What is a Nesting Party and How to Throw One

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As I prepare to get our home ready for baby number five, I roll my eyes at most new baby trends. From projects to parties, it usually seems unnecessary. However, one I can get behind is a nesting party. If you’ve never heard of this new trend you may be wondering, what is a nesting party? Maybe your friend is pregnant and you need to know how to throw a nesting party. Today, we are going to answer all those questions!

What is a Nesting Party?

First off, a nesting party is simply helping the parents-to-be with preparing their home for the new addition. Whether that be cleaning, prepping meals, completing the nursery, or setting Mama up for everything needed postpartum.

Do you bring gifts to a Nesting Party?

Usually, the gift is giving your time and energy. Though some may suggest bringing diapers or wipes, because most people just can’t help themselves. Other good ideas may be a freezer meal, cleaning products, or postpartum essentials. Though that may be what you’re going to be prepping at the actual nesting party.

How does a Nesting Party differ from a baby shower?

A nesting party tends to meet the needs of the Mama-to-be. A baby shower usually sets the focus on items needed for the new baby. Baby showers can sometimes feel stuffy and awkward, with the games and opening gifts in front of everyone. There is a pressure to entertain. A nesting party is much more laid back.

A baby shower is also usually only done for the first child. A mama still needs to prepare herself and home for each new baby, no matter how many she has.

How to Throw a Nesting Party:

1. Make Invitations

Your first step, like any party, is choosing when you will be hosting your nesting party. Unlike a baby shower, you can have everyone come at the same time, or allow guests to pick time frames in wish they’d like to come.

You may also want to include a short snippet of what a nesting party is, as I assume most guests haven’t heard of this new trend.

Need help making one? Canva is a simple and free way to create your nesting party invitation.

2. Are Dads Invited?

You can also decide if you want dads/men to participate. I know our yardwork and outdoor storage areas suffered greatly in the first trimester while my husband had to focus on my tasks indoors. Dad may be feeling overwhelmed, just like mom. Especially if this isn’t their first baby and he is busy on a daily basis raising other children.

3. Think about the tasks that need completed

If you’re throwing a party for Mama, have her fill out her most needed projects that need completed, in order from most important to least important. If there are certain tasks she is feeling overwhelmed about, that’s a good place to start.

Decide if you want your guests to pick their own task or have it be a random draw.

Here’s a nesting checklist to get you started! Click to enlarge:

4. Prep for each task

Think about how each task will need to be completed. If you’re going to be cleaning bathrooms, you will need cleaning products. Tools will be helpful for building furniture. Groceries and ziplock bags will be necessary for making freezer meals.

Writing instructions and keeping the items together will make this task especially easy. Try not to be too overbearing when it comes to the tasks, but make it easy for your guests to know exactly what the goal is.

Here are 30+ of The Best Easy Freezer Meals for Postpartum!

5. Provide food and drinks

While you’re not providing a big party, your guests will still be there for a decent length of time. Having simple finger foods, snacks, and refreshing drinks will make a big difference. No one wants to go clean someone’s home for several hours and leave feeling starved.

Need some ideas? Here are 20+ Frugal Finger Foods & Party Snacks Your Guests Will Love!

6. Keep Decor to a Minimum

It seems kind of silly to go all out on decorations when your guests are going to be working on cleaning and moving about the space. If you do want to do a bit of decor to make it feel festive, try to keep it very simple. Maybe just the plates and a cute banner. No need to go overboard.

7. Keep it Simple

At the end of the day, we want the nesting party to help pull the load from the new parents. Don’t go overboard. Make it easy for Mama to accept the help. Let guests know their roles and how helpful this is to Mama.

8. Favors and Thank You’s

It may be a nice idea to include some thank you’s or favors. Something like treat bags or other practical items might be a nice gesture. As I said above, keep it simple. However; you want guests to know how appreciative the new parents are and how much of a difference they’re making.

There you have it! Everything you need to know about a nesting party! Have you ever had a nesting party? Let me know down in the comments!