- From what I can remember/estimate, we spent about $225 for the party (for 18 kids)
- We used a lot of items that we already had like leftover paint, scraps of wood and metal, picture frames we had, random balls for quidditch, and potion items like couscous from the cupboard
- I'd estimate $275 if you bought everything
- You can re-use the candles, garden stakes, hula hoops, jelly jars, etc.
Activities
- We gave a little direction where needed but left the kids mostly to their own devices as they were 10-11 years old. A lot of blogs show potion making classes led by adults in costume but we were more hands off and it worked fine.
- Kids loved getting sorted into their houses -- it was hard to settle them down as they were so excited to play quidditch, but they really did like sitting on the stool, wearing the sorting hat, and finding out whether they were going to be in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw for the match
- Playing quidditch was a hit (the course was sturdy, it held up to lots of abuse)
- Potion chamber very fun, they liked using the mortar and pestle, we could've used more plastic eyeballs (good foil to quidditch when someone wanted to do something more quiet, good opp for your child to use their imagination/research skills to make up the recipes, arrange the table items, etc.)
Party favors
- They liked the wands (our kids really liked making these) and broomsticks
- The spell books were enjoyed, especially by those who have read all the books (kids could design the cover)
- I think the favors cost under $2 total for all three combined
Food
- They loved the jelly slugs the best!
- Chocolate frogs and licorice wands were a visual hit and most liked them (kids liked making these)
- No one really ate the Bertie's Botts Every Flavour Beans but they talked about them quite a bit
- We made the acid pops a couple hours before the party and they all melted and looked terrible, if you make them do it about 10 minutes before the party starts
- Some guzzled down the Butter Beer, others thought it was gross, all liked having the opportunity to try it (I thought it was yummy and it looked pretty cool)
Decor/Mood
- Owl invitations set the tone and built anticipation, kids liked the hand delivery (and our birthday kid liked drawing the owl on the balloons)
- Platform 9 3/4 made a great entrance and photo op
- Simple decor in the house was plenty as they were outside all the time anyway
- Lighting in the backyard was key as it was a night party - tons of white lights in trees and on patio framework and two red flood lights lit the space and set the mood
