What to Know Before Hosting (or Attending) a Sip and See Party

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Welcome your new arrival with a sweet, memorable celebration
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Instead of friends and family meeting your new baby over weeks or months, you can hold a sip and see to let everyone visit your little one at once. Originating in the Southern US, sip and see parties are informal get-togethers that allow guests to sip on refreshments and see a new baby. Whether you’re wondering how to host a sip and see, unsure what the etiquette is when attending, or looking for inspiration for your party, you’ve come to the right place! We even spoke to event stylist Lisa Maciel for a few tips to make your party picture-perfect.

Sip and See Parties: Quick Overview

  • A sip and see party is an alternative or addition to a baby shower. At this casual event, guests can enjoy refreshments and meet your new baby.
  • A sip and see party takes place after the baby is born and the new parents have established a routine—usually, when the baby is 3-6 months old.
  • Sip and sees are usually only 2 hours long to avoid overwhelming the new parents and baby. Usually, gifts aren’t expected.
Section 1 of 5:

What is a sip and see party?

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  1. Think of it as an addition (or alternative) to a traditional baby shower. Instead of people popping in over time, a sip and see lets everyone welcome your new arrival together—typically, when the baby is 3-6 months old. Guests get to sip on refreshments, enjoy cute, light décor, and visit with your little one. [1]
    • A sip and see party typically lasts for one to two hours, with a firm start and end time to avoid overwhelming the new parents and baby. [2] For a similar reason, guest lists are usually smaller than at a baby shower. [3]
    • Unlike a baby shower, you hold a sip and see after the baby is born and usually host it yourself (so you don’t have to travel with your newborn!). Another key difference: gifts aren’t expected like they would be at a baby shower or sprinkle, since by this time you likely already have what you need. [4] If guests ask to bring gifts, however, you can set up a registry. [5]
    • The sip and see originated in the Southern US. Guests would sip tea and see the baby—but now, tea is frequently swapped for other beverages. [6] Refreshment ideas include coffee, cocktails, or juice.
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Host a Sip and See Party

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  1. Parents often host their own sip and see so they don’t have to travel with their new baby—and so the baby can meet new people in a familiar environment. Once you’ve chosen a host, decide on a cute theme—that will guide you through which invitations, food, beverages, and decorations to get for your sip and see.
    • If you’d like a close family member or friend to throw your party , that’s totally fine. You’ll have less to stress about in terms of set-up and clean-up, so you can focus on your baby’s comfort. [7]
    • Theme ideas include travel, children’s books, bees, and animals. See more theme ideas and suggestions below!
  2. Because a sip and see party is a casual gathering, an e-vite (digital invitation) is acceptable. Use an e-vite service that tracks RSVPs, such as Facebook’s event invite system, so you can plan accordingly when buying refreshments. If you’d like to send out physical invitations, consider featuring a photo of your new bundle of joy. [8]
    • Include the occasion, the date, the time (start and end, taking into account the baby’s nap times), the location, and RSVP contact info on your invitations. [9] You can also politely request that guests don’t bring gifts. When it comes to dress codes, you can specify more formal attire—just keep in mind that guests who hold your baby risk getting their clothes soiled. [10]
    • Match invitations to your theme with the help of a template. Sites like Canva and Adobe Express feature free, easy-to-customize invitation templates around many sip and see party themes—just search “[theme] party invite” to find the best one for your event.
  3. If someone else is hosting for you, this shouldn’t be necessary. But if you’re the host, make sure you have a plan for set-up and clean-up—whether that means simplifying the décor so it’s easy to take down, or asking a family member or friend to help you put it all together. [11]
    • Allow yourself enough time to purchase or order any decorations. Maciel suggests you start by making a Pinterest board with inspirational ideas for décor. Then, you can “go shopping at regular party stores like Party City [or] Amazon” to pick up supplies. Keep in mind the size of the space where you’re holding the sip and see party so you fill the space, but don’t clutter it.
    • Wondering what to decorate with? "Balloon garlands, backdrops, and props” are popular choices for outdoor parties," says Maciel. You can order them on Amazon to set up yourself—or, use a party rental service that will provide decor and handle set-up and take-down.
  4. This could be as simple as putting up signage asking guests to use hand-sanitizer before holding your new baby. You can also politely let guests know if you’d rather not have anyone hold or kiss your baby to avoid germs. [12] Getting to see and celebrate the little one is already a treat.
  5. A sip and see is a casual, fun event celebrating your new arrival. Because there are fewer guests and less elaborate decorations and refreshments than at a baby shower or baby sprinkle, the focus can be on your baby. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself during the event—mingle, sample refreshments, and take pictures if you’d like!
    • Use a Polaroid camera in addition to taking pictures on your phone or Canon. You can save the pictures in your baby’s scrapbook so they can see their first party when they’re older.
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Section 3 of 5:

