6 Clever Children’s Book-Themed Halloween Parties

Harry Pottery Party
It’s a wizarding world, and we’re just living in it. The Harry Potter books feature the obligatory elements to help you plan a haunting Halloween party: magic, mystery, chills, and thrills. Send out scroll invitations to guests using invisible ink, and urge them to dress as their favorite Harry Potter character. (Bonus points if you can get an owl to personally deliver each invite!) Decorate your home like Hogwarts, complete with candles, cauldrons, potions, brooms, and wizard hats. Set up a station for everyone to create and customize their own wand, and don’t forget to have plenty of butter beer, muggle candy, and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans on hand. (Never did the words “trick or treat” ring so true!)

Where the Wild Things Are Party
The stunning imagery in Maurice Sendak‘s classic kids’ book will most definitely bring out your inner creative party-planner. Children can dress as Max or one of the terrifically wondrous beastly beings. Forest-inspired décor and outdoor accents will transport guests into a magical, mystical island where the wild things live. Serve a “hot supper,” and set up a DIY station where kids can create their own crown. “Let the wild [Halloween] rumpus start!”

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Party
Just follow the yellow brick road to this bright and cheery Halloween party with some of the most iconic characters in literary and film history. (I mean, what girl hasn’t dressed as Dorothy at least once for Halloween?) Invite the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Lion, and Glenda to your over-the-top over-the-rainbow-affair, which may take some liberties from the movie. Decorate with gingham everything, add colorful accents, and display oversized lollipops, courtesy of the Lollipop Guild, of course. Serve Wicked (Sand)witches of the West, pointy-hat cupcakes, and ruby-red grapefruit juice. As far as activities? That’s easy! Dance the jitterbug and play a game of Twister! (Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain—that’s the party host doing all the dirty work!)

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass Party
No party could be more fantastical than one inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Set the bizarrely beautiful scene with a mix of woodland-inspired décor, oversized playing cards, antique keys, and strategically placed clocks and pocket watches. Label the food and beverages at the buffet “Drink Me” and “Eat Me,” and end the trick-or-trip event with a whimsical tea party.

Dr. Seuss Party
Just think of all the curious characters of Dr. Seuss. From the Cat in the Hat to the Grinch to Horton to a nameless Fox in Socks, the costume options are seemingly endless. Why narrow your party theme to one book when Dr. Seuss offers a veritable genre of his own. Your buffet can include green eggs and ham, Hop-on Pop (soda), and gummy (red) fish and (blue) fish.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Party
The costume requirement for this enchanted Halloween happening? Dress like a mystical, magical curious creature of Narnia—or, you know, a lion, a witch, or a wardrobe (that last option ought to be interesting). Conjure the imagery of Narnia with forest like decorations—gnarled branches, snow-capped tabletops, and throne-like chairs. Forgo the traditional candy of Oct.31, for Edmund’s favorite: Turkish Delight. End the evening with an organized game of hide and seek—just, but maybe keep the closet doors locked.