Sip and See Baby Shower Ideas

Not every Mom wants a traditional baby shower.  Maybe because life is too hectic or because of religious reasons.  A "sip and see" is a great alternative to a traditional baby shower.  This party, held after the baby is born, allows friends and families to come by and "sip" on a drink and "see" the new bundle of joy.  A sip and see is a great casual party option to welcome a new baby.

sip and see invitations
Send a personalized baby theme invitation to invite everyone to the big day.  You can choose specific times for the party of make it an open house and let people stop by for a visit.  If you're planning this for a friend, keep in mind that new parents are tired!  Don't commit them for too long at a party.  

If you want to go all out for the new mom, consider having a custom caricature of her and the new baby drawn! It's a one of a kind invitation that becomes a wonderful keepsake.  Choose a fun poem to introduce the party theme.
There's someone new and sweet
we want you to meet!
 
Join us at a sip and see party
welcoming Samantha and Mike's
new baby Jonah 
Invitations should be sent out about 4 weeks before the party. Work with the mom (probably before the baby is born!) to be to define the guest list and pick a date that works for her. The hostess should set a budget and pick a location, both of which will affect the guest list.

Baby sip and see party Decorations and Party Supplies
You can start off by welcoming everyone with a personalized baby theme banner. We especially love the designs that allow you to add the baby's photo!
 
You can highlight the entrance with a few balloon bouquets as well.  An easy trick to making balloon bouquets that look great is to always group balloons in odd numbers. You can get some cute baby shoe balloon weights for the balloons bouquets too. Or buy small baby toys and stuffed animals and use those as balloon weights. You can give them as gifts at the end of the party.
 
The star of the show is really the new baby, but you can still dress up the room with a few fun baby theme decorations.  Here are our favorites, which are, of course, all available in blue or pink!

It would also be great to set up a display of photos of the baby from the hospital and his or her first few weeks of life in simple matching frames.  This is a great welcome centerpiece near an entrance.

sip and see Shower Table Decorations and Menu
Your tables will be a major focus in the room, so make sure they look great. White and pink or pale blue linens are perfect if your venue will provide them. White table covers with baby theme paper goods are fun for a less formal party.

Balloons and stuffed animals are perfect centerpieces.  Sweet and simple and they will look great on the tables.  You can even tie the balloons off the stuffed animals.     

The food that you serve at the party depends on the time of day you are having the party, however we would not recommend a sit down meal for a sip and see party.  Traditionally the food is a mix of appetizers and simple non alcoholic drinks like teas and juices. Set up a lovely display of appetizers and another with cupcakes and cookies and you're all set! Or think of a fun and unusual dessert.  We had a sip and see for one of the party girls here at Party411 after her baby was born and Sherri (our head party girl!) went to the Cheesecake Factory and bought one piece of every kind of cheesecake they sold.  It was amazing, fun, different and delicious!
    sip and see party Games and Activities
    The main activity for a sip and see is visiting with the new baby and his or her family.  You may want to let the new parents open presents if people bring them to the party.  A fun and simple activity is to let people leave sweet wishes for the new baby.  Leave out small pieces of paper next to a scrapbook type book and let people fill them out with notes for the baby.  Then they can simply add them to the book with glue dots or scrapbook tape.  It is a great memento for the new parents. 

    We also have a huge list of baby shower games that work for a sup and see on our Baby Shower Games page.

    Party Favors
    Send everyone home with personalized baby shower pens. This even doubles as a fun baby announcement.  Here are some other ideas for fun party favors that can be used as announcements as well:
    Your mommy (and daddy, if he is invited) have a wonderful time at her beautiful baby shower. She will always remember the special celebration that you put so much thought and love into!