Here’s what to expect from this post:
- How we transformed our family Halloween party into a Harry Potter Halloween Party (rain and all)
- DIY party zones: Great Hall, Platform 9 3/4, Forbidden Forest, and more
- 20+ decor ideas, props, and food to help you throw your own themed bash
- Affordable supplies and tips for creating a magical vibe
- Links to tutorials, recipes, and some of our favorite details from the night
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 to get our copy. Meanwhile, Fatima’s family had the right idea: walk into the local supermarket, grab a book, and head home. No lines, no chaos. Just straight to reading.
Even now, if one of the movies is on TV, we’re watching—DVDs on the shelf or not. And we’ve all been lucky enough to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. Like millions of people around the world, we love the franchise. So I honestly don’t know why we waited so long to throw a Harry Potter-themed party.
This year, we finally did it.
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Last weekend, Fatima and I headed back to Connecticut for my family’s annual Halloween Party. We’d been planning the Harry Potter theme for weeks. With 80 RSVPs, our plan was to spread the party across the yard and house. But nature had other plans. It rained nonstop. So we had to call an audible and bring the magic indoors.
We split the house into Hogwarts-inspired spaces:
- The Great Hall for food, drinks, and floating candles
- 4 Privet Drive in the living room
- The Forbidden Forest in the hallway
- And Platform 9 ¾, reimagined in the entryway
One of the garages became our makeshift beer garden (last year it was outdoors). We merged it with the Hogwarts Castle backdrop and pong tables. Honestly? It worked even better than expected.
DIY Harry Potter Party Ideas (With Photos)
We went all in on the DIYs. Here’s what we made:
1. Hogwarts Express
Colleen built this incredible cardboard train. It was the first thing you saw when you walked in.
2. Hogwarts & Forbidden Forest Signs
Made in Pages using the Harry P font. Easy and effective.
3. Patronus Stag & 4. DIY Dementor
The Patronus was actually a repurposed Christmas reindeer, and the Dementor? A skeleton wrapped in black cheesecloth. Creepy in the best way.
Get the Look:
5. Hogwarts Castle
Colleen painted this on cardboard as a pong/flip cup backdrop. It looked awesome in the garage setup.
6. Sorting Hat
A gift I gave Colleen a few years ago finally got its moment. Bonus: it now sits on top of her Christmas tree every year.
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 + old suitcases = the perfect Instagram spot.
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
This was one of the most magical setups. Once it got dark, the sunroom truly transformed into the 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
Pretzel rods dipped in melted chocolate with sprinkles. Kid-approved.
Get the Supplies:
15. Hogwarts House Banners
Hung up in the Great Hall. One of the easiest ways to transform a space. Get your own House banners!
16. Letters Flying out of the Fireplace
We had to do this. A total Harry Potter Halloween Party must. 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
She made a surprise bathroom appearance.
19. Chamber of Secrets
Used a red chalk marker on a mirror. The details matter.
Get the Supplies:
20. Halloween Costume Trophies
We spray painted skeletons gold, added crowns and bases, and made trophies like:
- Best Pumpkin
- Best Costume
- Who Wore it Best
Get the Supplies:
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
Yes, we even had a Harry Potter birthday cake. Because why not?
This party took a lot of planning, but it was one of the most fun and immersive Halloween themes we’ve ever pulled off. If you’re a fellow Potterhead, a themed bash like this is a must at least once. Rain or shine.
Let me know if you want a printable checklist or supply guide for your own Harry Potter Halloween Party—happy to put one together!
