Theme Party Ideas: Harry Potter Party

Harry Potter theme birthday parties have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few years. It seems like every child wishes to be a wizard and visit Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You don't need to conjure any magical spells to plan a successful Harry Potter party for your child. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Invitations

These invitations are based off of the first letter that Harry received from Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
(Type on beige or distressed looking paper.)

Hogwarts School
of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Conded. Of Wizards)

Dear Mr./Miss (name)

We are pleased to inform you that you have been invited to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to celebrate the birthday of (name). Please arrive at platform 9 3/4 at (address) on (date) at (time). You may wear ceremonial robes or dress in muggle clothes if you prefer.

We await your owl by no later than (date). If you are unable to reply by owl you may RSVP to (phone number).

(Name of child) looks forward to spending a magical (day/evening) with you.

Yours Sincerely,

(Your name)
Deputy Headmaster/ Headmistress

Attach owl cut-outs or owl stickers to the envelope.

Party Decorations

You don't have to spend a lot of money to turn your house into a wizard's quarters.

Make signs-- Platform 9 3/4 (for front door) The Great Hall (for dining room/kitchen) 'Welcome to Hogwarts' banner.
Place brooms and stuffed owls around the house.
Use moon and star confetti on the tables.
Light candles or set electric candles around the room
Utilize your Halloween decorations: bats, cauldrons, witches hats, skulls, spider webs, ghosts etc.

Party Menu

The world of Harry Potter is filled with mouth watering treats and sweets. You can use many common party foods for your Harry Potter party. To make every day food more exciting, place interesting name tags in front of each dish. For instance, sloppy joes may become sloppy goblins. Chicken wings can be bat wings. Deviled eggs can pose as dragon eggs. Mini croissant wrapped frankfurters are great as Peter Pettigrew fingers.

Here are some other fun and easy Harry Potter treats for your guests to enjoy

Harry Potter's Favorite Butter Beer
2 liters Root Beer or Cream Soda
4 Cups Butterscotch Syrup
1/4 cup butter

Melt Butter and Butterscotch together in microwave
Add mixture to punch bowl
Slowly pour in Root Beer or Cream Soda

Serve in mugs and let your guests enjoy

Harry Potter Chocolate Magic Wands
16 oz. Package of milk chocolate chips
1 bag of large pretzel rods/sticks
Candy Sprinkles

Melt chocolate chips in a double broiler
When chocolate is completely melted, remove from stove
Dip pretzels rods in chocolate (covering approximately half of the rod)
Roll in sprinkles
Lay on waxed paper and allow to cool and harden for approximately 30 minutes

Wizard Hats
Sugar cone ice cream cones
Cake decorating frosting/icing
Candies
Ice cream

Let the children decorate their cones and turn them into wizard hats with icing, candy dots, m & m's, and other assorted candies.
When the 'hats' are finished spoon balls of ice cream on a plate and place the hats on top.

Party Games

Pin the lightning bolt on Harry's Forehead
Find the Snitch --hide aluminum covered plastic easter eggs around your house/ yard. Fill the eggs with jelly beans and other treats and prizes.

With these suggestions your child is sure to have an enchanting Harry Potter party that he or she will remember for years to come.