Pregnancy is an exciting time for expecting parents, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One way to ease the pressure of preparing for a baby is by hosting a nesting party.
Unlike the traditional baby shower, a nesting party focuses on helping parents-to-be get ready for the arrival of their baby, making it a fun and practical event for everyone involved.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need on how to host a nesting party successfully—from party planning to essential items you need and how to make the event enjoyable for both parents and guests.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or preparing for your second or third baby, this guide will help you create a meaningful, productive gathering that not only supports the expecting parents but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and family.
What is a Nesting Party?
A nesting party is an event where friends and family come together to help expecting parents prepare for the arrival of their baby.
It’s not just about gift-giving—this party focuses on practical tasks, like assembling furniture, organizing the nursery, or preparing freezer meals. Think of it as a “preparation shower” instead of a traditional gift-giving shower.
The idea is to create a stress-free and supportive environment where expecting parents can get their home ready for the little one while also enjoying the company of loved ones.
A nesting party can be tailored to the needs of the parents-to-be, ensuring the event is helpful and memorable.
Why Should You Host a Nesting Party?
Expecting a baby can be overwhelming. The to-do list seems never-ending, from setting up the nursery to buying baby essentials, and it can be tough to do it all alone. This is where a nesting party comes in. Here are some benefits of hosting one:
- Support System: A nesting party allows family and friends to show their support by helping with practical tasks.
- Reduce Stress: With the help of loved ones, the parents-to-be can focus on enjoying the pregnancy rather than feeling stressed about last-minute preparations.
- Bonding Time: It offers a chance for loved ones to bond with the parents and share in the excitement of preparing for a new arrival.
- Create Lasting Memories: Instead of just focusing on gifts, this type of party creates lasting memories as everyone works together to prepare for the baby.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Host a Nesting Party
1. Choose the Right Time and Date
The best time to host a nesting party is in the third trimester, around 30-35 weeks into the pregnancy.
This is when the expecting parents are likely to be in the final stages of preparing for the baby and will appreciate the help. Be sure to plan the event at least 3-4 weeks before the due date, giving plenty of time for any last-minute tasks.
2. Create a Guest List
The key to a successful nesting party is to invite people who are willing to help out and participate in the preparation process.
You don’t need to invite everyone you know—focus on close friends, family members, or other parents who are comfortable with tasks such as assembling baby furniture, folding laundry, or preparing meals.
Make sure to clearly communicate the purpose of the party in your invitations. Let guests know that it’s a practical event, and they may be asked to lend a hand with some tasks.
3. Choose a Venue
While nesting parties can be held in any location, it’s usually best to have it in the home of the expecting parents.
This allows everyone to get to work on the tasks at hand, such as setting up the nursery or organizing baby clothes.
Plus, the expecting parents will likely need to be near their home for other reasons, like picking up baby items or resting.
If the parents-to-be don’t have enough space at home, consider hosting the party at a family member’s house or a friend’s spacious home.
4. Plan Practical Activities
Unlike traditional parties, nesting parties focus on practical, task-oriented activities. Some ideas include:
- Setting Up the Nursery: Have guests help set up cribs, dressers, or bookshelves in the baby’s room. If you’re feeling creative, you could even give the nursery a theme and let guests help with décor.
- Organizing Baby Clothes and Gear: Parents-to-be often have an overwhelming number of baby clothes and gear that need to be organized. This is a great task for guests to take on.
- Meal Preparation: Preparing freezer meals for the new parents is a thoughtful and practical way to help. Set up a meal prep station where guests can make and freeze meals that the parents can use after the baby arrives.
- Building Baby Furniture: If the expecting parents haven’t already set up their baby furniture, this is a great task for the nesting party. Having guests pitch in to assemble cribs, changers, and high chairs will save time and energy.
5. Provide the Right Tools and Supplies
For a successful nesting party, it’s important to have the right tools and supplies on hand. Here are a few things you may need:
- Baby Furniture Assembly Tools: Screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, and other tools to assemble furniture.
- Storage Bins: To organize baby clothes and essentials.
- Cooking Supplies: If you’re preparing freezer meals, have plenty of containers, storage bags, and ingredients ready.
- Cleaning Supplies: You may want to tidy up the house before or after the event, so having a good stock of cleaning supplies will be helpful.
Product Recommendations
- Baby Storage Bins for Organizing Clothes
- Baby Furniture Assembly Tool Kit
- Freezer Meal Prep Containers
6. Offer Refreshments and Snacks
Even though the focus of the party is on preparing for the baby, it’s still a celebration! Offer snacks and drinks to keep your guests energized while they work.
Finger foods, cookies, and light appetizers work well. You can also provide non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails, juices, and flavored water to keep things refreshing.
7. Consider a Theme
Adding a fun theme to the party can make it more memorable. Themes can tie into the décor, outfits, or even the tasks. For example, a “DIY Baby Clothing” theme could have guests help make personalized baby onesies. Themes also help make the event feel more festive and organized.
How to Keep the Party Fun and Engaging
While the focus is on practical tasks, it’s important to keep the atmosphere light and fun. Here are a few ideas to make sure everyone enjoys the event:
- Games and Icebreakers: Plan a few short games or activities to break up the work. For instance, baby trivia or guess-the-baby-food games can make people laugh and relax.
- Thank You Notes or Favors: Don’t forget to thank your guests for their help. Sending thank you notes or providing small favors (like personalized baby keychains or candles) will show your appreciation.
- Share the Experience: Capture the moments with photos or videos that the parents can cherish.
How to Host a Nesting Party: Takeaway
A nesting party is the perfect way to bring together your loved ones to help you prepare for the big day.
Whether you’re assembling furniture, organizing baby clothes, or preparing freezer meals, this practical event can help reduce stress and make the process of preparing for a baby more enjoyable. By following this ultimate guide on how to host a nesting party, you can create a supportive and memorable event for both the parents-to-be and the guests involved.
Remember, the key to a successful nesting party is thoughtful planning and making sure everyone feels included in the process. With the help of your family and friends, you’ll be more than ready for your little one’s arrival!