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! :)
I'm having my 13th birthday party in a month and have no clue what to do.I want it to be a boy/girl party, but my mother says my grandparents and the rest of the family have to come too.How do I have a fun party that both genders will like?I'll probably have to have it at home because clubs are too expensive.....unless we go bowling. (boring)
I need help!
Thanks
PS:now the only problem is getting my family not to embarres me!
Answer I usually recommend a DJ for a 13-year-old party with both genders attending. This is the simplest solution, and would likely work for you as well. A DJ can set up practically anywhere -- on your back deck, in your family room, in your basement....
A good DJ who is used to working a crowd of mixed ages will be able to incorporate some invitations to get your extended family members involved. If you have young cousins, for example, they'll love getting out on the dance floor to mimic the teenagers! Even your grandparents might head to the floor for a couple of dances if the DJ plays something especially for them. No need to be embarrassed when this happens; it's the DJ calling for it, not you! Just smile and shrug and shake your head to your friends. Participating for a brief time (or even just watching) your friends will mean a great deal to your grandparents.
Best of all (from your standpoint, anyway!), the music you and your friends are going to be listening to will wear thin for your family after a short time, and they will congregate in a different place in the house -- usually the kitchen or food area.
Please keep in mind that most of your friends have their own families -- and they know just what it feels like to have grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. who actually want to show up at special occasions such as birthdays! Just as it's entirely normal for you to feel horrified and embarrassed by the prospect, it's entirely normal for your mom to want your relatives at this event. It's something that happens in the majority of families, so you're not alone, and your friends are going to be totally sympathetic.
One note...A DJ can be expensive. I think you'll find it is actually only slightly more expensive than a party for, say, 20 teens at a bowling alley! But if is substantially more expensive, and cost prohibitive in your case,you might consider talking to your mom about the possibility of having your grandparents contribute to the cost in lieu of birthday presents. If your grandparents are planning to spend money on you for your birthday anyway, they might appreciate being able to spend money on something they know you would really enjoy. Their contribution might bring the cost of the DJ back down into the same expense level as the cost of a bowling alley party.
