Harry Potter & the Epic Birthday Party

So, the Harry Potter books have been part of our family since I was a teenager, when my mom gave the first one to my sister. I've read them, and reread them, and then read them to my children. And now, my kids are sharing my love of Harry Potter in a way that I never really expected. And this weekend, we celebrated my oldest daughter's upcoming birthday with a Harry Potter-themed party of epic proportions.

All of her guests received their letter from Hogwarts. The kids got sorted into their houses, got their wands from Ollivander's, had potions class, played 5-a-side Quidditch, ate a feast in the Great Hall and visited Honeydukes! We had so much fun creating Hogwarts in our home and celebrating my daughter's special day!

Guests had to pass through the brick wall to enter Platform 9 3/4

Guests donned this hand-made Sorting Hat to find out which house they belonged to.

Guests received a sticker badge with their house crest, and wands made from cooking chosticks

Cider, butterbeer (non-alcoholic), and pumpkin juice

I can't even tell you how much fun this party was! There was something for everyone to enjoy, even the older kids who were skeptical about participating at first. And I really loved bringing the magic of Harry Potter alive for my daughter!

I have to say a special thank you to my mom and sister for ALLLL their help the day of the party, to my cousin, from whom I borrowed a few additional photos, and, of course to my husband, who thinks I'm crazy, but pulls all the late nighters right along with me to get things done!