In today’s post I am sharing how I put together our DIY Harry Potter inspired décor for our “first day of Hogwarts” family dinner. I was lucky to borrow these amazing DIY items from my mom’s collection, and I cant wait to share these ideas so you can start making some for your home!
Our love of Hogwarts
Anyone who knows me and my family knows we are major fans and lovers of the Harry Potter book series. I started reading the books when I was a young teen as they were first released. I dove into the books and would finish them in just a day or two.I remember feeling such sadness having to wait another year before the next went to print.
These books truly inspired a love of reading because I would get completely lost in the pages almost like I was watching it play out like a movie in my mind.
If you haven’t read the series, I cannot recommend it enough. No matter your age, gender, or background, the books are relatable to all and everyone I know who has read them, loves them. Not a reader? The Audible version is insanely good! I also adore this illustrated set, they make a wonderful gift.
Last year I talked my son into reading them after he told me ‘no’ several times. Just like with my own experience, once he started them, he couldn’t put them down! Shortly after at a school parent-teacher conference, his teacher questioned where he gained his love of reading as he was testing at a much higher grade level. I told her 100% I believed it was because of the HP series!
Shop the books here: (paperback and illistrated)
DIY Harry Potter Inspired Décor: creating your own magic
Last year my mom started creating her own little DIY Harry Potter décor in hopes to do a Harry Potter grandchild evening where we have dinner together and celebrate the first day of Hogwarts (September 1st). Everything she has done is so magical and my kids get so excited when she puts it all together.
This year since we were all in different directions, I asked her if it would be okay if I borrowed her collection to set up a dinner in my home. I will link as many items as I can for you here so you can start a collection of your own. I will also share how she created some of the DIY peices!
Shop Harry Potter themed candies
Here I will link some themed candies from the series as well as a silicone “chocolate” frog so you can keep reusing it for table or shelf décor!
Favorites for the table: (scroll right)
Shop items from the owl post:
The wood sorter is from Hobby Lobby. My mom wrapped little gifts with brown paper and added her own writing to the brown envelopes. I surprised her with the owl stamps, wax seals, and twine. We just love the character they add!
Shop our favorites here: (scroll right)
Creating the potion station:
My mom collected apothecary bottles from Hobby Lobby and ordered labels for the bottles on etsy. I have linked hers as well as another cute option below. The rat and spider are Dollar Tree finds. Cages are Hobby Lobby.
Ideas for filling the bottles:
- Crystal rock salts
- Faux plant or leaf stems
- Colored water
- Green hand sanitizer gel
- Coal or ash
- Eyeball gumballs
- Purple or green glitter
- Feathers
- Faux bones or teeth
As for the table set up, we found it was fun to layer items on top of trunks (found these at Hobby lobby along with the owl cages and owl post sorting box!) Here are a few more items I would love to add next time: Floating candles and a letter acceptance banner as well as this darling quidditch box!
Tap to shop
My mom found the wood 9 3/4 plaque at Hobby Lobby. She painted it white and had the numbers custom made from vinyl to add. It turned out SO cute on the table!
If you have a love for Harry Potter, I highly recommend starting this dinner tradition! You could theme the food and make your own butterbeer to share. We also love the idea of using it for Halloween Décor as well. I hope this post made you feel happy and excited at the thought of creating a bit of muggle magic in your home.
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