Ahoy-hoy, friends! I hope you all had a MAGICAL weekend, because I know I sure did! My 24th birthday party took place on Saturday and as you are all more than aware, it was Harry Potter-themed! Since I’d been touting my excitement for this party for far too long, there was always a chance that the build-up would outdo the actual party itself. Luckily, I’m glad to report that I had a smashing time! And hopefully my party guests — Muggles and Wizards and House Elves alike — did as well.
An amazing shot that Ben got of Dobby/Taylor and Harry/me before the party.
My wonderful brother graciously played the role of photographer for most of the night, so you’ll have to wait just a little longer for photos from the party itself (the costumes that some people came up with were amazing!). Before things got kicking, however, I did make sure to capture detail shots of the decorations, food, drinks, and whatnot. Prepare yourselves for a photo schmorgasbord of Potteriffic proportions! (Consider this your official nerd alert!)
The foyer, all done up.
Dumbledax!
Order of Merlin: First Class & Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot
Harry the Gryffindor Lion!
Stanley the Pygmy Puff kept watch over the Common Room.
The basement became the Dungeons, naturally!
While Hedwig guarded the entrance to the Astronomy Tower upstairs.
Guests who dared enter the Chamber of Secrets had to avoid the stare of our baby basilisk…
… if they hoped to make it to the Potions Lab, where the real fun began!
There was a Butterbeer station as well as a batch of Polyjuice Potion (Vodka Lemonade + Blue Curacao) all brewed up!
The Felix Felicis (Goldschlager) and Veritaserum (Pinnacle Whipped) shots ended up being quite popular!
As were these DELICIOUS Butterbeer Jelly Shots (thanks for the tip, Dani!!)
Can you spot the Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw?
And of course, we can’t forget about the food…!
Chocolate Frogs I made using this mold, some stuffed with Maple Almond Butter, some with cookie dough!
Golden Snitch cakepops
Muggle Munchies, Mandrake Roots, and the piece de resistance…
Georgetown, I mean, Hogwarts Cupcakes!!
Ravenclaw: Coconut; Gryffindor: Red Velvet; Slytherin: Key Lime; Hufflepuff: Vanilla with Chocolate Frosting
So yes, maybe to some this seems like a dork gone overboard. But to me, it was the makings of an awesome party atmosphere! And judging by the way I felt Sunday morning, it was a rockin’ party, too. Stay tuned for Part 2!
Happy Monday!
I really enjoyed seeing these photos! You definitely paid close attention to detail which I am a HUGE fan of :). My brother’s eyes POPPED when I showed this to him!
Happy (belated) Birthday again! Can’t wait to see Part 2!
I am so jealous!
That looks amazing! I wish I were invited.
Where did you get those cool little vials for the shots?
eBay!
I want to steal your birthday! This is so awesome!
O.M.G that looks awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That’s the most amazing party ever. I love it!!!
How awesome! Seriously Gretchen- I think you have a calling for another career- I’m not sure what, but something awesome and creative!
I know nothing about Harry Potter, so I don’t know what half of these things are, but everything looks really cool!!
And I LOVE THE DOGGIES!!
PS- Sorry me and the husband are old farts and couldn’t make it.
I haven’t read OR seen ANY Harry Potter, and I still think this is the most adorable and awesome thing ever!!
That looks like so much fun! You and your friends are so creative!
this looks AMAZZINNGG! you are so creative, and I would love one of those golden snitches- YUM~
AMAZING!! I hope you had a wonderful week!
SHUT the FRONT DOOR! What amazing effort went into this! I love it, Gretchen! I hope you had soooo much fun!
YAY we had so much fun- judging by how Dan felt Sunday morning as well, haha. Can’t wait to see more pics for part 2! Hopefully you captured some of the epic Quidditch pong that occurred!
Sorry I couldn’t make it Gretchen I was beat after my half! But it looks like an amazing time! Can’t wait to read part two!
I don’t even like Harry Potter (GASP) but I want to go to there.
You’re lucky I love you so much. 😉
So awesome looking!! I’m jealous!! Can’t wait to see part 2!
Uh… I can’t believe I MISSED OUT ON THIS!!! Curse the inexistent human teleportation device or an actual floo network. Despite the atrocity of my life by not being there, I’m glad you had such an amazing birthday party. I look forward to the rest with anticipation.
I almost forgot: MAPLE ALMOND BUTTER CHOCOLATE FROGS! Just put one in my mouth and Avada Kedavra me then ’cause life wouldn’t get any better.
CUTE!!!!!
That looks like a great party! Job well done!! How did you make the butterbeer bites? Just add gelatin?
Yeah, pretty much! I used this recipe, but doubled it: http://rock-ur-party.tablespoon.com/2011/07/12/butterbeer-jelly-shots/
Just a belated comment to say wow! you were really creative with the Harry Potter themed food and drinks…I’m impressed! 🙂 Glad you had a great party!