Lady Rose’s Harry Potter Party Review – Thank you Mama Kelly for posting a review last night (I was way too tired). Update – first batch of photos posted.
We are all happy and exhausted. The day was perfect, and we couldn’t have asked for anything better. Everyone of the adults who helped out went above and beyond the call of duty and the party was a huge success. A few minor bumps (as to be expected) did occur – but nothing dampened the Hogwarts spirit in the room. And most importantly Angelgirl had the time of her life at her 11th birthday party (and even had energy left over to open her gifts when we got home while mom and dad collapsed on the couch).
The fact that we had 22 kids in one room for 6 hours and they were smiling, laughing and behaving is a true indication of the success.
The logisitcs of getting all the handouts and projects out to the 22 kids for the nine classes was a bit overwhelming – but the four house mothers and two or three impromptu assistants made everything run smoothly.
One the fun surprises we did was having a BIG magic basket (covered of course) with lots Harry Potter items (small things like stickers, trading cards, bookmarks, penciles, etc.). At the end of each class a witch would call out three names and call them to the basket — the first three had no idea why they were being called to the head of the room. One by one they were brought to the basket and shown what it contained and allowed to pick out one prize. We told them it was a magic basket and no idea who or if any one else would be called forth. Everyone clapped for the winners and when the little chime sounded they all eagerly waited to see if their name would be called. (We of course knew each child would have a chance to peek under the hidden cover and get a prize.) The anticipation and surprise element were great.
Whenever there was a lag in the classes (getting handouts together or whatever) we made sure to allow the kids a bathroom break or to get snacks and drink. I think this really helped and kept the energy going too since no one was forced to sit still while classmates finished a project or whatever.
Another highlight for the kids was a chance to go outside. There was a big green side yard that we could use – Teacherman had the idea the day before to hide a snitch and let the kids all look for it. So after all the games to earn house points (we had four going) we got the kids outside for the hunt. We, of course, played it up that we had just received an owl from Hogwarts with a note saying that a snitch had gone missing and we think it landed near here (and of course we can’t let muggles find it!).
The student who found it earned 10 points for their house and got to keep the snitch too.
The timing went surprisingly smooth (it was hard to be sure how it would turn out with all the various things going on) - the feast was relaxing with plenty of time to eat, give out the house cup trophies (necklaces with a small gold trophy cup) to the winning house and the drawings for the Daily Prophet door prizes. And after the cake there was even about 30 to 40 minutes of time for the kids to play and run around, get any last minute face painting or tattoos, check out the musuem and other decorative details, etc. - which they did with giggles and laughters, running and playing with more energy then I could muster even on a good day let alone after 5.5 hours of partying already. As parents arrived, shouts would ring out MUGGLE ALERT, I would greet the parent and if they had a sibling along took them on a quick tour of Diagon Alley and gave them a few treats to take home too (I had a few things left over purposely to share with them – like extra wizard cakes and pumpkin cakes, big unicorn horn lollipops, pinwheels, etc.). I love watching the way their eyes light up, and that way they don’t feel totally left out of the fun.
There are many, many more wonderful highlights and memories. I’ll be sure to fill you all in with more over the next few days, as well as the pictures to get posted. Hopefully the pictures will be online soon (my sister has the digital camera and promised to send them to me today). It will take us a little longer to figure out how to get a video online – but we will try to do it as soon as possible.
Today Angelgirl is going to be in a parade for the township (she is on her school’s twirling team). After that we are all heading over to clean up the firehouse. Though it’s mostly just packing up the breakable items and then getting the boxes to the car - a lot less boxes now then what was carried over – since a ton of stuff went home with our guests. Our friends and family helped out already last night by getting all the posters, blown up 5 ft wands, etc. down and even cleared all the tables that were used for the feast and class.
Over the next week or two, I will get the recipes and other info. better organzed and posted HERE, so keep checking to view the added updates. But if there is anything you want to know please let me know – I would be happy to help with ideas if you are planning a Harry Potter party.
Wishing everyone a magical, wonderful day, Lady Rose (the very tired, content, Assistant to the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts)
UPDATES: Harry Potter Birthday Party - all the information and details for the party so you can plan your own awesome celebration.
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