What is a sip and see? Party ideas & etiquette

When it comes to celebrating a new baby, there’s no right or wrong way to host a party. From couple’s showers to baby sprinkles, there are many different types of baby showers you can throw. However, if you’d like the little one to really be part of the celebration, a sip and see shower is perfect for you. Don’t know where to start? Wondering how to word your sip and see invitation? Read on for everything you need to know about planning your party.

What is a sip and see?

Held after the baby is born, a sip and see is just what its name suggests—a party for close friends and loved ones to stop by for tea and fawn over the newborn. While sip and sees don’t necessarily have to have tea, they always center around the family’s adorable new arrival. Whether schedules were too hectic before the baby arrived or you’re celebrating an adoption, a sip and see baby shower is a great option. Though sometimes held for religious reasons, they’re really for any family that needs a little time and breathing room to adjust to their new life before introducing their new baby to the world.

Where did sip and sees originate?

While they’ve quickly gained popularity all across the country, sip and see baby showers first originated in the South. The party got its time from Southern belles inviting their friends and family over to sip tea and see the new baby (and new mom). Sip and sees started as a more traditional party, but now are a casual and fun alternative to the classic baby shower.

Where and when to host a sip and see

So, when do you have a sip and see shower? It can be held anytime from a few weeks to a few months after the new baby arrives—all based on mom or the parents’ personal preference. Especially when dealing with post-birth health concerns, it’s best to wait until both Mom and baby are stable to get the party started.

If you’re throwing a sip and see for someone else, ask their opinion on the location. While hosting at home might seem convenient, the cleaning and party prep can cause unnecessary stress for new parents. Offer to host, and you’ll give the parents an out to leave if the new baby starts to get cranky.

Sip and see party invitations

Précieuse sip and see invitation by Nathalie Lété x Paperless Post.  Happy Hearts sip and see invitation by Sugar Paper x Paperless Post.

Even if your party is casual, online sip and see invitations with RSVP tracking will help you get a good idea of who’ll be stopping by the party. Build your guest list now, and you can save it for future birthdays down the road. Two birds, one stone.

When you’re ready to send your sip and see party invitations, look for photo cards to get everyone excited to meet the new baby. Play up the child’s name in a sweet way paired with their photo, or choose a cute theme. A “welcome to the world” party theme lends itself to decorations from globes and hot air balloons to maps and passports. Want to give your future bookworm a head start on their library? A book-themed sip and see is a terrific way to help them start a collection for bedtime story hour. Looking for something classic? Browse adorably illustrated invitations from our designer partners like Rifle Paper Co. and Mr. Boddington’s Studio.

If you’re searching for a free sip and see template, browse our Flyer invitation designs. These animated, customizable templates are simple and easy to make your own. Just add your details, upload a cute photo of the little one (alone or with mom), and send for free with a link.

Sip and see invitation wording

Looking for sip and see wording ideas?  Truth be told, your guests will be thrilled to attend your sip-and-see no matter what you write in the invitation! But it never hurts to make your card extra sweet and, of course, personalized, depending on the theme, location, and vibe of the party. And just a reminder—because the concept of a sip-and-see is not as well known as a more traditional baby shower, it can be helpful to give a brief explanation of your event in the wording of your invitation.

Here are some sip and see invitation wording examples to get you started:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star
Do you know how loved you are?
Join us in welcoming
the new light of our lives
Link to follow

Please join us for a sip-and-see
To meet our little one
Link to follow 

Sip-and-See
Come toast with us to welcome our baby
At our home
Please reply 

You can also frame your sip and see as an open house, encouraging guests to come and go as they please. Make sure to set clear beginning and end times on the invitation, so guests don’t overstay their welcome.

Sip and see etiquette

The new baby is the center of attention at a sip and see, passed around from auntie to auntie. Everyone will want to hold the baby, so it’s a great idea to have hand sanitizer available or to ask people to wash their hands. Remind them it’s just to make sure the baby doesn’t catch any unwanted germs, and no party guests should take it personally.

Before guests arrive, decide how you want to handle photos and social media. Just because the couple is showing off their new baby to their friends and loved ones, doesn’t mean they’re ready to show the world. If the couple would like to keep their baby off the ‘gram, make sure to include that info with your sip and see invitation wording or remind guests upon arrival.

Want to include the couple’s baby registry information or let everyone know they can bring gifts? With Paperless Post invitations, you can easily attach a link to the sip and see registry to make it easier for guests to find and shop.

Sip and see menu ideas

Sip and sees are casual parties by definition, so there’s no need to cook or cater a sit-down meal. Don’t stress about having a seat for every guest either, as they’ll come and go throughout the afternoon. Party-friendly appetizers, finger foods, desserts, and ice cream are a sure bet. For new moms that have recently given birth, consider a menu that she can enjoy again like bagels and lox, or cheese, and charcuterie. For drinks, pass on playing bartender. Serve-yourself stations work perfectly fine, like a mimosa bar or coffee station. For zero-proof options, think lemonade, cucumber water, or tea (of course!).

Sip and see party games

You might be asking yourself, what is a sip and see without games? Well, actually unlike a traditional baby shower or bridal shower, you don’t need to go overboard with the activities. The main attraction at this party is the baby! Plus, with an open house, guests will be coming and going, so it’s best to keep things simple. If the couple insists on a game, check out our full list of baby shower game ideas here. From ‘pacifier pick-up’ to ‘name that year’, there’s a game for every style of shower.

Browse Sip and See Invitations

Hero image: Furfetti baby shower invitation by Paperless Post.