2 Witches Blog » Only 11 Hours Till Harry Potter Party Time

May

27th

Only 11 Hours Till Harry Potter Party Time

Category: Events & Outings | Written by Lady Rose

Under 11 hours to go before the guests arrive for the best ever Harry Potter Birthday Party.

It’s almost 2 a.m. and I can’t sleep — even though I’m exhausted. We spent another 12 hours setting up yesterday — but when we left it was so awesome I can’t even explain how cool the hall looks – the 15 posters (or more), the dozen 5 foot wands, lots of gold stars, the Hogwarts museum (table with all my collectibles on it – gryffindor sword, mirror of erised, etc.; Diagon Alley – lots of potion bottles, owls, robes and witches hats, magical books, a huge Honeydukes display, etc. Then with the music playing, the lights low, and the big light ball going it really “felt” magical.

I still have a page full of notes for last minute details – things that just can’t be done till morning (i.e. add water and measure out gel for soaking for a potions class, make the pumpkin juice punch, etc.)

I had a few snags of course yesterday. My brother had helped out on Fri. – he told everyone else in the family we were almost done and didn’t need any more help so no one bothered to show up all day Saturday! He had no clue! We still had about 12 huge boxes to move, the wands to get blown up, all the posters to hang, all the shop stores to decorate, all the nine class materials to organize, etc. etc. etc. My one sister called in the early evening thank goodness and she came over with her husband – at that point I could barely move, my feet were so sore, my legs ached — but with their help we got it all done. Hubby was just as tired, luckily he had his nephew with him to help with the big stuff. My best friend B. of course had been there most of the day – helping out with little things (she is in her 60s and I didn’t want to exhaust her!) and she made sure Angelgirl got something to eat and drink as needed. After all Angelgirl is the birthday star of this whole party so I wanted to be sure she didn’t get overloaded and stressed.

Another problem came up with my photographers — again hubby didn’t make it clear about what was needed today (like with the orignal bartenders I had (hubby’s friend and his wife), who weren’t planning on coming till 3 p.m., two hours after the party started!) – hubby had told me his nephew and his wife would do photos and video — but his nephew who stopped by to help out moving the big boxes etc. didn’t know — they have plans for later in the day today. So when he left yesterday and asked if I needed him today for the morning – I was almost in tears I was to tired to deal with it, but he said no problem that he and his wife would come help out with the photos and video for a few hours – and I have my sister who will also be doing pictures – so so hopefully she can handle the last two hours or so by herself.

My sister also said the cake would arrive around three p.m. and cost was $125.

Hubby checked the sodas behind the bar (suppose to be included in the rental fee) – not much worked and some were flat. So all we have is ginger ale, diet coke, and root beer. But at least we know NOW – so in the morning he will go out and get lots of bottles of soda.

I plan on arriving at the firehouse about 10 a.m. (bringing the costume and will change closer to 1 p.m. when guests arrive). I have lots of lists to make notes on about staff (who will do what jobs), and I want to walk through everything once or twice. I woke up now thinking uh oh — we need butter for the small ears of corn. So, I want to very certain I review one or two more times so I don’t forget anything. I still need to make the pumpkin punch and the potions (koolaide with flaked jello) – but overall the food is done and ready to be heated. Hubby is in charge of food and hopefully we will have 2 or 3 folks helping him in the kitchen.

It was totally awesome seeing the hall come alive last night — after a year of planning and picturing in my head, it is even better then I could have imagined.

As I end this I JUST remembered I have to add to my list — PICK UP BALLOONS — hubby took the mylar balloons to the shop yesterday so they could fill them and have them ready for pick up today. And I know I’ll forget if I don’t write it down — we have a 44 inch Hegwid, and a few other Harry Potter mylar balloons.

Well let me try to at least rest and maybe I’ll be lucky to get a little more sleep. I am so excited hehehe I keep practicing my welcome speech in my head and picturing how to teach the classes — I can’t wait to get all dressed up.

Have a wonderful, magic filled day! Lady Rose