Hosting a Narnia Party Inspired by The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

It begins with a wardrobe.

Not just any wardrobe — a tall, weathered piece of furniture with heavy wooden doors and the faint scent of cedar. You push aside the coats, feel a surprising chill in the air, and see snow beneath your feet.

And then… a light ahead.

A lamppost glowing in the distance.

That moment in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — Lucy’s first step into Narnia — is one of the most magical openings in all of literature. It’s also the perfect inspiration for a party that captures the wonder, beauty, and deeper meaning of C.S. Lewis’s classic.

For this gathering, our theme is “Aslan is on the move” — that stirring phrase that means winter is melting, spring is coming, and hope is alive.

Entering Through the Wardrobe

This party begins before your guests even see the table.

The Wardrobe Setup: Place a real wardrobe, an antique armoire, or even a large cardboard/wooden frame at the entry to your party space. Fill it with hanging coats, cloaks, and scarves. Behind it, create a “snowy forest” backdrop using white sheets or curtains, fairy lights, and branches sprayed white.Sensory Details: Scatter artificial snow on the floor, play faint wind sounds, and add the scent of pine or cedar.The Reveal: As guests step through the coats, they emerge into your decorated “Narnia” — a space that blends winter magic with the first signs of spring.

This isn’t just decor — it’s an experience, the first chapter of your party’s story.

Decor: From Winter to Spring

Because “Aslan is on the move” is about change, your party space should reflect the shift:

Winter Side: White and silver tablecloths, faux snow, icicle lights, crystal or glass serving dishes.Spring Side: Soft greens, golds, floral arrangements, garlands of ivy and blossoms.Centerpiece: A black lantern (the lamppost) surrounded by greenery, with small golden lion figurines hidden among the flowers.Hidden Details: Tuck little surprises in the decor — a wooden shield leaning in a corner, a crown on a chair, a tiny mouse figurine for Reepicheep fans.A Narnian Menu

Only the finest for your guests! You’ll want to serve them a table filled with sweet and savory treats and I’m here for it! I’ve got you covered with great recipes.

Sweet TemptationsTurkish Delight: Serve classic rose flavor in crystal bowls dusted with powdered sugar. Offer other flavors (lemon, raspberry) for fun. Include a little card explaining Edmund’s story for guests.Mr. and Mrs. Beaver’s Tea

Enjoy these traditional (and somewhat magical) tea favorites.

Strawberry Lemon Creme SconesEasy Buttermilk SconesSavory Scones (Bacon, Cheddar, Chive)Cranberry Orange SconesEasy Lemon Yogurt CakeDark Chocolate Raspberry TrufflesWinter WarmersHot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks.Mulled cider served in rustic mugs.The Spring FeastMini meat pies or veggie pies.Berry tarts and fruit compotes.“Breaking of Winter” cake — one half white-frosted with snowflakes, the other half covered in sugar flowers.Winter-themed cookies

(Here are some cute winter cake and cookie ideas from my baking blog!)

Activities for Narnians of All AgesStep Through the Wardrobe Photo Booth: Let guests recreate Lucy’s first steps into Narnia. Include fur coats and cloaks for props.Crown-Making Station: Gold and silver paper crowns with faux jewels, glitter, and ribbon.Turkish Delight Tasting: Have a “Which Flavor Wins?” vote.“Aslan Is on the Move” Treasure Hunt: Hide golden lion tokens with short encouraging quotes or Scripture verses attached.The Spiritual Thread

One of the things that makes The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe so enduring is the way it reflects hope, redemption, and courage. You can honor that gently in your party:

Begin by reading the passage where “Aslan is on the move” and the snow begins to melt.Place a golden lion at the center of your table as a symbol of courage and new beginnings.Include quotes from Aslan or Scripture about hope on place cards or tucked into napkins.Dress the Part

Encourage guests to arrive as Narnians — royalty, woodland creatures, or travelers in cloaks and scarves. Keep extra cloaks, crowns, and faux fur wraps in a basket for spontaneous costume changes.

Closing Thoughts:

In Narnia, the wardrobe was the doorway to adventure, the threshold between the ordinary and the extraordinary. For one evening, let your guests step through and find themselves in a place where the air smells of pine, the snow crunches underfoot, and hope is very much alive. Because when Aslan is on the move — winter doesn’t stand a chance.

BONUS ELEMENTS – NARNIA PARTYNarnia Trivia to Share

Print these on small cards to place at each table setting or hide among the decor:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was published in 1950 and was the first of the seven Chronicles of Narnia books.The wardrobe was inspired by an old piece of furniture in C.S. Lewis’s childhood home.Turkish Delight is a real candy popular in the Middle East, often flavored with rosewater, lemon, or nuts.The lamppost in the snowy wood was one of the first images C.S. Lewis imagined before writing the story.“Aslan” means “lion” in Turkish.Party Prep Timeline

One Week Before:

Send invitations (include “Step through the wardrobe” wording).Gather decor: wardrobe or screen, lantern, faux snow, winter & spring florals.Order Turkish Delight and any specialty tea items.

2–3 Days Before:

Set up the wardrobe entry and snowy forest backdrop.Prep craft supplies for crowns and treasure hunt prizes.Arrange seating areas for tea service and photo booth.

Party Morning:

Brew tea and prep hot chocolate bar.Bake scones, tarts, and pies if serving homemade.Set out golden lion tokens for the treasure hunt.Printable Quote Card Ideas

Create vintage-style cards your guests can take home (perfect for your email subscriber freebie):

“Aslan is on the move.” — C.S. Lewis
“Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight, at the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more.” — C.S. Lewis
“Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia.” — C.S. Lewis

Before you go, why not pin some photos?

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