Après Fête: "Sip & See" Picnic

As a seeker of excuses to throw parties, I was thrilled to discover the "Sip & See". It's a Southern tradition of inviting friends over to "sip" on cocktails while "seeing" a new baby. Amazing. So to help introduce a new little man to the world, we threw a classic, all-American picnic themed Sip & See (after all, what is more family oriented than a picnic?) Complete with croquet, bocce ball, white picnic tables and strewn picnic blankets, it was truly a perfect Sunday affair. Blackberries flecked Bloom and Plume's sweet arrangements and vintage picnic baskets held dishes and flatware on the buffet. The menu was relaxed (spiked lemonade bar) and traditional (it doesn't get more picnic than fried chicken) with plenty of farmers market sides (e.g. fresh tomato, corn & basil salad--so simple and tasty). And while we can ALL AGREE that we are over mason jars, they do have their time and place; in this case, as vessels for delicious blueberry & nectarine crisps and strawberry shortcakes. Now I want to have a baby just to have an excuse for another Sip & See!!!