Sip and See Party Etiquette for Guests

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  1. Ask before you hold the baby —and wash your hands first. Hand sanitizer may be provided and required, or the hosts could ask you to wash your hands before holding the baby. If the parents prefer that guests not hold the baby, respect their wishes—the baby’s health and comfort comes first. [13]
    • Wondering how to politely ask to hold the little one? First, wait until the baby is awake—you don’t want to interrupt nap time! Then, simply ask the parent, “Can I hold her/him?”
    • Avoid asking to hold the baby while they’re nursing or upset. Similarly, don’t ask someone who’s holding the baby but isn’t the baby’s parent. Every parent has their own preferences for who holds their baby, and it’s their decision to make.
  2. Even if you really want to meet the new baby, wait until you have a clean bill of health before you see them. You don’t want to get the newborn, the new parents, or the other party guests sick.
  3. Gifts aren’t typically expected at a sip and see, but you can always bring one if you’d like. The hosts may not open it during the party, since getting gifts isn’t the focus of the event like it would be at a baby shower. [14] Still, they’re sure to appreciate it!
    • If you already gave a gift at a baby shower or sprinkle, but still want to bring something, consider a gift for the parents—for example, a nice home-cooked meal. [15]
    • If you know the theme of the sip and see party in advance, consider bringing a gift that matches the theme. For example, if the theme is children’s books, bring a new copy of your favorite children’s book for the little one’s bookshelf. If the theme is space, you can bring a star-themed baby toy, a plush rocket ship, or a planet-themed mobile.
  4. If you’re allowed to hold the baby, you’ll want to be wearing soft, odor-free clothing that won’t irritate a newborn’s skin. Choose an outfit you’d be okay with getting soiled (and able to launder) if the baby has an accident or spits up—it’s always a possibility. [16]
  5. Some parents don’t want photos of their baby on social media, even if the social media accounts in question are private, to protect their child’s privacy. [17] If they request no posting or no photo-taking of the baby, respect their wishes. You’ll always have your memories of meeting the little one for the first time!
  6. The sip and see party’s start and end times should be specified on the invitation. Otherwise, the host may announce or hint when it’s time to go by saying goodbyes and initiating clean-up. Don’t overstay your welcome and disrupt the newborn’s routine—unless you’ve been asked to stay for clean-up, leave when the event ends. [18]
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Section 4 of 5:

