I am just going to have to watch Harry Potter aren't I?

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My closest friend is having her 50th this year. I am a few years older than her, so I am not sure if this contributes to my lack of knowledge on the subject.

She is quite Harry Potter mad. She watches the films over again every now and then also has themed objects, like Le Creuset dishes and the likes.

She is having a Harry Potter party, I am not too shocked about this. The thing is, I have never watched Harry Potter, it just isn't something that ever appealed to me.

She chats to me about her party plans and is bouncing things off of me, and tbh I do not have a clue about half the stuff. I suggested something food wise and so she said, well actually that doesn't fit in with the theme 😂

She is a great friend and I would love to help her. But that means I am going to have to watch the films now I think. I have to dress up too, so I could pop along to the costume hire place and ask them to suggest something, but then I think I would be being a bit of a fraud not knowing who I am.

So I need advice. Do I need to watch them all? If I just watch the first one will that sum it all up? Or should I rather just watch the last one, and try fill in gaps, so I am a bit caught up.

Please don't suggest the books either. I think that seems way more torturous.

There is a complete series plot synopsis in a 10 min read here. It’s basic but gives you a general idea of the story and you can then Google anything that you want specific information on.

Yes, this is perfect! Basically, dress as Hyacinth Bucket.

The first book is a surprisingly cozy read.

If you have red hair (even strawberry blonde) you could be a relative of the Weasley family (goodies).

For food and drinks for the party, you could get some labels printed up (if you have access to a laser printer and laser labels) to put on wine/beer bottles like "Potion of the Phoenix" or "Griffindor Juice" or something.
A quick google search brought me to these cocktails:
https://insanelygoodrecipes.com/harry-potter-cocktails/

After Christmas, there may be loads of boxes of Ferrero Rocher hanging around. you could add a set of golden wings to the top of these and make some Golden Snitches out of them.

Red & Gold & Black = Gryffindor colours
Green & Black = Slytherin colours
Blue & Black = Ravenclaw colours
Yellow & Black = Hufflepuff colours

Feathers/quills are important in Harry Potter so maybe see if you can use them instead of cocktail sticks?

Other important things are Diagon Alley (good) and Knockturn Alley (bad). There was a lot of black & white in the Prisoner of Azkaban with "Undesirable No. 1" with the photo of Harry Potter underneath. You could print out loads of these with the birthday girls photo, and "Wanted" and "Have you seen this wizard" again, printed in black & white.
https://onesweetappetite.com/harry-potter-party-ideas/

Hopefully that has given you a few ideas.

Party Supplies 1
Party Supplies 2
Party Supplies 3
Party Supplies 4

I would probably just recommend reading the first book only. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
It’s a very short book, extremely easy to read and sets the scene well for Hogwarts school and the Harry Potter World.
You never know - it may get you hooked and you may find yourself wanting more. That’s what happened to me!
I enjoy the films, but the books will always have a place in my heart as they came first, give far more back story and give you a sense of wonder and imagination. I read them all every year.

I watched the first Harry Potter film over Christmas as I felt like I was missing out on some big cultural references. It was really boring and for kids. I don't get it.

I would read book one and enjoy it!

I definitely agree with PP who suggested going as Petunia Dursley.
Brief synopsis - she is from a non-magical ('Muggle') family but her sister Lily develops witchy powers in childhood, goes off to Hogwarts, marries a wizard (James).
Petunia is jealous and cranky, and barely speaks to her sister by the time they're adults. They have sons around the same time - so when Lily & James are killed by the main bad guy, Voldemort, Petunia ends up raising her own son (Dudley) as well as her nephew Harry.
Petunia is a nosey, gossipy neighbour who is awful to Harry, and loathes anything magical, including witches and wizards.
BUT that makes her kind of fun to play, plus you can dress in normal clothes, just lean into conservative woman who wants to look respectable. I played her once and wore a terrible matching top and skirt in turquoise nylon... shoulder pads and all!!

This should be the character for you: your friend would be SO happy!

https://hellogiggles.com/actress-imelda-staunton-talks-playing-professor-umbridge-harry-potter/

I missed the whole thing when the books and films came out. Eventually during lockdown I read the e-books from the library and then read all of them. They are good. I am still not into it in the way some people are.

The first books great, a really easy read and much better than the films but if you really don't like reading at least watching the first movie would give you enough information about it.
I like the idea of going as aunt petunia or maybe a weasley since you're strawberry blonde.

I enjoyed the books, but could´t make it through with the films, they bored me rigid. The first book is slim and an easy read.

Most adults use some form of escapism. HP is far healthier than many other forms.

I think it is lovely that you are showing some interest for your friend, that's what friendships are about.

If you are stuck in a car for work, audio books are perfect.

Costume.

With your colours I think you should go as Pandora Lovegood, Luna's mother.

She is dead and we never meet her but we know she is alternative so some flowing gown/hippy look and then make a large cardboard picture frame and fix it to you. The dead continue to move in pictures in HP. That would be a great costume as shows you have thought about it. My DS went as one of the characters in the pictures complete with cardboard picture frame.

There are 8 films. I watched them all for a similar reason (course mates all prime potter and I was out of the loop).

Just watch the first one or two to get the jist, if you like them continue.

Just read the first one and see why you think. Even if you don’t read much, you’ll read it in less than a week, it’s a child’s book. You’ll probably quite like it..I mean at the end of the day most people enjoy them! Except for the occasional person who believes JK Rowlings grammar isn’t good etc etc yawn.

I’d read the books a thousand times over the films, but I think the films are shite. Just watch the first two or three, you’ll get the idea of it!

If you have a kindle the philosophers stone is currently free on Amazon.

It's 345 pages aimed at 8 years+ so a fairly easy read for most adults.

If you have reddish hair you could call yourself Sally Weasley, say you got recently found your distant cousin Arthur Weasley through 23andme, who seems very nice but keeps asking you questions about electricity and calling you a muggle, he invited you to this party and you have no idea what’s going on. Then you don’t need any understanding of the universe but without breaking the magical vibes for your friend.

Let people enjoy things. What's the harm?

You sound like a good friend, OP. I'd suggest listening to the audiobooks.

The films are terrible and made me not want to read the books. But I did and I'm so glad because they're amazing. I'd do a search rather than watch them all. Or go on TT and watch clips of what she's talking about. or search for HP parties and send them on to her so it looks like you know when you don't!

I'm with you. Watched the Philosopher's Stone and fell asleep halfway through! It's not for everyone...

Make a cake decorated like a snowy owl and you're all set.

There's something sad and strange about someone who thinks age matters when it comes to popular culture.

Some of my favourite books were written for children. You like what you like.

No need to watch the films! Get yourself on vinted and buy a costume. This one would be good if you’re a size 10 https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/3943497466-beauxbaton-fleur-delacour-harry-potter-costume

If you want to know who the character is then google it or ask your friend (who will just be super happy you’re getting into the spirit of the party). Then sell the costume for the same price when you’re done. Boom. Everyone is happy.