I *heart* theme parties
Once (pre-vegan), I threw a Jungle-themed ice cream party, complete with monkey tails (pretzels), elephant droppings (Hershey’s kisses), baby elephant droppings (chocolate chips), and even zebra dandruff (shredded coconut). In retrospect, these might not have been the most-appetizing choices for ice cream topping names… but the point is that I go all out for theme parties!
If more of my friends were around this summer, and if my own schedule weren’t so busy, I would definitely throw a Harry Potter party tomorrow, in honor of the final movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two. Although the fantasy genre has never been my favorite, I am a big HP fan thanks to my sister who forced me to read the books. (This doesn’t mean I’m going to see the movie at midnight. I’m not that much of a die-hard fan!)
Since circumstances do not permit me to throw a party for real, I can at least share my ideas for such a theme party. And if you’re not a Harry fan, do not worry. Tomorrow I’ll be back with a new dessert recipe, unrelated to Harry Potter.
Supply your guests with Magic Cookie-Dough Wands.
Chocolate coating and sprinkles are optional. But chocolate chips are not optional! Remember: the wands will choose the wizards guests.
Treat them to Chocolate Peanut Butter Castles.
Someone left a comment on the post, saying the fudge looked like castles (with chocolate-chip turrets). Now, every time I look at the photo, I see castles—like Hogwarts!
Satisfy their thirst with Butter Beer Milkshakes.
Really, these are pineapple floats. But they look kinda like the drinks Harry Potter and his friends order in the Three Broomsticks. Be sure to serve the floats in beer mugs for the full effect.
For the ginger in your life: Raw Gingerbread Men.
These are dedicated to those loveable gingers, The Weasleys: Fred, George, Ginny, Ron, Charlie, and Bill. Okay, maybe even Percy too.
Get creative with Every Flavor Beans.
Feel free to change up the spices. Make Bertie Bott proud. But please, spare your guests and stay away from the earwax!
Beware of the evil Chocolate Bludgers.
They are highly addictive. On the bright side, chocolate provides a good defense against dementors. Or, at least, that’s what Professor Lupin says.
Questions of the Day:
Have you ever been to a theme party?
What types of theme parties would be fun to throw?
Theme parties I’ve organized or been to: Disney Princess, Masquerade, Santa, Hawaiian, Pirate, Fifties…
Oh, and of course this Pajama Party.
Anonymous says
Oh no! You forgot about Charlie Weasley!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
LOL thanks! Fixed 🙂
Rebecca says
My roommate/best friend’s 21st last year was actually a Harry Potter party. I was amazed at how many people were so into HP! I thought my roomies and I were the only ones 🙂
Four of us live in the house, so we each printed off a different house’s crest and put it on our bedroom door. We made alcoholic drinks mixed in plastic cauldrons, had Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, chocolate wands (giant pretzel sticks), a cake with ice cream cones we used to make castle turrets…not to mention broomstick races in the cul de sac and the fact that every single person who came dressed up.
I’m sorry I keep commenting so much! I just LOVE this blog! And it keeps me entertained during downtime at work 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Girl, I looooooove comments! Don’t ever feel sorry for commenting. Your comments make me smile so much!
Qi Ting @ Misadventures of Fat free Baking says
Hehe… what about a CHOCOLATE theme party! Who can turn down any invitation to that?! 😀
Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life says
Oh this is such a fun idea!!!!!!! Love love love it! I can’t wait to see the movie, I have tickets for Saturday night in IMAx 3D!
Cait @ Cait hates Cake says
I love theme parties! We always have a theme night during our annual group camping trip. This year it was Woodstock, last year it was People of Walmart, the year before that was Trashy Wedding 😉
Liz @ Tip Top shape says
I’ve thrown my fair share of theme parties. I’m going to throw a pride and prejudice one soon complete with English breakfast teas and scones. That butterbeer milkshake looks awesome!! I’ve been seeing lots of butterbeer recipes around the internet
Tricia says
Hehe, these look delicious! I can’t wait for Harry Potter to come out tomorrow, I’ll probably see it with the fam since i forced my dad to go to the sixth and the first part of the seventh 🙂
[email protected] DiVa DiSh says
Such a great collection of all your recipes!
I love themed parties 🙂 We are doing my daughters first birthday and I am having so much fun thinking of themes and what not!
Eric Jaffa says
Have you posted pictures from from the “Fifties” theme party?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I’ve actually been to more than one. But here’s one I posted about: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2008/04/09/fabulous-fifties/
Eric Jaffa says
Is there a photo of you in a 1950s costume which shows your whole outfit?
