Sip And See Party 101: Hosting a Special Event
Sip and see parties are the perfect way to introduce your newest addition to friends and family in a relaxed, intimate, and low-pressure setting. I love a good sip and see.
Mostly because I love to sip something good.
And see something cool.
They’re growing in popularity partly because it’s not always possible to make time to celebrate before baby comes, and it’s more fun to pass around a newborn while socializing anyway.
I recently hosted a sip and see for a friend of mine’s new baby and I’m getting ready to host another one. The first one made sense because she adopted her daughter and it happened fast. So a party after the adoption was completed just made sense. For my other friend, she’s just super popular and has several baby showers being thrown for her. So we’re celebrating after the baby boy arrives.
Join us as we delve into the delightful world of sip and see parties, exploring tips, themes, and thoughtful touches to make your event memorable. Let’s raise a glass to new beginnings and the sweet arrival of a new little one!
Planning Your Sip and See Party
Finding a date and time
The key here is picking a time after the baby arrives, that is best for both you (the host) and the new mom. The last thing you want is for this to be a stress on the new parents. Wait a few weeks for them to settle in and then pick your day and time.
It may depend on the baby’s schedule too. If the family is more alert early, a brunch or tea party of brunch makes more sense. If the fam is more of a night owl group you could do an open house-style drop-in for a few hours in the evening.
Remember it’s supposed to be a low-pressure alternative to a traditional baby shower and a way to simply celebrate the new baby.
Invitations and the guest list
Also ask mom before you invite guests. She may want something more intimate or she may want to show off new baby to the entire block. It’s really up to the new parents and what they’re up for at the time.
Remember they’re likely sleep deprived so what they thought they wanted before the baby arrived, and what they actually want when he’s here, may change.
I usually make Evite invitations because they’re free and easy. Also guests get a reminder about the party so they won’t forget. Traditional invites by mail are also still popular and they’re are some cute options like the one pictured above.
Also, guests aren’t always sure if they should bring a baby gift or not. It’s always thought, as the host, to make the expectations clear on the invite. If it’s more of a giftless celebration, make that clear. If the new parents would appreciate some baby gear, offer a link to their baby registry.
Cute invitations pictured above from Zazzle.
Theme Ideas and Decor
Choosing a theme for your sip and see
Consider the new baby’s name or nursery theme. My friend’s new daughter has the middle name of “Rose” so I played that up at the sip and see I hosted for her. There were plenty of roses on hand and mentions of her being “in full bloom.”
Consider baby’s nursery colors and play on that. Some of the party decorations could even go to the nursery afterward, depending on what they are.
Food and Drink Selection
This depends on the time of day of the party. If you’re having an early afternoon party, you’ll likely have a lighter fair of simple finger foods, and charcuterie. Think finger sandwiches and fruit.
An evening party will likely have a dinner option. The party we threw recently for my friend included a catered BBQ dinner.
If you’re doing something later (after dinner), you can always include a dessert theme where you serve coffee and lots of sweet treats. I would include in the invite what type of food to expect. It’s terrible to show up having already eaten only to realize a full dinner is being served.
Also, think about the theme of your party and how you can incorporate that as well. If it’s a teddy bear-themed party, maybe have some teddy grahams or bear-shaped treats out for your guests to enjoy.
It’s equally bad to show up hungry expecting to be fed only to see raw veggies and cheese.
Drink options
You’ll want a variety of drinks and don’t forget to include the theme with your drink choices. I like to have something alcoholic for the adults who choose to imbibe, as well as a fun non-alcoholic spritzer or tea for those who don’t.
If children are invited make sure to serve a fun beverage for them as well. Think juice boxes or hot cocoa.
Capturing Memories
Most parties I throw go by fast and we always wish we took more pictures. Setting up a background to encourage guests to take photographs is always a good idea.
It’s smart to designate one person to make sure the event is documented properly. The person can then share all the photos in a group album. The new parents are usually socializing and rarely think to snap enough pictures. It’s considerate to do it for them so they have those memories to cherish.
Party Favors
Favors are not required and usually don’t include them in a sip and see but they’re always a fun option if you want to include them. You can always keep it simple by including a picture of the new baby on a bag with some homemade treats inside.
FAQs
What exactly is a sip and see party?
A sip and see party is a casual gathering hosted for new parents to introduce a newborn baby to friends and family. Usually hosted by a friend or family member, it’s opportunity for guests to “sip” on drinks, enjoy light refreshments, and “see” the new arrival.
When is the best time to host a sip-and-see party?
Sip and see parties are typically held a few weeks after the baby is born, once the family has settled into a routine and feels ready to welcome visitors. This timing allows parents to rest and recover while still celebrating the arrival of their little one.
Who should be invited to a sip and see party?
Close friends, family members, and even colleagues or neighbors who have expressed interest in meeting the new baby are typically invited to sip and see parties. The guest list can be as small or as large as you prefer, depending on the size of your gathering space and your personal preferences.
Do sip and see parties have a specific theme or decor?
While sip and see parties don’t necessarily require a specific theme, some hosts choose to incorporate elements that reflect the baby’s nursery decor or personal interests. Pastel colors, baby-themed decorations, and floral arrangements are popular choices for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
What types of refreshments are typically served at a sip and see party?
Sip and see parties often feature a selection of light bites and beverages for guests to enjoy. Finger foods such as sandwiches, fruit platters, and cheese boards are popular choices, along with sweet treats like cupcakes or cookies. A
s for beverages, consider offering a variety of options including mocktails, champagne, tea, coffee, and sparkling water to accommodate all tastes.
Should guests bring gifts to a sip and see party?
While gifts are not required, some guests may choose to bring a small token of congratulations for the new parents or a gift for the baby.
However, the primary focus of a sip and see party is on celebrating the new arrival and spending time with loved ones, so guests should feel no obligation to bring a gift if they prefer not to.
How long does a sip and see party typically last?
Sip and see parties are usually informal and can last anywhere from a couple of hours to an afternoon, depending on the preferences of the hosts and guests.
There’s no strict timeline, so feel free to relax and enjoy the company for as long as everyone is having a good time.
Are children welcome at sip and see parties?
It’s up to the hosts to decide whether children are welcome at their sip and see party. Some hosts may prefer to keep the gathering adults-only to allow for a more relaxed atmosphere, while others may be happy to have children in attendance.
Consider your party space, party theme, guest list, and preferences when making this decision.
Conclusion
I’m a big fan of the sip and see event for all the reasons I’ve listed above. Mostly because I adore babies and any chance I can hold one I take advantage of it. A sip and see usually offers that.
If you’ve come across any great ideas I should include here let me know! I’d love to sip and SEE them!
Read more: Sip And See Party 101: Hosting a Special Event
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
