I set the tone for the party by designing a super cute invitation. The invitation was written like an acceptance letters to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. (You can find a full tutorial for the invitation here.)
The decor of the party also helped to set the mood. The entrance to the party room was my absolute favorite DIY element. I think it made a huge impact on the guests. (You can find the tutorial for all of the DIY signage here.)
After passing through the brick wall (Platform 9 3/4), each child had their forehead marked with a red lightening bolt. Then, they were directed toward a table where they colored a Harry Potter Tie that they could wear. (You can find the free printable Harry Potter Ties and Glasses here.)
It was then time to go shopping for robes and glasses at Madam Malkin's robe shop. (I was able to purchase vampire capes on clearance after Halloween.)
The shopping trip continued with a trip to Ollivander's wand shop where the children were able to choose their own wands. (You can find the tutorial for the Harry Potter Wands I made from wooden dowels here.)
Then, we took a break for some lunch and cake. (You can find tutorials for our two easy-to-make cakes here.)
Then, it was time for some Harry Potter Games. We practiced our spells, played freeze dance, played pin the scar on Harry, tried a bean bag toss, and destroyed a pinata. (You can find all the details of the games we played here.)
And finally, when the party was over, the guests were invited to "go shopping" at Honeydukes Sweet Shop for their loot bags. (You can find out how to put together your own version of Honeydukes Sweet Shop here.)
I loved all the easy and inexpensive DIY elements of this party, and my sweet birthday boy was thrilled with how it all turned out. Do you know someone who would enjoy a Harry Potter party?
♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)
You might also be interest in the fun DIY party ideas here.
Love it!! Such awesome creative ideas. I know he had a blast!! My little guy wants an Indiana Jones birthday next month and I am ryinh to come up with cool ideas. whew he always picks hard themes! ha!
ReplyDeleteIndiana Jones is a hard one.... but I am sure you can come up with a fun adventure. :-)
DeleteLynn I saw a diy India jones party if I can find the link will post for you
DeleteLynn, check out pintrest.com tons of DIY party ideas,key ones seem to be indie hat,sachel,whip, the Grail. either bought or a diy as a craft for the kids, hang snakes from the celing as decorations you can make a papermache bolder or use a plastic skull painted silver as the crystal skull you could do party invites on back make a map look like an antique treasure map or buy pirate party treasure map invites. some ideas to help get you started sounds like you got a pretty adventurious party in the works. good luck happy hunting
DeleteWhat a great party!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It was a lot of fun. :-)
Delete