All About Nesting Parties!
Have you ever experienced the magic of a Nesting Party? Picture this: a gathering filled not just with gifts and games, but with heartfelt acts of service, all dedicated to making the parents-to-be feel cherished and ready for their little one's grand entrance! A nesting party transforms traditional baby showers into uplifting celebrations filled with anticipation and joy.
What is a Nesting Party?
A Nesting Party is a celebration centered around preparing for the arrival of a new baby. Unlike a traditional baby shower, a nesting party emphasizes acts of service and support to help the parents-to-be get ready for their new life chapter (AKA Nesting ;))
During a Nesting Party, guests typically come together to offer practical assistance and support to the expecting parents. This could include tasks like assembling baby furniture, organizing the nursery, preparing freezer meals for postpartum, or helping with washing all the newly bought baby clothes.
Nesting Party Ideas:
Decorate the Nursery: Guests can pitch in to paint walls, hang artwork, assemble furniture, and add personal touches to the space.
Meal Prep: Guests can help the parents-to-be stock their freezer with homemade meals for after the baby arrives.
Advice Station/Book: Guests can share words of wisdom and encouragement for the expecting parents.
Diaper Entry Fee: Instead of traditional gifts, ask guests to bring diapers and wipes to the party as an “entry fee”!
Parent Registry: Create a registry that is all about pampering the new parents-to-be and have guests only bring gifts from the list!
Cleaning: Have guests check off all your to-dos, including chores like dishes, mopping, and even wiping the baseboards!
Organizing: Everything from setting up your postpartum bathroom station to fixing your spice cabinet is up for grabs at a nesting party!
Snack Table: Don’t let your guests go hungry with a snack table… or even make the event a potluck to cut back on food expenses!
What to Bring to a Nesting Party?
What the parents ask you for: If they asked for something specifically in the invite, or have a registry, stick to it!
Practical Gifts: Diapers, Wipes, Nursing Pads, etc.
Meals: consider bringing your favorite freezer friendly meal!
$$$: A donation towards doula support, a giftcard to the grocery store, or even a subscription to a meal delivery or baby care company can go a long way.
A helpful attitude: The most important thing to bring is a willingness and excitement to help!
How to Plan a Nesting Party?
Set Date, Time and Venue…. Usually nesting parties happen on the weekends, last anywhere from 3-6 hours, and are in your home! However, feel free to do what feels natural for you.
Create and Send Invitations… include all important details including any special requests like bringing a specific gift.
Plan the menu or ask guests to bring food to share.
Decide what kind of activities/chores you would like to be completed and make a list!
Consider having guests pick out of a hat what activities they help with, or assign them ahead of time based on who you want doing what!
Arrange for help for set-up and clean-up
Enjoy your Nesting Party!
Is a Nesting Party for you?
Deciding if a nesting party is right for you before the baby arrives involves considering your preferences, needs, and circumstances. Here's how you can determine if a nesting party is the right choice for you:
Think about how comfortable you are with hosting a gathering. Some people prefer to prepare for baby in private, while some welcome the celebration of a nesting party!
Evaluate your support system. Do you have friends, family, and other supporters that are willing to help with all the parts of a nesting party?
Trust your gut! Ultimately, what you want and how you feel are paramount! If a Nesting Party feels right for you and your family, go for it!
