How to Throw a Simple Book Party with Costumes

You’re not going to believe me when I say that a book party with costumes can be very, very easy. Trust me. It’s all in the (easy) details and your children’s amazing imagination. I promise.

Years ago, a good friend of mine told me that her family did a book party every Halloween night: costumes, the movie (if applicable), pertinent treats, and more. That year, they were doing a Harry Potter night complete with butterbeer, one of the movies, and plenty of other paraphernalia. And the spark was lit. We should do that, too!

Of course, you can throw a book-themed party complete with costumes any time of the year. And here’s how to do it easily, whether it’s a school event, a family event, or a just-for-fun-with-friends event.

Step #1: DON’T LOOK AT PINTEREST

Seriously, folks, why do we do that to ourselves? Just stop. Let your own brains take over. Rally the troops (kids). Talk amongst yourselves.

Step #2: SET A DATE

Very important step here. We procrastinators do our best work under a deadline, so put one on the calendar. This is particularly important if you plan to invite other people! Use someone’s birthday, pick a free weekend, or tie it to something like Halloween. Just pick a date.

Step #3: MAKE A SKELETON PLAN

Your job, as parents/teachers/librarians, is to figure out how to get yourselves out of the picture and let your kids run with this. So, resist making a detailed plan. Decide with the kids what the rough outline of this book party is going to include: one primary book or series? any book? costumes? decorations? food? games? movie? free-for-all-play-in-cool-costumes? (this last option is totally legit)

Step #4: DIVIDE AND CONQUER

Figure out location (who’s hosting), and then tell the kids exactly what the adults are/are NOT doing. For instance, I only RARELY assist with costumes. You’re pretty much on your own, but I will assist you by making ONE Hobby Lobby/Dollar Tree run, not clearing away your mess before you’re done crafting, and helping you locate the glue gun/sewing machine/duct tape/construction paper/rope/etc. Kids can turn hats into crowns, boards into swords, and more! If you are doing this party with others, figure out who’s responsible for food (or which kinds), decorations, etc.

Step #5: RESEARCH ONLY WHAT YOU MUST

At this point, a little research on the ol’ interwebz might be helpful. For instance, you might need to track down a source for Turkish Delight. Perhaps you want to double check the spelling of someone’s name or track down a (free) printable that someone else has spent all kinds of time preparing for you.

Step #6:  NOTE THE DETAILS: Costumes

If your child (or you) is having a hard time coming up with a costume, discuss the details of the character in question. Striped shirt? Big hair bow? Basket? Hat?

Pro tip: PROPS are key. Last year, I carried a purple crayon to our dinner table for the night in question. This year, I have a red hood/cape (made from a scarf) and a basket. Years ago, my twins each wore red shirts with “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” signs on them. One year, they made Elephant & Piggie noses and we bought sweat pants/shirts in the appropriate colors. Scan your picture book shelves for those details that pop and remind you of the person.

Step #7: NOTE THE DETAILS: Food and Decorations

Whether you label your menu “Munchings and Crunchings” or call it “Elevenses,” the details matter. They can elevate an ordinary cup of tea with cheese and crackers to a meager meal in hiding complete with elvish lembas bread and brackish water. Or perhaps it’s bread and jam with Frances. A friend who hosted a Harry Potter party had an empty basket with a sign: “Free Invisibility Cloaks.” Ask your kids; they will have plenty of suggestions!

Step #8: GO READ A BOOK

Parents: DO. NOT. MICRO-MANAGE. Do something, anything, to keep yourself distracted. Don’t ask too many questions. Make a cup of tea. When a child comes to you for help, see if you can help her figure out how to do it on her own. Ask a few questions and say, reassuringly, “You’ll figure out something!” Their creations and ideas are always cooler than yours will be; they will remember them FAR, FAR LONGER. Case in point: my son made a “Skiving Snackbox” as a prop for his character this year. He completely transformed some old shoeboxes with scissors, masking tape, and construction paper. As one of the red-haired Weasley twins (from Harry Potter), he also attached red construction paper “hair” to the inside of a stocking cap. Ta da! Of course, his identical twin brother is also in on the act, which doesn’t hurt. Their costumes (and skiving snack box filled with treats) were a huge hit.

Step #8: TAKE PICTURES

The final costumes will probably be in use for a while, but it’s worth snapping some good photos on the day of. These events become part of your family cultural legacy. The books you’ve enjoyed together have come to life for a day!

Have you thrown a book-themed costume party? How did it go? Have you dressed up as a book character for another event?