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Jul 28, 2019 | Social
But have you been to a sip and see? It’s the latest baby-related shindig that’s gaining momentum, and it might just be the most fun yet.
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Unlike a baby shower, which is hosted by someone else, takes place pre-birth, and where the mama-to-be is the guest of honor, a sip and see, which originated in the South, is a fun and easy way for friends and family to meet the new babe. It’s typically hosted by the parents and has more of a casual open-house vibe than a set party schedule. Food and beverages (the “sip”) are involved, and obviously it’s the brand-new little one who gets all the attention (the “see”).
Though there’s lots of celebrating leading up to baby, post-delivery can feel like you’re just trying to maintain. Hosting a sip and see not only gives your friends and relatives the chance to meet your little one on your terms (during your designated hours!), but it can also remind you that you’ve got a loving group of people ready to support you when needed, something that’s easy to forget during those isolating, sleep-depriving 2 a.m. feedings.
The beauty of a sip and see is that you have total control over when to have it, who to invite, what to serve, and the party’s vibe in general. But, as a new mama figuring out life with a newborn, this can also be the drawback. So just remember that hosting a sip and see is totally optional. It should feel fun, and the planning should be as stress-free as possible. It’s best to wait a couple months or so after delivery, until you feel ready to host and when baby’s immune system is a little more robust.
Most sip and sees are co-ed, and take place over several hours with guests dropping by and leaving as they please. Make it easy on yourself by simply emailing invites, and what you serve is up to you, whether it’s a full brunch, lunch, or dinner spread; a table full of snacks; or simply a dessert bar. The sip part should be easy too: a mimosa or bloody Mary bar is great for early in the day, pitchers of margaritas or some other batch cocktail are always a hit and make the prep work lighter, or just fill a cooler with some beer and have bottles of wine on hand. Hate games? There’s no need to play them! But if you want to, that’s totally up to you too. If you’ve already had a baby shower, you probably want to make this party gift-free, so don’t feel the need to include your registry on invites (but that doesn’t mean guests won’t bring presents anyway).
Above all, just remember that no one’s expecting the party of the year, they just want to meet your babe and that means you can enjoy a few hands-free hours catching up on life outside of feeding schedules and diaper blowouts.
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Feb 27, 2019 | Social
There’s one especially great thing about planning your own baby shower: you can have total control over the entire thing from the invites you send to the food you serve to the games you play (or don’t!). And while that may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Your shower can be as simple or extravagant as you want. Here San Diego–based wedding and event planner Heather Balliet of Amorology offers up seven tips for making your celebratory day as inspired and unique as possible.
Your invitation sets the tone of your shower so tie it in to your theme or concept, make it look playful or pretty, and give your guests something to look forward to. Be sure to include your registry (guests will want it), and in lieu of a card, ask them to bring something for the baby’s nursery such as a bag of diapers or a book. You’ll be able to stock up on necessities, or create a curated collection for the baby's library!
If there will be little ones at your shower, make sure to include them. A mini table of activities is a fun way to give them a place to play and stay busy while the mamas enjoy the party.
Giving guests a personalized favor is always a good way to make them feel welcome and thought of, and it doesn’t have to be complicated or extravagant. For this shower we incorporated personalized name patches into the décor so they pulled double duty—a cute design element and a super fun takeaway!
Don't feel like you have to force a game into the party. If you value conversation over competition, feel free to skip it. If you’re a game girl, though, go for it, and consider trying a few atypical shower games to really step it up.
Colorful fruits and veggies can make for excellent, unexpected décor like the tablescape we created here with citrus, papaya, squash, and more. Add them to your florals for a gram-worthy centerpiece, and eat them up when the party’s over.
Everyone loves a treat so don't hesitate to indulge guests with something tasty, whether it’s a traditional cake or a crepe bar. Can’t decide? Go for a dessert display and satisfy all of the cravings.
You don’t want guests just standing around. Get creative and make some fun little seating areas that are both comfortable and stylish where folks can lounge.
www.amorologyweddings.com@amorology
