Kids of all ages have been bitten by the “Harry Potter” bug. Whether they enjoy the books, the movies, or both, they have been following the adventures of Harry, Ron, Hermione and all their friends for many years. If that is the case with your teen, why not let them celebrate their birthday with this popular theme?

Having the guests come in costume is a great way to set the mood of the party. If there are several Dumbledores, Rons or Harrys around…that will just add to the fun. Have a costume contest where the guests do the voting! They can only vote for one person, but it cannot be for themself! At the end of the night, count up the votes and announce the winner! The prize could be a cinnamon broom with the words “Nimbus 2006” on it. (Just add the year the party was held after “Nimbus”, so it will be a momento of the party as well as thematic.)

Next, how about a rousing game of quidditch? Although you won’t be able to fly, you can do a version that the teens will get a kick out of. Holding a broom between their legs, they must carry the “Golden Snitch” (which is a ping pong ball painted gold) through an obstacle course balanced on a wooden spoon without it falling off. Each team should have an equal number of members, and the team who actually gets the snitch over the finish line the most times wins!

After the quidditch, why not sit down and have some Harry Potter Trivia? Go online and look up all the unusual facts about Hogwarts and the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There are also several commercially available board games based on the Harry Potter series, like Mystery at Hogwarts and several Harry Potter Trivia games. Set up a wide variety of games around the house and allow your teen and his or her friends to play at their leisure.

Food for a Harry Potter party can be unique and fun. Get a frog-shaped mold to make some Chocolate frogs! (Although, I’m sure this variety won’t hop away!) You can pre-package them ahead of the party and include a wizard’s card inside each one. Go online and find one of the many recipes for “Pumpkin Juice” for an unusual treat. Jelly Belly brand jelly beans have created a variety call “Bertie Bott’s Every Flavored Beans”. Have them available for an anytime snack. (The jelly beans can be made into a game! Just fill up a jar and then remove. Count how many are inside and have guests try to figure out just how many are inside. The one closest wins the jar!)

If your teen and their friends would like to take an outing during the party, why not call around to local train companies? Maybe your teen and their guests can make a day of the party by taking an exciting ride on the Hogwarts Express! With larger groups, ask some of the other parents to go along to help chaperone.

Party supplies for a “Harry Potter” party are easy to come by. You can find party supplies for the Harry Potter theme, or you can buy any products with a magic, wizard-like design. Look at your local party shop or online retailer for cups, napkins, plates, bowls, decorations, invitations and thank you cards. (Tip: when ordering online, leave plenty of time for shipping!)

To end you party, you can always pop some popcorn and have a “Harry Potter”-A-Thon! With 4 movies out to date, your teen and their friends will certainly not be bored!