One of the most precious moments of life is when you hold your little bundle of joy in your hands for the first time. So if you are planning to celebrate your new baby’s birth, a sip-and-see party can be a perfect way of sharing your happiness with your friends and family. Spending a nice time amidst all the challenges of parenthood could give you a breath of fresh air. Also, you may have all your close ones gather at one place and time to see your newborn, instead of each guest arriving at different times. Read on as we discuss all you might want to know about a sip-and-see party, some typical etiquettes, and fun ideas for this party.
What Is A Sip-and-see Party?
A sip-and-see is a welcoming party for the baby. Unlike a baby shower, this is an informal party, where a date and time are set by the parents for friends and family to meet the baby. The party is quite simple and easy to host as all you need to provide are some refreshments. While the guests go gung-ho over the cute baby, the parents get an opportunity to dress up well and get a break from the routine.
Why Is This Party Called Sip-and-see?
This tradition originated in the Southern parts of the US, where the new parents would invite their family and friends over to ‘sip’ some refreshments and ‘see’ the newborn baby. Thus, the name sip-and-see.
When To Hold A Sip-and-see Party?
The new parents usually host the party two to three months after the baby is born. However, there are no hard and fast rules as the purpose of this party is to introduce your baby to the world. Therefore, parents can organize it based on their convenience. Do take care that your baby is old enough to withstand the stress and resist the infections that could spread from people.
Why Do New Parents Have A Sip-and-see Party?
Your immediate family and close friends might visit the hospital or your house to see the baby. But for others, you can hold a sip-and-see party because it comes with some advantages.
By setting a special date, you can avoid the unexpected visits at random timings. This will give you time and space to recover from the childbirth, and bond with the baby.
A sip-and-see party will give the busy new parents the time they need to make the house, as well as themselves, presentable to the guests.
Newborns do not have a well-developed immune system. Hence it is good to keep the little one away from frequent visitors. As a sip-and-see party is held once the baby is old enough, the risk of infection is less.
The guests can avoid the embarrassment of disturbing the parents and the baby at an odd time.
A sip-and-see party provides an ideal setup for both the new parents and the guests to meet and greet each other.
How To Host A Sip-and-see Party?
If you are a new parent and planning to host the party, then read on to know the different things you need to plan for it. Even as you plan the party, you need to consider a few things with regards to the convenience of your baby.
Things To Consider While Hosting A Sip-and-see Party
The center of attraction is the baby. But they are too delicate to be handled roughly. To make it easy for both the baby and the guests, here are a few guidelines you might want to follow:
The timing of the party must be such that it doesn’t disturb the baby’s sleep schedule. Also, limit the party duration to two hours, to avoid wearing out the baby.
It is good to host the party at your house as you will have all the necessary things handy. But if that is not possible, keep the venue as near as possible to your house.
Keep a handwash or sanitizer handy for the guests to clean their hands before handling the baby.
Guests would look forward to having a glimpse of the baby. Try to limit the handling as it might overwhelm the baby. If the baby is sleeping, the guests might quietly see the baby and come out.
Place a scrapbook on a table and ask the guests to write their best wishes to the baby. You can add these to the baby’s journal, which will be a great memento.
Use a little creativity and cut out animal shapes and stars out of cardboard. Ask the guests to write their wishes on each piece. Tie them together to make a crib mobile, and hang it onto the baby’s crib.
Since a sip-and-see is an informal party, you need not worry about entertaining the guests. They are there to see the baby and grab a quick drink. However, you may want to try a particular theme for the day.
12 Simple Sip-and-see Theme Ideas
1. Welcome to the world:
The party is in the honor of the newborn. So, you can have the appetizers and desserts set on a table, and the background can be your baby’s name or the words “It’s a boy!”. You can also print posters of “Welcome to the world, little one” and stick the pictures of your baby. A ‘welcome home’ cake will be a good addition.
2. Dessert bar:
Spread the sweet news of the arrival of your baby with some desserts. The center of attraction for this theme is the dessert bar. Fill it with cookies, cupcakes, macaroons, candies, anything and everything sweet.
3. Flower theme:
This theme suits a girl sip-and-see party. Choose pink or any other color for the decor, and buy or prepare some paper flowers. You can use fabric lettering of your baby’s name to decorate a corner. You may have a dessert bar or a popcorn corner filled with different varieties of popcorn.
4. Flamingo theme:
This is a fun and bright theme. Since the idea revolves around Flamingos, pick the colors pink and brown for the decor, drinks, and food. Use flamingo-shaped bowls and stuffed flamingos for the decor.
5. Outdoor sip-and-see party:
If you have a spacious backyard and ample open space, then organize a sip-and-see party outdoors. You can set up the tables and chairs, and arrange food and drinks for the guests in the backyard. However, keep the baby covered and protected.
6. Princess/ prince sip-and-see:
This classic theme never gets old. From invitations and decor to the food you serve, make it grand and glittery for your little princess/ prince.
7. A bee theme:
A new bee arrived in your beehive. Buzz the word to your friends and family with this bee theme sip-and-see party. Incorporate the idea in the cake and desserts too, and have the decor in yellow and brown colors to complete the look.
8. Simple sip-and-see party:
If you want to have a simple yet elegant sip-and-see party, then this idea is for you. Organize the party at the comfort of your home. You can set the food and drinks near a corner and decorate the table with balloons, and buntings. If you have a fireplace, then decorate it with your baby’s name.
9. Safari theme:
This is a fun and exciting theme. Decorate the food and drinks table with lots of flowers and leaves thus giving it a safari look. You can also decorate the place with stuffed animals to bring the safari to life. Add details such as animal cupcakes, lollipops, candies, etc.
10. Nautical theme:
You can have a sailor theme cake and nautical cupcakes. Decorate the place with navy blue and white colors. Wrap the cutlery and napkins using nautical-themed strings and stickers.
11. Hot Wheels theme:
Here’s yet another exciting theme with cars. Paint the old drums and use them as tables to serve food. Follow the same color pattern for the cupcakes, candies and other appetizers.
12. Chicago theme:
If you live here or are a big fan of the windy city, then this theme is for you. Pick blue, white and red — the colors of the Chicago flag. You can also place a Ferris wheel cupcake stand to complement the look.
