Colleen, Fatima, and I are our family’s biggest Harry Potter fans. When the books launched in stores, my mom, Colleen, and I would wait outside for hours until midnight just so we could get a copy. Fatima said her family would just go the closest supermarket and they would have dozens of books. They would walk right in and be done. There were no lines to wait in since everyone was at the bookstores! Whenever any of the Harry Potter movies are on TV, we’re tuning in (even though we own the DVDs). And we’ve all been fortunate enough to experience the two Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions at Universal Orlando. Like millions of people around the world, we love the franchise. So, it would make sense that we’d have a Harry Potter Party. Although, I’m surprised we haven’t done this theme sooner!
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Last weekend, Fatima and I made our way back to Connecticut to my parents’ house for my family’s annual Halloween Party. We’ve been working for weeks on the Harry Potter party theme. With about 80 RSVPs we planned to spread out the party across the house and yard. But it rained, and rained, and rained all day. We had to act fast and come up with a plan B. We segmented the house into the Great Hall, 4 Privet Drive, the Forbidden Forest, and Platform 9 3/4. In the end, our execution worked out in our favor and we transformed every space. One of the garages was used as the backup for the ‘Beer Garden’ (last year it was in the garden), and we mashed up the space with some great scenes.
To get you inspired to throw your own DIY Harry Potter Party, here are the things we created for our family’s annual Halloween event.
1. Hogwarts Express
Colleen did a fantastic job on this. She used cardboard to build the train.
2. Hogwarts & Forbidden Forest Signs
We created these signs in Pages with the Harry P font.
3. Patronus Stag & 4. DIY Dementor
We borrowed our aunt and uncle’s Christmas reindeer and we used a skeleton and black cheesecloth to make the Dementor.
Get the Look:
5. Hogwarts Castle
Colleen painted this fabulous mural on cardboard as a backdrop for the beer pong and flip cup table.
6. Sorting Hat
Every Great Hall needs a Sorting Hat to sort guests into their houses. I got Colleen this Sorting Hat a while back as a gift.
Get the Look:
- Sorting Hat (now sits on top of my sister’s Christmas tree)
7. Platform 9 3/4 Photo Booth
Plastic brick backdrop, a truck, and thrift store luggage.
Get the Look:
8. ‘Have You Seen This Wizard’ Photo Booth Prop
Using a white foam board and sticker lettering from Michaels, we recreated this wanted poster.
9. Wanted Wizard/Witch posters
We found these signs here, printed them, and scattered them around the house.
10. Floating Candles
These were so magical! Once the sun set, they lit up the sunroom and setup our Great Hall. Tutorial for the candles here.
Something I wish we had for this party… get yourself these floating candles for your Harry Potter themed party!
11. Golden Snitches
Ferrero Rochers and DIY wings from Bite Sized Biggie.
12. Pumpkin Bisque
Just a great dish to serve at any fall or Halloween party. This rocked.
13. Butterbeer
The best non-alcoholic Butterbeer recipe we’ve had! It’s not a copycat of Universal’s, it’s better. Not too sweet, just right. We quadrupled the recipe and filled shot-glass-sized cups up so everyone could have a taste.
14. Chocolate wands
Large pretzel rods, a bag of chocolate chips (melted), sprinkles. Done.
Get the Supplies:
15. Hogwarts House Banners
Easiest way to add a little Harry Potter to your party. Get your own House banners!
16. Letters Flying out of the Fireplace
With our own fireplace, we had to recreate that iconic scene and moment from the book. 4PrivetDrive Font is from Krats.
17. Flying Keys
Old keys + ribbon tied in bows + fishing line = a magical scene.
Get the Supplies:
18. Moaning Myrtle
19. Chamber of Secrets
Red chalkboard marker + a mirror.
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20. Halloween Costume Trophies
Using skeletons, we glued together these funny poses for our trophies: Best Pumpkin, Best Costume, and Who Wore it Best.
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21. DIY Hedwig and Harry Potter Costumes
Check out our post on our DIY Harry Potter costumes and see more costumes from the party!
BONUS: A Harry Potter Party Birthday Cake
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