These intimate celebrations are gaining popularity—and for good reason. Nesting parties are all about helping expectant parents get their home ready for their new arrival, with practical support and acts of love from close friends and family.
Recently, you might’ve seen more of these wholesome gatherings popping up on social media. Instead of centering on gifts and games, a nesting party brings loved ones together to lend a helping hand—think: prepping meals, setting up the nursery, and tackling last-minute to-dos. If you’re pregnant or supporting someone who is, this might be just the kind of celebration you’ve been looking for.
In this article:
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What is a nesting party?
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How is it different from traditional celebrations?
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Tips for planning a great one
What Exactly Is a Nesting Party?
“Nesting” refers to the urge to get everything in place before baby arrives—washing baby clothes, organizing the nursery, assembling gear, and prepping meals. Normally, parents would tackle all this on their own. But a nesting party transforms these tasks into a shared, supportive experience.
At its core, a nesting party is a small gathering of close family and friends who come together to help parents-to-be prepare for life with a newborn. “It’s a great way to help moms prepare for their incoming newborn,” says Renee Patrone Rhinehart, party planner and founder of Party Host Helpers.
It’s a refreshing shift from the usual baby-centered approach, which often puts the spotlight on gifts, to something more meaningful and mum-focused. A nesting party allows loved ones to show up in a hands-on way—because let’s be real, a batch of homemade meals and a deep-cleaned house are worth their weight in gold for sleep-deprived new parents.
Plus, it can significantly reduce the stress of the pre-baby workload and help set up new parents for success in those first chaotic weeks.
What Happens at a Nesting Party?
As the name suggests, these gatherings usually include practical, home-prepping activities like:
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Washing, folding and organizing baby clothes and linens
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Finalizing the nursery setup
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Meal prepping and stocking the freezer
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Putting together strollers, bassinets, cribs and more
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Installing the car seat
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Creating a diaper or feeding station
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Packing the hospital bag
The idea is to knock out those nesting to-do’s together, making the process lighter, faster, and more joyful.
How Is It Different From a Baby Shower?
While both celebrations center around a growing family, a nesting party leans into action over entertainment. It’s less about games and gifts and more about showing up with sleeves rolled up. Some gatherings even happen after a baby shower, where the gifts are unboxed and organized, and practical tasks are tackled in a fun, low-key setting.
Tips for Throwing a Successful Nesting Party
If this kind of celebration sounds right for you or someone you love, here are some ways to make it a smooth and meaningful experience:
Keep it small.
Limit the guest list to close family and trusted friends—people who are comfortable being hands-on.
Have a plan.
Prepare a list of tasks in advance. Make sure they’re achievable within a few hours, and provide clear instructions so things don’t need to be redone later.
Delegate tasks.
Assign roles or let guests pick based on their strengths—maybe one friend is great at organizing, another loves cooking, and someone else can build a crib in their sleep.
Have supplies ready.
Make sure you’ve got all the materials needed—detergent, tools, storage bins, meal ingredients, etc.
Create a cozy vibe.
Even though it’s a working gathering, make it feel special. Set out some snacks or drinks, play music, and enjoy time with your people. This is still a celebration, after all.
Say thank you.
While formal favors aren’t necessary, a heartfelt thank-you note or a shared moment of gratitude goes a long way.
The Bigger Picture
Nesting parties are more than just a trend—they reflect a growing recognition that real support matters. New parents need more than cute onesies and diaper cakes. They need community. And while a nesting party can’t do it all, it’s a beautiful way to start.
So whether you’re expecting or supporting someone who is, don’t be afraid to ask for help—or offer it. Sometimes, love looks like folding laundry and meal-prepping together.
