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What Is a Sip and See? Everything You Need To Know.
There’s nothing like the joy of sharing your new baby with the people you love. But when those loved ones show up to see Baby uninvited, it can be stressful. Luckily, there’s a fix for that. Enter the sip and see.
What is a sip and see?
A sip and see is a get-together you throw after the baby is born. It’s a party or open house where guests can see the baby and enjoy refreshments within a designated time frame.
Why Host One?
By providing your loved ones with a specific time to come and see the baby, you can avoid some of the stresses (for example, interrupted nap times) that come with surprise drop-ins. With a sip and see, everyone gets to see the baby when the parents are prepared and ready to welcome guests..
When to have a sip and see
This is up to the new parents, but many choose to have a sip and see within the first couple months of the baby’s arrival. It’s most important to wait until Mom is feeling up to it, though. Allowing her time for recovery is the priority.
Where are sips and see hosted?
The new parents can host the sip and see at their own homes, the homes of a family member or friend, or an event venue if they wish. Some suggest that parents avoid hosting at home so that they can leave when they and the baby are tired.
Invitations and guest list
A sip and see should include the same information as a baby shower invite: address, location, time, date, who is hosting and a description of the event. Parents can invite whomever they’d like to their sip and see, though it’s usually just close family and friends.
How long is a sip and see?
We recommend making it no more than a couple of hours; that’s plenty of time with a new baby to care for! If your sip and see is an open house type of event, where guests can come and go at any time within the designated time frame, you may want to make it slightly longer. Regardless of when you schedule your sip and see, make sure to plan it around the baby’s nap time so the baby is awake for the party!
What to serve
The “sip” is an important part of the sip and see, so be sure to serve fun beverages. If they’re alcoholic, light snacks (such as a fruit and vegetable plate and dips) are a good idea.
Themes and decorations
Sip and see is a theme in and of itself, so you’re certainly not required to have another theme on top of it. But you can always add one if you’d like. We like a “welcome to the world” global theme, or a simple pink or blue color scheme depending on the baby’s gender. Keep decorations very simple, since the focus will be on the little one.
Entertainment
Unlike a baby shower, nobody will expect you to have games or special entertainment at your sip and see. A new baby is all the entertainment your guests need!
Are gifts required at a sip and see?
While gifts aren’t required at a sip and see, some guests may choose to bring them. If you are a guest attending a sip and see, we recommend bringing something personalized for the baby.
A sip and see is the perfect opportunity to share your baby with your loved ones on your own terms, and with fun drinks! Just remember to keep it simple; nobody is expecting you to host something extravagant.