Why We Love Sip and Sees: A French Countryside Baby Shower Idea
Some celebrations feel extra special because they bring a story full circle. This past May, we had the joy of planning a Sip and See that did just that — a beautiful gathering to welcome baby Julia, thoughtfully designed for a family we first celebrated years ago for their eldest daughter’s Sip and See. At House of Joy, we adore creating moments that feel layered and personal, and this spring afternoon was no exception. Inspired by the breezy romance of a French countryside lunch, Julia’s Sip and See offered guests a sweet, textural experience that balanced timeless elegance with playful, colorful touches — just right for welcoming a new little one into the world.
Set partly indoors and partly outdoors, this gathering invited guests to wander, mingle, and savor the day at their own pace. We dressed the tables in soft, vintage-inspired light green gingham linens — classic, yet fresh. Muted pastel florals, some adorned with fresh produce, added a playful, natural texture that felt like they’d been gathered right from a countryside garden. Every element was curated to feel charming yet elevated — from the delicate stationery patterned with muted floral details to the collection of fresh fruits, juices, and sparkling waters that lined the refreshment table. A finger-food style buffet offered guests delicious bites without fuss, keeping the atmosphere easy and welcoming. One of the stars? Custom donuts — because no sweet celebration is complete without a treat (or three).
Outdoors, a smaller tent set the stage for the day’s most heartwarming details. Draped in white fabric and gauzy curtains, the tent gave the backyard a sense of layered intimacy, casting beautiful, filtered light reminiscent of a lazy afternoon in the French countryside. One of our favorite details was the garland of Julia’s tiny new clothes strung throughout the tent. This playful touch brought back a beloved moment from her older sister’s Sip and See — a sweet nod to how this family’s story continues to grow in joyful, connected ways.
No two backyards are alike, and for this Sip and See, a little extra effort brought big rewards. To create the perfect outdoor gathering space, we planned a site visit to map out the slope of the yard and design a layout that felt balanced and inviting. Setting up a tent in a residential space always requires thoughtful planning, but the layered result — a cozy, textural tent with beautiful draping — was well worth it.
While baby showers are a cherished tradition, we love helping families see how a Sip and See can offer a different balance. For new parents who’d prefer to wait until after baby arrives — or for those who love the idea of gathering everyone at once — a Sip and See is a wonderful choice. It gives family and friends a chance to meet the newest family member all at once, saving parents from hosting endless rounds of visits during those precious early weeks. It’s also perfect for families who chose not to find out baby’s gender before birth — or for new moms who want a little extra time to feel like themselves before hosting a celebration. At its heart, a Sip and See is about connection — creating space for everyone to come together, share in the excitement, and shower baby (and parents) with love.
Julia’s French countryside Sip and See reminded us why we love what we do: weaving stories together with playful, colorful details that honor the past while celebrating what’s new. From the curated florals and fresh produce to the gingham linens and custom donuts, every element was chosen to create a joyful sense of balance and ease — a day for family and friends to gather, linger, and fall in love with the newest member of the family. Whether you’re planning a baby shower, a Sip and See, or any celebration in between, we’re here to bring layered beauty and intentional design to every gathering — making your moments not only memorable but full of heart.
Photography by Chelsey Barhorst Photography
