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: 2/19/2008 Subject: Housewarming Party in PA, but family in AL
Question I moved to Pennsylvania from Alabama about 3 years ago, but have just now bought a house. I have a very large family back in Alabama and we always had events like this and I have been to a lot of baby showers, wedding showers, housewarmings, etc. I am not married and have no children, so I have never had one of these parties. My question is this--How can I (or should I) ask for housewarming presents from my extended family who live in Alabama and would not be able to come to the actual housewarming?
Answer Dear Debra,
Isn't it frustrating? You spend so much time and money choosing wonderful gifts for other people to show your love for them as they celebrate milestones such as weddings, maternity and new houses -- and now, when it's finally your turn, you live too far away for most of them to reciprocate!!!
My heart goes out to you at the injustice of it all -- and I really do know how you feel. I'm originally from Alabama, too, and experienced a move to another state. :)
But it's a sad fact that it's just plain bad manners to ask for presents, even if yours are long overdue. The only fishing for presents you can do at this juncture is to send a house-warming invitation to every last cousin, neighbor, sorority sister and co-worker whose party, shower or birthday tea you attended in Alabama. Since you don't want it to be quite so obvious that you're soliciting presents, it would be particularly thoughtful of you to enclose a little note saying something like, "Of course, I know you won't be able to make it all the way to Pennsylvania for this event, but I thought you might want to make a note of my new address. And I know you will share my exhilaration at finally having my own house!"
This is the most gracious and subtle way to gently prod the recipient with the notion that it is now your turn to be on the receiving end.
From a practical standpoint, it is very unlikely that most of your Alabama friends and relatives will send housewarming presents -- and you can't hold this against them. Just as it's bad manners to ask for presents, it's bad manners to hold grudges against the people who fail to send them to you even when gently prodded to do so.
I'm sorry to be unable to give you the answers you really hoped for!! Sometimes, life is just plain unfair!
