In my previous blog post as part of the “Sarah’s Suggestions for…” series regarding event budgeting, I mentioned that I believe event design is magical. It’s about creating a brand new scene, transforming a designated space into an entirely different environment and transporting guests to an alternate time and place altogether. If that’s not a magical process, I don’t know what is! And with that being said, the most recent event I coordinated and decorated was definitely a magical experience. It was a Harry Potter-themed adult birthday party with a stone-like background resembling The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and flags of the different houses’ suspended along the walls. Several iconic references were seen throughout the setup such as Sorting Hat prominently displayed, as well as items Harry takes with him when he goes to Hogwarts each year – his wand, various books including a book of spells and other supplies. The guest of honor’s favorite house described in the novel series is Gryffindor, so it was my goal for this birthday party to turn her house, or at least areas of it, into a representation of Gryffindor. The main dining area was crafted to replicate the Great Hall and a giant Gryffindor flag hung as the backdrop with floating candles to add an exceptionally enchanted atmosphere. The 10+ guests were served their food and drinks with metal-like plates and chalices, and everyone had a place setting card themed around Gryffindor. The table itself had quite a spread consisting of several potions with witty labels I had too much fun designing, Butterbeer, Chocolate Frogs, Pumpkin Juice, Quidditch Player’s Pie, Golden Snitch Cakeballs and other foods related to the book and movie series. Additionally, I provided a potions game for the guests, during which “Snape” taught his potions class! If all the symbolism, refreshments and décor didn’t have the attendees charmed enough, it was the soundtrack from the Harry Potter movies I had playing in the background that kept them truly captivated and swept away on a mystic journey. Creating this scene was not achieved by waving a wand and using a simple incantation, but I like to think I have my own magical touch that brings event themes to life and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Check out some of the details below!
Cheers!