Crafty lil vegan says
My favourite to throw are halloween parties! vegan “merangue” ghosts, purple “monster teeth” roast potatos, “Eyeball” pizza (you use tomatoes, rings of onions and black olives to make eyes!) , worms salad (either spaghetty pasta salad, or grated veggie salad!)
Among lots of other things! It’s great fun ^-^ xxxx
Bianca- Vegan Crunk says
I cannot tell you how much I wish butterbeer were a real thing! I soooo want to try it. But you’re pineapple float may be even better! I’m going on Sunday to see HP…..I LOVE HARRY POTTER!!
Emilia says
I’ve gone to so many theme parties, I love them as long as I don’t have to dress up! I would love to throw a Harry Potter theme party, if only to just bake for it, though I’d probably end up throwing a summer ball kind of party with long dresses and all kinds of elegant stuff.
Barb says
We also had a Harry Potter party, and we had chocolate frogs (green chocolate in chocolate frog molds), cockroach clusters (dark chocolate covered clusters of almonds and cranberries), cake pops made in the shape of harry potter heads or golden snitches, and pumpkin-filled pasties.
Also necessary were costumes. Lots of fun, enjoy yours!
Lisa says
unfortunately, I have never read any of the Harry Potter Books (I know, I know…whats WRONG with me!?!? haha)
I do wish I did though! One of the many things I would change if I could go back in time. I suppose I could start reading now, but I fear it would take FOREVER to catch up with everyone else! lol
ive never been to a theme party, wish I did! I remember my brother (older) went to a toga party once, and a ninja turtle party, and a superhero party…. im so jealous! haha 🙂
katie @KatieDid says
I stopped reading at the 4th and I just haven’t been able to talk myself into picking them back up since, although I wish I could! And I’ve slept through 2 midnight viewings, but me and my friends are going to the drive-in tonight to see this one. Should be fun but more for the drive in experience and less for the movie (for me at least haha). I’ve been to many a theme party being a college student… halfway to halloween (end of april) was a fun one!
Amber K says
I have never been to one, nor hosted a theme party. It could be fun, if I could find a good theme. I’m not really into most of the movies/books/music my friends are.
Lilly says
I was so into theme parties when I was younger, Hawaii, ballet, The Brady Bunch, A bugs Life 🙂 And of course college is filled with theme parties, black and white, neon, jungle, but People of Walmart was one of my faves!
Emily @ Glitz Glam Granola says
What fun ideas! I’m not a Harry Potter fan, but I love any excuse for a theme party, especially when it involves dressing up! I haven’t been to one or had one in a very long time, but I think I’m going to have to change that soon! (And make some of your delicious desserts!) You’ve inspired me! 🙂
Katie says
This is the cutest post ever. I’m a major Harry Potter nerd, and I would glady attend this hypothetical theme party of yours!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I wish we could have a blogger HP theme party 🙂
Mallory says
Oh my gosh you are too cute! I love the ideas! I totally AM throwing a Harry Potter party and seeing the movie at midnight! I thought people who liked Harry Potter were weird until my sister forced me to read the books as well and I couldn’t put them down 🙂 Thanks for the ideas will definitely be back for more!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha I love how both our sisters forced us! Thank goodness for sisters, right? 😉
[email protected] says
This just made my day 🙂 You are so creative, Katie! I love it all….
Lauren @ Chocolate, Cheese and Wine says
I have always wanted to throw a Hawaiian themed party – I know its probably one of the most commonly used themes but I think It would be a blast!
kaila @ healthy helper! says
Love this! Especially the cake ball “wands”! So cute!
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
Theme parties were the name of the game in my sorority in college! Zebra dandruff… too funny!
bitt of raw says
I would love a themed party for Harry Potter! Can’t wait to see the last movie since I recently re-read all the books.
BTW, vegan dad has a veganbutterbeer recipe: http://vegandad.blogspot.com/2011/01/butterbeer.html
sometimes i do themed parties. last summer I had a teddy bear baby shower for my sister. it was so cute. i kept some of the bears because I fell in love with them.
Sarah says
You’re too cute Katie!! I love me some Harry Potter too! I may try to go see it at midnight even though I have a test the next morning. I’m hardcore like that! 😉
faith @ for the health of it says
Theme parties are so much fun to plan! When I was younger I had a Titanic and a Survivor themed party – both we the most hilarious and most memorable b-day parties I’ve had thus far!
[email protected] of Sugar Free says
Oh my gosh-cutest post ever! katie, you are so creative! I wish I could be so blessed as to go to your theme parties 😀 Hey! Maybe we can do a virtual party?! I’ll take any excuse for a party…hahaha….
Jen says
I’ve always wanted to go to one of those murder mystery parties. But it would have to be one that’s really decked out with decorations, and everyone plays along in proper costumes and accents. Haha! Wishful thinking.
