Ever since I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, I immediately thought of hosting a Harry Potter party, so I have been collecting ideas, supplies & props since the fall of 2000! Since I did not want to conflict with Halloween or other holidays, and I had some long-distance guests who required long-term planning in advance, I chose the Saturday prior to Harry's actual birthday of July 31st for a reason to celebrate - July 27th, 2002.

This party was a LOT of creative work, research and planning over almost two whole years, so I'll give it more attention by separating everything into more manageable sections:



(delivered by Owl Post, of course!)
The actual invitations with complete instructions for the intensely curious...



The final invitations, some preliminary decor, also Frequently Asked Questions for the invitees...



All the Hogwarts Classrooms, the Blue Lady painting, the Trophy Case, the flagstone walls, and more...



All the guests who bravely wore their wizarding attire and who won which prize...



My own leather Sorting Hat, complete with thoughtful face, separated all the guests into one of the Houses...



Hogwarts and Honeydukes recipes served at the party, including Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, Treacle Tarts, Pumpkin Pasties, Licorice Wands, Peppermint Toads, Acid Pops, and more...

...and last, but not least...



Photos of the fun had by all, making their own Potions, the Whirled Word Wizard, the Successful Seeker of Indoor Quidditch, and including highlights from the webcam broadcast...