Host A Sip and See? Yes, Please!

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Don’t get me wrong, I loved my shower for my first baby. I enjoyed a delicious lunch with several of my favorite women at a lovely restaurant. I got a bounty of gifts. Some of those ladies asked if I wanted a sprinkle for my second baby. I politely declined. I had no interest in figuring out which women would make the cut for a more intimate brunch. And I had even less interest in watching those women enjoy full glasses of mimosas as I opened unnecessary presents.

However, when my sister-in-law and one of my best friends suggested that my husband and I host a Sip and See at home for our third baby, I was beyond excited.

A party where I am not bound by my pregnancy, both in what I can wear and how much I can drink? Yes, please.
A party on my own turf without worrying about the number of invitees? Yes, please.
A party celebrating my newest baby after she arrives? Yes, please.

If you love house parties and you’re expecting a new baby in the next few months, I’d highly recommend hosting a Sip and See. 

Planning

Sip and Sees are typically held when the baby is between 4 and 8 weeks old. While you can’t predict when your baby will actually arrive, work with what you (sorta) know. Due date of baby, return to work date (for you and/or your partner), and other obligations on the calendar.

Decide upon a tentative date about two months before your due date. Share a very informal save the date with your friends. Mention it in your regular conversations with them, be it through text, email, or in person. Let them know that if all goes smoothly with delivery and postpartum care, you’ll be sending a more formal online invitation when you’re home with baby.

(With the ultimate date in limbo, no one should feel guilty. Not you for changing the tentative date. And not your friends for missing it. These are your friends, after all.)

                                   Courtesy of Evite

Setting Parameters

When you create your invitation, be very specific and kind about the intention of this party. It’s for everyone to have fun, but the reality is that your family has just expanded. Word it in such a way that you are clear about the window of hours you are happy for people to visit. The same goes for being direct about the type of gifts you want, if any. We were very practical and only asked for survival necessities (diapers, coffee, and adult beverages).

Keep it Simple

The sorority girl meets wannabe Pinterest mom in me is all about theme parties, but there’s a time and a place for them. You’re celebrating a newborn. That means, you’re running on little sleep. Conserve your energy. There is absolutely no need for theme decorations, drinks, or desserts. Use simple tablecloths and grab some affordable flowers for centerpieces. Don’t try to cook for your guests. Order crowd pleasers that are easy to serve like heroes, salads, and platters of fruit, veggies, and cheese and crackers. Don’t forget some kid-friendly staples like chicken fingers. Buy cookies, brownies, and/or ice cream sandwiches in bulk. Fill coolers with beer, wine, water, soda, and juice boxes.

Rent a Built in Babysitter

You’ll have plenty of kids running around who need to be entertained. But you want to be able to actually engage in real adult conversations as you keep an eye on them. Cue in an inflatable castle. 

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I’m honestly not sure why the only Sip and See I’ve attended is the one that I threw last year during Columbus Day weekend. We only recently had to start buying diapers for our daughter. The picture of the five of us on the slide of the inflatable castle is framed prominently on our wall. A printed copy is stapled onto the family tree collage at daycare.

I look back on our Sip and See fondly, and hope I’ve convinced you why you should host your own!

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Maria F
Maria F. is a high school English teacher who naturally finds herself reflecting upon the routine and randomness that accompany each day as a working mommy. She relies upon humor and some sort of chocolate or frozen treat as survival tactics. She and her husband live in East Norwalk with their three kids, Abbie (2012), Charlie (2014), and Phoebe (2018). You can find Maria F. driving in her beloved dream car, a minivan, listening to audiobooks during her commute, or playing DJ and climate controller when she’s shuttling her kids around town. Forever a sorority girl and Ohio State Buckeye, she will (almost) always choose socializing over chilling on the couch.

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