Sip and See Party Theme Ideas

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  1. Your little one has the whole world to explore. Welcome them with a classy travel theme that highlights the places they might go. It’s especially suitable for parents who like to travel.
    • Invitations: Choose an invitation template with a map or plane design, or one that resembles a passport.
    • Décor: Incorporate maps or globes—you can even let guests mark places on the map that they want the baby to visit! Look for travel-themed decorations (centerpieces, balloons, and signs) that feature adventure motifs like maps, cameras, compasses, suitcases, and planes.
    • Refreshments: Serve light food and drinks from around the globe. Easy finger-foods include small croissants and antipasto bites. [19] Drinks could include wines or champagnes from different regions of the world, as well as non-alcoholic options like soda or tea.
  2. Children’s literature includes a wealth of iconic stories and characters you can incorporate into a cute sip and see. With this theme, your decorations and menu will center on story books or fairy tales. Ask guests to bring their favorite children’s book as a gift, so your baby will have a full library for story time. [20]
    • Invitations: Find an invitation template that features books or children’s book characters like Winnie the Pooh, Eloise, and Peter Pan.
    • Décor: Stack children’s books on table corners and place cut-outs of popular characters around the space. Look for book-themed decorations and balloons that complement the stories you’re highlighting (for example, yellow and red balloons for Winnie the Pooh).
    • Refreshments: Think about recreating any food or drink (or flavors) that appear in the children’s books you highlight. For example, having tea and finger sandwiches like Eloise, or honey-themed desserts that remind guests of Winnie the Pooh’s favorite snack.
  3. Turn your sip and see party into a candy land with a dessert theme. Give guests a sugar rush through cute dessert options. Plus, go bold with colorful, candy-themed decorations that are as sweet as your new arrival.
    • Invitations: Choose invitation designs that have candy or dessert art. Include a phrase like “Something Sweet Just Arrived,” to hint at the theme. [21]
    • Décor: Look for Candy Land-themed or generic sweet-themed decorations and colorful balloons. Set up bowls filled with colorful wrapped candies—you can offer them to guests at the end of the event as a sweet party favor.
    • Refreshments: The more sweets, the better! For drinks, opt for sugary beverages like soda, juice, and sweet wine. Offer guests an ice cream sundae bar, donuts, cookies, or cupcakes—whatever desserts you’d like.
  4. Want a simpler color palette for your sip and see party? A bee theme lets you stick to black-and-yellow and orange decor. Honey-infused treats are the sweet touch that makes this theme something to buzz about.
    • Invitations: Look for invitation templates that have honeycomb, bee, or floral designs. Describe your little one as “cute as can bee” or “a sweet little bee.” [22]
    • Décor: Use little honey jars, bee-themed centerpieces, and other bee-utiful decor to dress up your party space. Add a black-and-yellow balloon arch to complete the theme.
    • Refreshments: Honey-themed desserts include baklava and honeycomb candy. You could also serve mini sandwiches with honey ham for a savory option. [23] As for beverages, it’s up to you—just be sure to provide non-alcoholic options for guests who’d prefer not to drink.
  5. Your family’s galaxy has just expanded. Introduce guests to the new light of your lives with an out-of-this-world space theme for your sip and see party. With plenty of planet- and star-themed decorations available, you’ll be able to dress up any space.
    • Invitations: Find invitation designs that include artwork of planets, stars, and rocket ships. Include wording like “Twinkle twinkle little star, do you know how loved you are?” or “Our galaxy has expanded.” [24]
    • Décor: Shop for celestial, space-themed decorations . Look for planet- or star-shaped balloons, as well as tablecloths with galaxy designs.
    • Refreshments: Serve trays of star-shaped fruits alongside planet-themed cookies and cupcakes. For drinks, include cans of Starry lemon-lime soda alongside any alcoholic offerings.
  6. Do you or your little one have a passion for animals? Go for a safari-inspired animal theme to make your sip and see party a roar. Guests can enjoy animal-print decorations and wild treats.
    • Invitations: Shop for invites that feature wild animals such as lions, zebras, penguins, and birds. Your invitations can also have jungle or safari motifs, like vines and binoculars.
    • Décor: Place animal-shaped foil balloons around the venue. Look for animal-print table centers, tablecloths, and paper plates or cups to help turn the sip and see into a safari.
    • Refreshments: For food, consider animal-themed products like Zebra Cakes , animal crackers, and Mother’s Original Circus Animal Cookies . Drinks might include jungle juice (a mixture of vodka and fruit juice or fruit syrups) and non-alcoholic juices. [25]
  7. Throw a classic sip and see party like the original Southern get-togethers by having a tea party. Opt for the elegance of high tea or an Alice in Wonderland -inspired Mad Hatter theme. Set up plenty of seating and tea options so guests can sip comfortably while they take turns visiting your baby.
    • Invitations: Choose an elegant design in your favorite colors. Or, find a template with teacups and florals. Tell guests “We have some tea: a new member of the family is here!”
    • Décor: Fill the space with floral centerpieces, white or pastel-colored tablecloths, and classy, baby-themed items like a vintage carriage. [26] Make your refreshment displays aesthetically pleasing by incorporating chic platters and pretty teapots and tea cups.
    • Refreshments: Tea sandwiches, scones, and finger pastries are common tea-party finger foods. [27] Stock up on plenty of tea in a variety of flavors (such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and chamomile) to offer something for every guest. [28] Don’t forget sugar and cream!
  8. With a unicorn theme, you can turn your house into an enchanted, colorful space where magic feels real. “A unicorn themed party is definitely rainbow all over the place,” Maciel shares, adding that you can use pastel colors for your rainbow color palette.
    • Invitations: Search for invitation templates that have rainbows, glitter, and unicorn artwork. Use wording that emphasizes the sip and see as an occasion to “Welcome someone magical to the world.”
    • Décor: Shop for unicorn cutouts and unicorn-themed party supplies . If you can’t find unicorn balloons, capture a sense of magic with a rainbow balloon garland . Complete your rainbow wonderland with themed signs. [29]
    • Refreshments: Order rainbow cupcakes or a cake with unicorn toppers or decorations from a grocery store bakery or private bakery. Serve a variety of drinks such as tea, soda, and champagne.
  9. Transport your guests to Paris for a chic sip and see featuring rosé and your new bébé. Parisian decorations, French refreshments, and minimalist decorations in pink, black, and white will make your sip and see memorable.
    • Invitations: Pick invitation templates with iconic French symbols like the Eiffel Tower, the French flag, and croissants. You can also find designs that include clip art of rosé.
    • Décor: Look for cute, French-themed decorations like Eiffel Tower cut-outs, Parisian photo backdrops , signs saying “Bonjour” and “Ooh-la-la,” and chic table settings or floral arrangements.
    • Refreshments: Offer guests croissants, charcuterie boards , and cupcakes with Eiffel Tower toppers. [30] Don’t forget the rosé, champagne, and non-alcoholic options for guests to sip.
  10. Pick a monochromatic, fruity theme that acts as a pun on Cutie clementine mandarins. Use orange decor and fruity refreshments to put together this bright sip and see party. [31]
    • Invitations: Let guests know “A cutie has arrived,” using orange invitation templates or templates with a subtle fruit pattern.
    • Decor: Buy your typical sip and see party decorations—tablecloths, balloons, paper plates and cups, table settings, and signs—in orange shades or fruit patterns. Search for orange cutie decorations specifically to find them online.
    • Refreshments: Besides offering Cutie clementine oranges, you can offer orange-flavored cake pops, orange sorbet, and other orange foods like wings or baby carrots and dip. [32]
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Section 5 of 5:

