A client mentioned a Sip & See and I giggled. The only one I had heard of was Phaedra’s of Housewives of Atlanta. The client was adament on having a Sip & See for her little bean. So I started researching, the term "Sip and See" describes exactly what happens at the event, guests sip on drinks and look at the baby. I discovered that Sip & See’s originated in the South. They aren’t meant to replace baby showers, yet are in theory an open house for friends and families to visit the newborn two to six weeks after his or her arrival. I would suggest six weeks being the earliest, as the new mommy will need time to recover physically and mentally too.
Have a digital camera on hand to take pictures of the guest of honor with guests. This will be perfect for the 1st year scrapbook.
:::Invitations:::
Since a Sip & See isn’t as traditional as a babyshower, there aren’t as many options as far as formal invitations. However, Tiny Prints has a few options. Depending on the wording of some babyshower invitations, they could be used. Haute Kature is all about custom design. Go to Michaels, AC Moore, or your local craft store and get plain cards and design your own. If the new mommy is hosting the Sip & See simply using a baby shower invitation from Evite will do.
If the new parents have already had a baby shower, more specifically, have invited the same guests to that baby shower. It needs to be noted on the invitation that gifts are optional: “Your presence is gift enough.” Some will bring gifts anyway, but allow the invitee to know its an option and not mandatory.
:::Venue:::
These can be hosted at the home of the new parents, Godparent’s home, a private restaurant, or a small venue. This event does not need to be formal.
As long as there is space for gathering, good eats, and enjoying the guest(s) of honor.
Set up a few Hand Sanitizer stations where guests can sanitize their hands upon entering the venue, if the bathroom isn’t readily available. And with the Sip & See having an open house feel not everyone may get to the bathroom to wash their hands. The guest(s) of honor’s immune system is still developing and doesn’t need any.
If possible set up a hand washing station with plenty of towels.
:::Décor:::
Keep the décor simple without sacrificing style.
Fill vases with colored stones and or clear rhinestones and water. Add a floating candle or flower. Place on tables with extra stones or flower petals.
Paper Latterns are a small but elegant touch.
Frosted votive candle holders on the tables.
Wrap some empty boxes with wrapping paper to match your décor and wrap with ribbon. Place small boxes around food setup.
:::Menu:::
Fruit trays or fruit bouquets (tutorial)
Veggie Tray
Deviled Eggs
Finger Sandwiches
Pasta Salad
Traditional Salad w/ a variety of dressings
The food should be light and refreshing. Enough to hold the guest over for an hour or two, yet not as fulfilling as a full dinner.
:::Beverages:::
Fruit Punch
Bottled Water
Mocktails
Cocktails
Champagne Bar –your favorite champagne and a vaiety of juices. Allow the guests to create their own concunction otherwise known as a “Mimosa” Mimosa’s are traditionally consumed at Brunch, but live a little.
Small cards can be placed near the champagne to suggest “recipes” and juice and champagne mixes to eliminate trial and error for some guests who aren’t ready to live on the edge yet. Have some fun and give the mixes fun names.
A traditional Sip & See was a tea party…hence “sip” as tea is warm. However, this has since been adapted to include all types of beverages. If the new mommy isn’t breastfeeding, it would be wonderful for her to have a “sip” or two of wine after a long nine months without ☺.
:::Desserts:::
Mini Cupcakes
Petite Cookies
