Vintage, Values, & Ventures: Joellen's 30th Harry Potter Surprise Party

We celebrated my best friend's 30th over a year ago, before I fully knew I wanted to get into the party planning business, but I think the party was a success, with much help from Joellen's mom, Diann, Jennie, Chris, and my Mom too. The idea was sparked when Joellen had hoped to throw a big party to celebrate, but then was bitten by two dogs on a run. They cost her rabies shots only given in the emergency room, which was quite the pretty penny, and zapped her birthday budget. So we decided to try to make her wish come true...a Harry Potter themed 30th!

Decor & Details:

We went the theme of 30 as well, and did so in several ways. Here's a few of the 30 "messenger owls" that delivered letters, cards, or notes from friends and family near and far for the party.

A Womping Willow Tree with at least $30...YAY!

A card signing station, just in case!

The entrance to the party, which shows a glimpse of the details...

And probably my favorite decorations of all...our own Great Hall with 30 floating candles!!!

Food:

There were SOOOO many food ideas, both on Pinterest and in our minds, but I think we came up with a great variety of both savory and sweet items!

The place where all the good food was at...

The savory spread:

We loved this guy! Haha!

The sweets bar...WOWZA!

So much goodness...Where to start?

These were as delicious as they were pretty! Made by Joellen's friend, Felicity.

We had to add a few of Joellen's favorites too...Swedish Fish and bing cherries!

And of course, a variety of Harry Potter themed beverages:

Activities & Favors:

We had to have some extra fun for the birthday girl, so we created a few fun activities to do, starting with choosing your own Ollivander's wand and then allowing the Sorting Hat to choose your Hogwart's House for you.