Recently, our family finished reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone out loud. My oldest had both read the book and seen the movie before, but my boys were on the edge of their seats with each chapter and they couldn’t wait to watch the movie. In the days following our completion of the first book, we had little wizards and a little witch running around our house casting spells with toy wands fashioned out of sticks. I’m pretty sure the kids tried to “Stupefy” me at least a dozen times and I was getting a little worried they were going to try to hold a “Potions Class” in the kitchen. Let’s just say Potter-mania hit our house hard.

And since I’m a big believer in celebrating achievements, both big and small, what better way to celebrate than with a Magical Harry Potter Movie Night!

Throwing a book themed movie night or party doesn’t have to be complicated to be fun. A few simple decorations, some delicious treats, and of course the film adaptation of your book are all you really need.

Bringing Hogwarts Home

To bring the magic of Hogwarts to our home for our Harry Potter Movie Night, I began with items I already had. I started with a few large books, added sleeves made out of brown packaging paper, and labeled them with titles straight out of the Hogwarts’ Library.

When it comes to Harry Potter themed decor, candles are key. So, a few battery operated fake candles came out of storage to help set the mood.

Once I’d finished with the things I had on hand, I headed to the hardware store. For about $10, I picked up a plastic owl (you know, the kind that are supposed to keep birds away, but never really work). Add a little white spray paint and… POOF… you’ve got your very own Hedwig!

Finally, I made a simple PVC pipe stand and spray painted it black. Using these FREE HARRY POTTER FONTS, some black foam core, and a little white craft paint, I made signs to hang on my post. To attach the signs to the stand, simply adhere a twist tie to the back of the sign with a little hot glue. Then secure the twist tie around the PVC pipe and your wizarding world sign post is complete.

Treats Off the Trolley

Instead of microwave popcorn and some juice boxes, why not put together a spread that could be straight off the trolley on the Hogwarts Express?

Probably the easiest DIY Harry Potter themed treat you can serve is a bowl full of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. A new label is all it takes to transform regular jelly beans into the infamous candy from Harry Potter’s world.

Next, I found this great silicone frog mold and it worked perfectly for making chocolate frogs.

If you are looking, for slightly more involved recipes, try making these PUMPKIN PASTIES or this BUTTER BEER recipe. They were a huge hit – even with my picky eaters.

Let the Magic Begin!

Once you’ve done the prep work, it’s time to sit back and enjoy yourself. Our Movie Night was so much fun, the kids can’t wait for the next one! Which means I’d better wrap up this post, grab Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, cozy up with the kiddos, and get started.

Let’s Get Reading!