RECRUIT FAMILY
AND FRIENDS
clear off plates while you guide the
kids into a game of tag, or you can
As a host, you balance a lot at once: grab a family friend to entertain
serving food and drinks, facilitating the kids when you need a moment
to breathe. Just ask in advance,
games and crafts and trying to
connect with your guests. But you Watson says, and you’ll have all
can’t do all of this yourself, Watson the assistance you need for before,
during and after the party.

says — call in some help!
“It’s very important to have a
good support system when you are HAVE A PLAN B ... OR C
planning an event,” she says. “You Sometimes, things just don’t go as
just don’t want to do it solo.”
planned. You might have car trou-
Grandma and grandpa can help bles, your magician could get sick or
a friend who was supposed to help
out can’t make it. To prevent a few
extra gray hairs from popping up
during the party, Watson recom-
mends you plan ahead.

Think about what could go wrong,
Register Now
she says, and write down what you’d
do or talk it out with your spouse or
Summer Dance Camps
a friend. For instance, maybe you’ll
Summer Intensive Programs
have the local bakery on speed dial in
July 5 - August 7
case the cake you’re planning to bake
doesn’t work out.

Ballet . Pointe . Modern . Jazz
You never want your guests
Tap . Pilates . Kinderballet
Ages 3 thru Adults
to be bored, so Watson suggests
having some quick and easy games
3955 Pender Drive, Suite 105 Fairfax, VA 22030•703.273.5344•thecenterforballetarts.com
like bingo on hand in case a craft
or activity falls through. Having a
if they’re coming. A few days before
the party, draft a text that says,
“Can’t wait to see you all at Justin’s
5th Birthday!” as another reminder
for your child’s friends and family.

Busy parents might’ve forgotten
to tell you if they and their kids
can attend the birthday festivities.

Though you can’t always control
when (or if) people RSVP, Watson
says simple yet friendly reminders
may avoid no-shows and other
guest mishaps.

The Center for
Ballet Arts
summer drama
camps Sister Montessori preschools,
proving Northern Virginia’s
preschool children with
quality education for the
past 50 years.

Enroll in
June-August sessions
back-up plan (or two) will ensure
that you’re ready for whatever
the universe throws your way on
the big day.

CLEAN AS YOU GO
Cleanup doesn’t have to cause
major stress. Instead of waiting
for everything to pile up at the end
of the party, Watson tells parents
to start cleaning during the event.

While kids dig into their cake, you
can start packing up the food and
clearing the table. That way, it’ll be
a less overwhelming job after your
guests go home.

Even better, enlist your kids
for cleanup, Watson says. Yes, it’s
their day, but this is still a good
opportunity to have them help and
work as a team.

Remember: your party doesn’t
have to be perfect or extravagant,
or better than anyone else’s, Watson
says. It’s all about making sure the
kids enjoy themselves. And with a
little bit of planning, you’re sure to
have as much fun as they do. T
— JENN ATTANASIO
Dynamic sales professional needed to join
our growing media company!
Mid-Atlantic Media (MAM), publisher of Washington Family,
Washington Jewish Week, Montgomery Magazine and Consumer’s Eye
among others, is seeking a new business development advertising
sales professional to join our team of revenue hunters.

Responsibilities and Duties
Primary objective will be to acquire new advertising customers
for our publication’s print and digital platforms. Secondarily,
the advertising sales professional will be expected to manage an
active book of advertising customers to reach established
budgets. The advertising sales professional will have the
opportunity to cross sell into MAM’s other publishing titles,
including Baltimore Jewish Times, Frederick’s Child, Baltimore
Style, Baltimore’s Child and Home Services Magazine.

Qualifications and Skills
Join us in-person or online!
theatrelab.org/camp (202) 824-0449
900 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC
• Motivated to make money • Competitive • Excellent communication
• High energy • Works well under pressure • Technical competencies
including typing and familiarity with Outlook, Excel and CRM’s
• Minimum two (2) years business-to-business outside sales
• Strong understanding of digital media • Familiar with building
customer relationships and cross selling techniques
Please send cover letter and resume to
hr@midatlanticmedia.com. No phone calls.

20 Washington FAMILY MAY 2021