Adorable Ideas for a Sip and See

Little Golden Books are the perfect example of childhood reading, and a sip and see party is an excellent opportunity to help build your new baby's library! Although not necessary, many guests will still bring a gift for your little one, so take the opportunity to request classics, like The Poky Little Puppy or The Saggy Baggy Elephant. Anneliese of Aesthetic Nest planned an entire shower around these vintage children's books, and offers free bookplate printables so guests can record who gave the book.

If you've had a baby, you probably have a set of alphabet blocks taking up space in a toy box. These little wooden trinkets do more than teach your little ones how to spell—they double as decor! Sammy of Oh It's Perfect displays the word "BABY" on the cake table (we also love the Mason jar drinks gussied up for the occasion with a bit of tulle). If you have enough letters to spell out the name of your littlest guest of honor, feel free to personalize. Stack the remaining blocks on tables as cute centerpieces!

No children's library would be complete without an alphabet book, so why not make it an extra special keepsake by asking friends and family to help create it like this adorable version from Cuppacocoa. During the sip and see party, leave pages out for each letter along with markers, crayons, or colored pencils and have guests decorate a page and sign their name at the bottom. Your little one will love learning the alphabet from special images and words created by loved ones!

Shine the spotlight on your new baby with this fun chalkboard decoration from Michelle of Ten June Blog (via Baby Center) that'll get guests talking. Using colorful washi tape, fasten baby photos of mom and dad to a chalkboard or poster board with the caption, "Does (insert baby's name) look like Mommy or Daddy?"

Project Nursery's vintage modern sip and see features a darling combination of burlap and blue to introduce a baby boy. Keep your baby front and center at the party—even if he's snoozing in another room—by featuring an oversize photo from his first days. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer ready for eager guests to sanitize before snuggles.

Create a stunning centerpiece, or enhance a cake table with this DIY tulle balloon from Katie at Sweet Society. Simply blow up a giant balloon and cover with a layer of tulle. Secure with a coordinating ribbon and embellish with a faux flower for added oomph. Suspend the balloon from the wall or ceiling by threading fishing wire through the tulle.

Transform your empty beer (or wine) bottles into beautiful bud vases. Diane of Suburbia Unwrapped provides a super easy tutorial. Begin by removing the labels and washing the bottles. For a larger centerpiece, bundle three bottles together and wrap them with twine. If desired, secure with hot glue, then fill with your favorite flowers!

If you're having food at your party, you're going to need serving ware—and what's more fun than eating from a sparkly spoon? Kristin and Missy of Sweetly Chic Events show how a few simple supplies can add instant glam to any gathering with these DIY glitter party utensils.

Perk up your morning sip and see with a DIY coffee and breakfast bar. Paula of Frog Prince Paperie created a coffee and cravings theme baby shower with all the essentials for a good morning—bagels, doughnuts, and, of course, coffee! Prepare a few different blends in insulated carafes: regular and decaf, plus a seasonal or flavored option for those with a more adventurous sipping style. Don't forget the cream and sugar!

Whip up a few batches of homemade (or microwave!) popcorn for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack. Jessica of Pen & Paper Flowers uses galvanized buckets in her display, but any bowls from your kitchen would do nicely. Simply supply small paper bags for guests to hold their popcorn, then let them mix and match toppings from an assortment of spices, seasonings, nuts, and candies.

Craft beer plus yummy snacks equals a sip and see that even your hubby's friends will want to attend! Pam and Laurel of Sugar Plum Sisters threw a fabulous adult birthday party with plenty of brews and bites—a concept that's easily transferable to any special occasion. Add small DIY drink stations for guests to mix their own mojitos or build their own bloody marys. Bottoms up!

Trade in the traditional dessert bar for something more interesting. Brittany of GreyGrey Designs created a darling display of flaky, homemade biscuits and a variety of jellies, jams, and butters. Add a platter of crispy bacon or sausage with country gravy for more savory options.

Hosting a sip and see doesn't have to break the bank. Jess of Party Box Design has created an adorable-yet-affordable sip and see brunch that includes bold-pattern boxes filled with a selection of cereals, carafes of milk, and platters of mini bagels and doughnuts. Who knew cereal could look so chic?

This light and easy chicken salad whips up in almost no time, and is sure to be a hit with mingling guests. Robyn of Add a Pinch combines chopped pecans and celery with tender chicken for a satisfying crunch, and finishes the dish with sweet red grapes and cherries. Serve in a sandwich or on apple slices for a healthier option.

Eager to show off your precious bundle of joy, but running low on time before the meet-and-eat? Kristin of Iowa Girl Eats has you covered with her Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Drizzle. All you need are 10 minutes and three ingredients to create a fresh, flavorful appetizer that'll keep your guests coming back for more.

Impress party-goers with an elegant treat that's as easy as it is decadent. Rebecca of Sugar and Soul infuses the classic pairing of strawberries and champagne into her cake ball recipe. Once the cake has baked, crumble it, mix with frosting, roll into balls, and freeze. Dip in melted white chocolate and embellish with pearl dust or drizzle with extra chocolate.

Muddled blueberries, mint, and lime—mixed with rum and a splash of chilled champagne—add a refreshing twist to a traditional champagne toast. This delightful cocktail, dreamed up by Serena of Domesticate ME!, blends the right amount of sweet and tart. Garnish with a blueberry skewer and raise a glass to celebrate the arrival of your little one!

Cookies are always welcome—especially ones you didn't have to make! Treat your friends and family to an edible favor. Erin of Elements of Style packaged adorable blue and gray onesie cookies for guests at her shower. Personalize with a monogram of your baby's initials and top with a cute bow.