bookstores at the stroke of midnight in order to be the first to get their hands on the latest volume.

However, this time has a ring of finality to it as this is the last book in the saga. Fans are already bemoaning the fact that there will be no more Harry after The Deathly Hollows. While the event is certainly bittersweet for fans, there's no reason why the event can't go out with a bang. In the event that you have no desire to stand outside a bookstore at the stroke of midnight, there are still plenty of ways to mark the occasion. What better way to celebrate the release of The Deathly Hollows and the finish line for Harry's tale than with your own Harry Potter release party. Here are a few ideas for hosting your own Harry Potter release party.

Costumes!

Don't be coy. You can pretend all you want that you never bought that Sorting Hat you found in that gift shop, but we know the truth. If you have enough guests, costumes can be a great bit of fun especially if everyone dresses as their favorite character. Trademark Harry Potter costume glasses can be found in just about any party shop and if you are able to get your hands on a second hand graduation gown, your costume will be almost complete. Of course, if you want to be truly loathsome, borrow a deliciously hideous dress suit from a friend (because, certainly, you don't own anything that horrible) and come dressed as Delores Umbridge. "Hem, hem" is required.

Food!

Treats for your party are easy to find these days as you can find everything from Fizzing Wizzbees to Chocolate Frogs on the market. You don't have to limit your selection to candy, however. Thanks to the internet, you can find a recipe for just about anything served within the Harry Potter universe. Butterbeer and Pumpkin Juice are mandatory. Just be sure to include some sodas for those who don't quite take to the taste of the aforementioned concoctions.

Debauchery!

Unfortunately, there are no real Nimbus 2000s, but there can still be lots of fun to be had at a Harry Potter get-together that doesn't involve flying around on brooms. If one of your guests is one for a good bit of theatre, "employ" them to tell each of the guests their fortunes Trelawny-style. Trivia contests based on the previous books are also fun especially when two guests interpret the books in two entirely different ways. Also, don't be afraid to engage the guests in crafts. Sounds trite, but with small wooden dowels and a bit of Sculpy, everyone can make their own wands with which to hex each other as the night plays on.

Atmosphere!

Cauldrons, candles and parchment. Raiding your local party store can afford you some cheap and fun decorating items. Plastic cauldrons can be used to serve food or treats while candles and inexpensive wizard hats can complete the scene. Using your printer, print out signs that announce Dumbledore's Army meetings and Quidditch practice to truly give the party that Hogwart's feel.

Of course, once everyone has the book in their hands, no one's going to be talking to anyone. If you're starting your party the night of the midnight release and you have plans to caravan to your local bookstore, make sure to start the festivities early enough to get in all of your celebrating. It's rare that a book - not a movie or sporting event - has such a loyal following. It's even less rare that the release of a book would warrant such celebration, so have fun and make it last. School's almost out at Hogwart's for good.