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I love theme parties — I went to a 50th bday party a few years ago that was 50s themed — everyone wore poodle skirt and the guys all had cig packs rolled up in their sleeves with slicked back hair. It was fun! Other than that: Hawaiian theme parties are fun, 80s parties are good and really any type of party where you dress up is fun!
My sisters are going to see HP at midnight tonight — they’ve been talking about it for MONTHS.
Ragnhild says
I love theme partys! I have decided that my children (in the future) MUST have theme-birthdays every single year 😀 I want to make coll cakes, and food, and outfits!
Im not a big Harry potter fan though, but I would love all these treat anyways 🙂
Ashley C says
Im so glad to hear you are a fellow Harry Potter fan!! All of these treats look amazing!! Im not going to an HP party but i am going to see the movie at midnight 🙂
Lauren says
Katie, I saw in one of your other posts you mentioned that you went to college. Did you go to culinary school by any chance?
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Awww!! Nope, I didn’t… I actually don’t know much about proper cooking techniques at ALL. I just like to experiment :).
Jennifer JCD says
Yay for Harry Potter! I’m excited to see the last film as well, but not for a week or two until the crowds die down.
Your theme parties sound like so much fun! The last theme party I went to was in primary shool, which was a really long time ago. Maybe I’ll have to throw my dad a theme party for his birthday this weekend! We’re going camping with the whole family, so maybe some S’mores cupcakes, or cupcakes topped with mini campfires, a sleeping bag, etc. Oooh… thanks for the inspiration!!
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
I love HP! I was so sad when I finished the last book. Really looking forward to the movie but I’ll always be a book girl 🙂
I’ve been to plenty of theme parties but the food wasn’t usually themed! Just the usual party stuff.
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl says
Such creativity! I love it 🙂
I love theme parties – they just make life more fun. I feel like it always takes a party up a notch. For the Royal Wedding, my office had a crazy hat Royal Wedding Viewing Party. That was a blast. I was in charge of food and provided, crumpets and Do-it-Yourself Cucumber sandwiches along with tea cookies and scones 😉
Aja says
I love all your theme foods. I wish I was home so I could make them before going to see the movie tomorrow. Oh well, I’ll settle for pop corn I guess, but that sounds so lame!
Mellie says
I used to have the BEST theme parties when I was in elementary/middle school. The best one was the “tiny” party where we had mini hotdogs, burgers, and cakes, and ate off small plates and drank out of small cups.
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I just had fun reading this!!!! 🙂 I would throw an 80’s party… for the music mainly and eat a lot of childhood things; POP ROCKS anyone?!?!?
Kristin @ STUFT Mama says
Your pictures always amaze me (and make me hungry). 🙂 I would want to to go an 80’s party. My brother just had an Olympic themed party with everyone in paris dressed up for a little competition. It was fabulous. 🙂 And……… you can’t not have fun at an ugly holiday sweater party. ha ha ha!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I feel like I’m missing out… I’ve never been to an ugly holiday sweater party. Now I want to!
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
the Chocolate Peanut Butter Castles and the photography…I am still drooling over that one!
And the last shot of the brownie bites, too.
And the baked nuts, i.e. beans (big fan of those too!)
IT all looks awesome and yes, I have thrown and been to a million themed parties. Usually they involve things like wine & cheese, chocolate, red white and blue, or Barbies or Fairy Princess themes 🙂
Albizia says
I think I’ve actually never been to a theme party. I don’t know why because I like the idea very much.
I will have to wait for the DVD to watch the movie. All movies in Japan are dubbed 🙁
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
ahhhh I AM SO EXCITED FO THE MOVIE!!!
Errign says
As a huge Harry Potter fan, I love you for this post, haha.
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
I lovelove theme parties! haha I had a roaring 1920’s party for my 18th birthday 🙂 loved this post, it got me excited for the harry potter movie haha 🙂
Megan says
Never done a movie themed party, but for years (until we moved out of the state), my sister and I would do a themed anniversary dinner for my parents. I have a cookbook that gives recipes from all over the world, so we pick a country and go all out – food, drink, decorations, costumes, even occasionally buying new dishes. We’ve worn saris for an Indian themed dinner, served drinks in pineapples along with shark stew for a tropical evening, made baklava and moussaka for a Greek meal… So much fun!
Jess says
hey honey, you probably dont remember me, but i used to blog on nourishandshine i’ve decided to have a complete change and i have created my new blog on wordpress. I cant wait to start reading your posts again, i love your blog.
I hope your well
Love jess.
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Aww thank you so much!!
Elise says
Love Harry Potter, can’t stand the films!! Though I very rarely get into films based on books, they ruin how I imagine the characters to be. The only exception to this is lord of the rings, I love those films, we did a LOTR marathon and watched all of the extended additions in a weekend.
