Party Highlight and Memories of the Best Ever Harry Potter Party - PHOTO

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There are so many wonderful memories it will be hard to write them all down, but I want to share at least a few with all of you.

The night before the party – after three long, hot, exhausting days of set up, cooking, preparation, last minute planning, dealing with a few minor problems etc. at the end of the day just before leaving the hall Teacherman suggested we turn the lights off, put on the music, and turn the ballroom light on to see how the entrance we had planned for the next day would look.   As we stood in the dark, the music coming on (Hedwig theme) and the tiny sparkling balls of light flew around the room I started to cry – it was a good cry though – it was magical and the hall looked even better then I could have ever imagined.  I was amazed and delighted how all the pieces had come together and it truly felt a little like Hogwarts.  My friend who was there said she was waiting to see the owls fly in because it felt so much like being in the great hall of Hogwarts.

From the moment the young witches and wizards arrived at the sign-in desk I loved watching their faces — at first shock and a bit of shyness, then their smiles would broaden as they looked around and started to mingle and get refreshments. From the youngest (about 7) to the oldest (about 14) enjoyed everything and got into the spirit of Hogwarts.

The first time three names were called to come to the front of the room, the look of shock and bewilderment on the kids’ faces made me giggle. Once they realized they had won a prize and could peek into the “magical” basket to pick one their smiles were great.

When young Jake won the last prize of the day the chocolate golden dragon egg it was truly a touching moment.   He was one of the youngest guests there (and also my nephew) – he is the youngest of three siblings.   When I bought the very large chocolate egg wrapped in golden foil on sale 75% after Easter (for only $2.22) I just knew I had to have it – but not sure I was going to do with it.  I took off the labels and glued on new labels “Golden Dragon Egg Award sponsored by Honeydukes” with a small dragon graphic.  Teacherman and I decided to offer it has a prize at the party – but not sure how to award it.  So at the end of the party day, I went to the 4 house mothers (since they worked most closely with the guests) and asked them to decide who should win – based on cooperation, good behavior, etc. and to pick someone who may not have won much in other ways.  They all agreed on Jake (from Hufflepuff) because he tried so hard and behaved so well.   When we made the announcement, I made a grand speech about how special this award was because it was given to someone who truly was an example of the Hogwarts spirit and no matter of size or ability it was determination and a good heart that mattered.  When his name was announced, I heard a little shocked voice say, “Me?”   He came up to get his prize totally in shock and was presented with his chocolate golden dragon egg by the wizard himself.  It was truly a magical moment.

Muggle Alert!  I absolutely loved this – it wasn’t planned at all.  At the end of the party as parents started to arrive to pick up their children as they came up the steps a shout would go out Muggle Alert! and be picked up by every one and it would echo through the hall.  Everyone got such a kick out of it.   It was a great way to end the day!    It also gave me a heads up, so I could greet the parent, make sure their child had all three of their goodie bags and other prizes, as well as offer the parent some left over refreshments and treats from Diagon Alley and Honeydukes. 

The Siblings – I totally enjoy including the little brothers and sisters who come to pick up their older sibling from one of my parties.  I have always given them a little something when I have a party.  This time was even more special I would take their hand and we toured of Diagon Alley and I let them pick out sweets from the Honeydukes jars, a pin wheel, and a small stuffed animal from the menagerie (I had specificially planned to have small items left over for them).   The smiles and twinkle in their eyes is so very special and I will treasure the memory forever. 

The Cake was really great.  My sister took care of ordering it, so I had no idea what to expect or how it was going to get carried up the stairs.  She had had a castle cake for her daughter a few years back so she went to the bakery.   This was just the right size to be manageable, and there was plenty left over even after every one had a very big piece.  And it definitely made a great impression on the young guests.   I pretended to be expecting cupcakes when it was announced the baker had arrived from Hogwarts – then being shocked and having all the kids gather round to see the wonderful cake that Prof. Dumbledore sent over instead of the cupcakes we had expected.

The Photos – (thanks to my sister) I have a wonderful collection of photos to last a lifetime.   I can’t wait to organize, crop, and print!   It’s nice having be available online so soon after the party, but I really like creating a nice photo album for big events.  It will take me months (or years) to get it done, and I have other photos from years past that still need to be worked on too – but I am looking forward to it (even if it takes me till I retire to get the time).

I am most grateful for all the wonderful support I received from my family and friends. Several people gave generously of their time before and after to setting up and cleaning up. The day of the party everyone pitched in and did what ever needed to be done, as well as being in character and creating a wonderful magical world for the young guests to enjoy.

I am also very thankful that our guest wizard Aberforth Dumbledore (Dave) managed to avoid getting sick from the peanut butter filled preztel he almost ate.  I had kept the preztels in a separate bowl in case some one was allergic – but I was only thinking in terms of the young guest and figured they would ask.  I totally forgot to ask if any of the adults had an allergy to peanuts.   Luckily he was able to spit it out and not ingest any.  Next time I have a party - I hope I remember to LABEL everything.

The hardest part of the party was the three days before – even with all the preparation and planning done previously, the last three days there is so much to do. We had to get all the boxes to the hall and up to the second floor (thank goodness they had a dumbwaiter!). All the tables and chairs had to be set up and the decorations hung, blown up, and set up. Plus all the cooking had to be done as well as setting up the kitchen and bar with everything needed to serve everyone. It was exhausting – but so worth every minute.