You’ve probably heard of baby showers but have you come across nesting parties? It’s a lovely new trend that’s making its way nowadays—and for a good reason.
It’s not just about the balloons and baby shower games, it’s more about rolling up your sleeves and actually helping parents-to-be to get their homes ready before their baby arrives.
So what exactly is a nesting party and how to host a nesting party that’s both enjoyable and meaningful. Let’s explore.
The term “nesting” comes from the urge felt by expecting parents to “ready the nest” in the later months of pregnancy. This means doing some preps before your little bundle of joy arrives, like getting your house in order, washing tiny baby clothes, prepping meals, and making sure everything is ready.
A nesting party takes this instinct and turns it into a group effort. Friends and family come together for a small, intimate gathering—not just to shower parents-to-be with endless gifts but to actually offer real, practical support.
It’s a celebration built around acts of service rather than just things, and that’s what makes it so special.
There’s no hard and fast rule about who should throw this party. It’s up to you who you want to plan and host your nesting party—your friends, family members, or even yourself.
Baby showers are great fun but they usually focus on presents, games, and decorations. On the other hand, a nesting party is more about action and hands-on help to ease the work load of expecting parents.
You can even combine the two parties—a relaxed baby shower followed by a smaller nesting party with close friends who actually want to help.
Hosting a nesting party doesn’t have to be complicated. All you need to do is a bit of planning and create a supportive, cosy, and productive gathering that everyone enjoys.
Here’s how to do that:
Nesting parties work best when the group is intimate—just a couple of friends and family members with whom parents-to-be feel comfortable. They should be the people you can trust and comfortably assign some tasks.
Once you have made the guest list, send the invites early so that everyone can be available.
The best time for a nesting party is a few weeks before the due date. It’s the time when moms-to-be are still fairly mobile and keen to get things done. Choose a time that is convenient for everyone, think a relaxed afternoon or early evening.
Just a heads up: Don’t make it too long so that it becomes tiring—two to three hours are usually perfect.
Before the party, it’s a good idea to sit down with the parents-to-be and ask them what would actually help. Write down a list of achievable tasks so that everyone knows what’s to be done. Some popular options include:
You can add other tasks in your list with which the expecting parents would want help.
Once you are done with the list of tasks. It’s time to delegate them smartly. Got a friend good with organising skills? Let them tackle the nursery sets organisation. A relative who’s handy with tools? They can be perfect for assembling nursery furniture. Someone who loves cooking? Give them the charge of batch cooking.
Assigning tasks to everyone according to their personal strengths and interests will make this process smoother and more fun.
Whatever tasks you have on your list, get everything ready for them beforehand. Like laundry detergents for washing baby clothes, tools for furniture, freezer containers for meals, and even label makers. This will help you avoid unnecessary stress and keep things running smoothly.
Yes, jobs need to get done, but it’s still a celebration and should feel like one. Pop the kettle on, serve a few easy snacks, and feed your guests. Though it shouldn’t be stressful, if you don’t feel like cooking or prepping snacks, you can order some food and drinks for people to graze on while working.
Guests could also write little notes of encouragement for parents-to-be or share funny parenting stories while working.
Favors aren’t necessary, and you don’t always have to hand out little goodie bags or gifts at the end of the nesting party. But a heartfelt thank you note or just a warm message as a gesture of appreciation for their help and support can go a long way.
Nesting parties are a wonderful way to celebrate as well as help parents-to-be to prepare for their little one’s arrival and the upcoming adventures.
So if you’re organising one for your friend or family or considering hosting your own nesting party, don’t stress too much on making it perfect.
It’s about coming together, lending hands, and sharing the excitement of this new chapter.
Gather a few close friends and family members and make it an afternoon of laughter, teamwork, and genuine support. And don’t forget to have fun!