Sip and See Party Games and Activities

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  1. Provide guests with sticky notes or pretty stationery and pens so they can give advice and well-wishes to the new baby. [33] You can save them in an album or binder for your child to read when they’re older. Have everyone sign their names so you can remember who wrote each one!
  2. Give your guests squares of paper and markers or colored pencils so they can sketch out a quilt square design. After the sip and see, gather up everyone’s squares and use them as inspiration to design a quilt. You can order a personalized quilt or blanket with everyone’s designs for the baby—and send them pictures when it arrives. [34]
  3. Offer guests printed worksheets with pictures of baby animals and pencils so they can write the names of each one. It may sound simple, but many animals’ babies have more obscure names (like shark pups and swan cygnets). [35] Whoever gets the most names correct after 5-10 minutes gets a prize—perhaps a stuffed baby animal.
  4. This popular baby shower game will make your guests think back on when they were as little and adorable as your newborn! Ask your guests (on the invite or via text) to send you a baby picture of them and print the photos out. Place them on a table or pin them to a cork board with numbers under each one. Guests can use paper and pencils (or their phones) to submit guesses of who baby #1, baby #2, and so on are. Whoever has the most correct guesses wins. [36]
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      References

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      13. ↑ https://www.tlc.com/parenting/cute-sip-and-see-themes
      14. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/honey-recipes
      15. ↑ https://www.paperlesspost.com/blog/sip-and-see-party-ideas/
      16. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/drinks/cocktails/article/house-party
      17. ↑ https://dianegottsman.com/2013/08/21/afternoon-tea-table-etiquette/
      18. ↑ https://dianegottsman.com/2013/08/21/afternoon-tea-table-etiquette/
      19. ↑ https://theteaexperienceny.com/blogs/news/the-best-tea-selections-for-a-tea-party
      20. ↑ https://www.fun365.orientaltrading.com/article/unicorn-themed-sip-n-see-party
      21. ↑ https://modernbocamom.com/2022/03/paris-themed-sip-and-see-baby-shower/
      22. ↑ https://www.tlc.com/parenting/cute-sip-and-see-themes
      23. ↑ https://www.platingsandpairings.com/orange-foods/
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      26. ↑ https://www.paperlesspost.com/blog/baby-shower-games/
      27. ↑ https://www.paperlesspost.com/blog/baby-shower-games/

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