AboutGeorgia Blair Expertise Are you planning a child's birthday party at home? Want to make it more exciting than exhausting? A little expert advice can help make it a more memorable event. The Party Fairy's strategies for successful parties can help parents turn down the chaos level and turn up the fun. We specialize in fantasy tea parties - but whether you're planning a sweet and nostalgic tea party or a rough-and-rowdy treasure hunt for boisterous little pirates, we have plenty of tips, tools and techniques to share. Need an idea for a centerpiece? A party game? Wondering whether the activities you have selected are age-appropriate for your guests? Not sure what to do with the two little boy cousins invited to a very girlie-girlie tea party? We can answer a variety of questions on many topics. Chances are good that we've heard your question before - but if not, we've created an entire business from the ability to create and imagine workable programs for children!
Experience As the owner of The Party Fairy, I have personally conducted more than 500 birthday parties for children on a paid basis - and did this free of charge for years before I decided to trun it into a business. All told, I have probably conducted more than 650 parties. My parties feature original storytelling, games and crafts - and offer parents the complete package of party decorations as well. I travel to preschools to perform storytelling programs which combine improvisational drama and interactive role-playing with children, and conduct a variety of imaginative programs for children as part of the special events offerings at The Party Fairy Store. I also host themed summer day camps for children.
Organizations None are relevant.:) And don't worry; nothing odd. Just church and school organizations.
Publications New York Times regional newspapers chain (I was an employee for several years and worked at various newspapers during my 20-year journalism career) I also worked at many smaller newspapers throughout Alabama
Education/Credentials I was a journalism major many, many years ago - shortly after the world was created. :) Although a journalistic background is not particularly relevant to the business of children's party planning, a communications background could prove useful in answering questions from the public. Other Party Fairy employees whose opinions may be sought for particularly challenging questions include a former elementary school music teacher, a newly-graduated marketing major and a new MBA grad. :) What a mixed lot we are!
Awards and Honors Hmmm....
The only ones possibly relevant here are several Associated Press newswriting awards
Past/Present Clients No one of national note or significance (yet!) because my clients are all pretty much under 9 years old! But to their parents, of course, my little clients are all shining stars! :)
Expert: Georgia Blair Date: 2/2/2008 Subject: 90th Birthday party
Question We're throwing a 90th birthday party for my father-in-law to be held at a club house. The food will be catered by a western BBQ restaurant. My father-in-law was active in the Navy and Civil Service.We want to display some of his Navy momentos. How do I combine BBQ pork and the Nave? Any ideas for a cake and decor?
THANKS!
Answer RED HOT AND NAVY BLUE
What a wonderful party! Congratulations to your father-in-law as he reaches this milestone after a lifetime of service.
The first thing that came to mind when I read your request to blend BBQ and the navy was a very patriotic Red, White and Blue theme -- as in Red Hot (for the barbecue) and Navy Blue.
Invitations would likely need to be customized, but this is easily done via the computer these days and templates are available in a variety of programs. Have a desktop publisher in the family? If not, a middle-schooler will know what to do!
And, as long as you're customizing, why not turn the invitations into a wonderful keepsake of a party activity as well? Ask each guest to fill out a brief form sharing a fond memory of your father-in-law...and compile the answers in a scrapbook to become a special gift for him. Don't worry if they don't all participate. It only takes about a dozen to make a very effective tribute. Recruit family members so that you know you'll have a good start and pad their memories with contributions from guests.
Display the scrapbook in the center of a banquet table and surround it with the Navy mementos you are collecting. Be sure to have framed pictures on the table, too, if possible.
As for party decor, it would be mindlessly simple with this theme....Just use flags and flag colors! Drape the display table with flag bunting, and display a huge flag behind the table if possible.
If you prefer, your color scheme could easily be taken from the Navy emblem. If I recall, it's a pretty mix of navy blue, gold and white. Navy tablecloths are one of the easiest colors to find -- from the inexpensive dollar store plastic variety all the way up to the pricy linens! Gold roping edging the display table would be very attactive and match the Navy emblem nicely.
As for the cake, it is my understanding that the official Navy emblem may only be copied with permission, but you could certainly contain the Information Office and ask! I don't suppose they would mind having the emblem's image superimposed on a cake for a Navy vet celebrating such a milestone birthday!
Good luck to you -- and a big salute to your father-in-law. :)