Thinking about HP brings back good memories of travelling. The last book came out when I was in South Africa and I scoured the bookstores until I found it then refused to talk to anyone for a day until I finished reading it, well worth it! x
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Oh I completely understand your opinion! I was so upset when I discovered I’d been saying “Slytherin” and even “Voldermort” wrong. It was like I felt as if the MOVIES were the ones saying it wrong. After all, I’d grown accustomed to the names a certain way and was ANGRY that someone would try and say them differently ;). (I think I’d read three books before seeing any of the movies.)
Ann Claire says
The fudge really does look like little castles. That’s so cute!
[email protected] says
Love LOVE this!! I can’t believe I’ve been reading HP since the FIFTH GRADE! Wild! I might just make all of these. By myself…
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
I know! It makes me feel so old!
Sarah @ Food and Love Diaries says
I don’t think I’ve been to a theme party since college! Haaha.. but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t appreciate an invite to one of yours 🙂
Tara says
I think we could use some “pumpkin juice” up there too!!
I’ve always wanted to go to a murder mystery party. The best theme party i ever had was an “amazing race” birthday party that I had when i turned 13! It was like a scavenger hunt with the typical elements of the amazing race: choosing different people to do different challenges, being sent back by other teams, etc. it was so much fun! My parents organized the whole thing and kept it a total secret from me and enlisted some other moms to drive us around.
Katherine says
I want a party like this!
Serena (Green Beans & Jam) says
Awesome post! Do you have any suggestions for turning the butterbeer shake into something that tastes more buttery? (pineapple is very acidid). looks-wise, it’s got it goin’ on!
I HEART harry potter. Just saw the FINAL MOVIE yesterday night. It was AMAZING.
Mihika says
I got on the HP bandwagon pretty late, but once I did I read all 7 books in 2 weeks 😛
Question: has anyone tried Grade B maple syrup? How does it compare to Grade A?
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
Haha I love theme parties! I’ve been trying to think of one for my birthday, so I’m going to be reading all your comments to steal ideas 😉
none says
most sprinkles are not vegan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmaceutical_glaze
Julie says
Hi Katie,
How have you been lately?
I would like to start running and I would like you to give me some advise…
I would like to drink a high-protein vegan shake in the morning. Do you know where I could find some recipes and an healthy one ?
Thanks.
Julie
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Hi Julie 🙂
Sorry, I don’t really drink protein shakes. But if you google “vegan healthy protein shake” I bet you’ll find lots of recipes! 🙂
Julie says
I love cherries, especially cherries pie ! It’s very famous in France during the summer ! Because I’m currently in Korea, I won’t be able to make it this year ! I still have to find out how to purchase vegan products over here… I lost quite of weight because of that !
Luv What You Do says
No Joke…I saw a grown woman dressed up like a witch with a Harry Potter scarf standing outside on my way to work this morning. Too funny! My boyfriend has already bought our tickets for tomorrow night. Should be interesting!
I love the 80s prom night theme…especially if you have a good Goodwill store in your area. Perhaps, you may have to have lived through the 80’s to appreciate that!
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Haha I saw a grown man dressed like Snape at one of the movies a few years ago!
Sophie says
Ohmygosh I love this post, Harry Potter practically sums up my childhood, half the pages are loose in my copy of book 1 as I read it so much! Definitely want to try the ‘Every Flavor Beans’ they look tasty 🙂
Jesse @ Happy Go Lucky Vegan says
I love theme parties also! I use to throw Murder Mystery Parties just so I could theme up the food! Your ideas are terribly clever – and I’d love to try the wands at the very least. Great post!
Russ says
I almoooooost went to see it at midnight! But that’s a bit too hardcore even for me. Watching it was a bit emotional, the end of an era…! But it was a super film.
Every flavour bean sounds like an awesome idea! (Just leave out the gross flavours!)
Kristina says
We had a Potter theme party, too!! Check it out: http://sopranointherealworld.blogspot.com/2011/07/potter-party.html
My husband and I were pretty proud of our creations 🙂
Chocolate-Covered Katie says
Looks awesome! I love the cupcakes!
Tanner says
I threw a gingerbread house-decorating party! It was so much fun! I had so much leftover candy though 🙂
For my 5th birthday I had a dinosaur themed party. We had a “dino-dig” (mud baked in the oven with plastic dinosaur bones inside), a dinosaur bounce house, a dinosaur pinata, even a dinosaur cake with WORKING CHOCOLATE VOLCANO!!! OMG it was delicious!
I had a dobby cake at my 12th birthday party, but the party itself was at a swimming pool. The cake itself was carrot 🙂