Magical Days - Harry Potter's Birthday

If you’re following along with the Magical Days calendar you might have noticed that it’s Harry Potter’s birthday on Friday (the 31^st July). Here are some quick and easy ways to make an ordinary day a little bit extraordinary…

 * If you haven’t already, read the book/s to your children. I know it depends a lot on the maturity/sensitivity of the child, but I think six is a good age to tackle the first book. Harry celebrates his birthday in chapter four and by that stage you’ll both be captivated. 

* Make magic wands. Heaps of ideas on Pinterest and this one looks fairly easy. Be sure to make a few different ones so the wand can choose the wizard.

* Make golden snitches. Those tricky-to-see tiny quidditch balls get a tasty makeover. Look super easy to make too; full instructions here.

Via snazzify lm

 * Play Quidditch. There’s this table-top version or you could really get into it like this one...

Via Martha Shmartha

* Explore pottermore.com. J.K. Rowling shares new writing about Harry’s world here and you can also shop for a wand and an owl, then go to Hogwarts to be sorted and complete lots of challenges. (I’m in Hufflepuff!)

* Bake a cake. Whip up a cake for Harry. Love, love, love this one inspired by Hagrid's… 

Via Craft Marmalade

* Cuddle up and watch a movie. Which Harry Potter film is your favourite? Make some popcorn, or the yummy golden snitches above OR you can make things a little more elaborate like we do.

Two years ago we decided to combine watching the first movie (after finishing the first book) with a little afternoon tea party. We soon realised that one book/film per year is actually the best fit for our kid/s so we made it a yearly event. You can see our first Hogwarts Express-inspired party here and last year’s Honeydukes extravaganza here.

This year, after reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, I’ve decided to recreate a feast in the great hall – picture floating candles, an enchanted ceiling, house banners and gold plates. I think this house elf has got her work cut out for her this year! 

***UPDATE: You can see how our Goblet of Fire dinner turned out here.***
 

P.S. Heaps more of my favourite ideas on my Harry Potter Pinterest Board.