As a Hufflepuff and longtime Harry Potter fan, it was a matter time before I finally recreated this magical wizarding world for a fellow “potterhead” to celebrate their special day. And this one sure was a special to design for a longtime client, and birthday girl I’ve watched grow up through all her unique birthdays we’ve created. For Olivia’s 9 3/4 birthday, which was celebrated during the month of her actual 9 3/4 birthday, I wanted to bring a corner of Hogwarts into her own home. With the perfect open space, including a grand fireplace with arches; we used the already beautiful decor to incorporate endless vintage and natural pieces with magical themed details.
Upon arriving to Olivia’s party her closest friends were asked to watch their step as they boarded her Hogwarts Birthday Express train. Once inside they were met with floating candles, flying letters, Hogwarts banners, Daily Prophet clippings, including Olivia’s very own birthday announcements and plenty of wizarding details to make them feel as if they were magically transported … But first their invisibility cloaks were to be hung so they could be sorted into their “house” and given wands. Olivia loved showing everyone how well she learned her Lumos spell by controlling the floating candlelight, such a fun touch!
Lady Lia did such a perfect job with the cake which we styled along with all the fun and wonderful things we love to see within Harry Potter’s World. Portraits of our favorite professors and moving paintings, as if near the ever-changing staircases. Piles of packages for all our wizards, cauldrons, jumping chocolate frogs and even a warning of the Chamber of Secrets’ opening … and let’s not forget Hedwig! As they made their way around, we included signs to ensure everyone knew how to get around Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, making sure not to enter the Forbidden Forest or Knockturn Alley.
The main table featured a large Marauder’s Map, because we know these wizards are always “up to no good.” Atop the tablescape we added Hogwarts schoolbooks, potion bottles, quills, flying keys, and yes, even the very Golden Snitch Harry caught during his first Quidditch Match.
Olivia and her friends had plenty themed activities to enjoy; from creating friendship bracelets where they chose their “Patronus”, making their own Potion Bottles and taking part in a game of Quidditch Toss!
Being a wizard sure works up an appetite, and this group enjoyed themselves “Butterbeer” Lemonade alongside “Huffle Puff” chips, “Gryffindor” Grapes, “Weasley’s Wheezes” Popcorn, “Gilly” Water, a mix of Professor Sprout’s Vegetable Garden, Pizza and everyone’s favorite, chocolate Golden Snitches.
It’s lovely to see a whole new generation of kids being enthralled and loving the Harry Potter universe as I had when I was their age, and still to this day. It was immense fun designing and styling this Harry Potter birthday celebration, hope it inspires your next celebration!
Styling, Flowers, + Custom Signs/Decor :: Dreamery Events || Photography :: Dreamery Events || Balloon :: Melitas Balloons || Venue :: Private Residence || Cake :: Lady Lia’s Cakes || Floating Letters :: Southern Supply Party || Flying Keys :: The Florida Bird || Marauder’s Map Linen + Wall Decals :: Michaels || Quidditch Goal Posts :: 5x5Design ||
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