How to Host a Nesting Party She’ll Love
Expecting a baby yourself, or have a friend who is pregnant? Hosting a nesting party for the mama-to-be is a trendy but practical idea people are embracing in place of traditional baby showers or sprinkles.
While baby showers focus on games and gifts for the baby, nesting parties focus on offering assistance to the mama such as freezer and slow cooker meal prep, assembly of nursery furniture, organization and deep cleaning of her home, and sorting baby clothes (as well as lots of other things! – see below).
I had my daughter about four months ago, and I remember telling my mom, “I’ve never appreciated pre-made food as much as I do now!”
All the amazing help I received with stocking freezer meals, preparing my house, and sorting baby clothes really eased me into the postpartum period gracefully and gave me the mental space to focus on my baby and my healing.
Throwing a nesting party offers a designated time to give this type of special care to the mama-to-be. Who doesn’t want that?!
Why a Nesting Party is Totally Worth It
In the flurry of excitement for a baby’s arrival, the mama can often be overlooked.
While the gifts and games are very fun, using a nesting party to give the mama-to-be the gift of freezer meals, an organized bedroom, or a set-up nursing station can allow her to better care for herself and the baby postpartum. Win-win!
Having a nesting party can also give those people closest to the mama an opportunity to bond, create sweet memories, and build her up for the exciting and emotional season of change ahead (whether this is her first, second… or fifth!).
How to Plan a Nesting Party
Whether you are throwing a nesting party for a friend, or are hosting one for yourself, there are a few crucial things to plan in order to have a successful day of nesting!
1. Pick a date
When choosing a date, it is wise to aim somewhere in the 30-35 week range of mama’s pregnancy. That way she is close enough to her due date that she has a clear idea of what all needs to be prepared, but still has the energy to participate.
Besides, if she is also having a baby shower, this gives her the opportunity to receive the baby gifts and clothing you’ll be organizing.
After that, be sure to give your guests plenty of notice! Sending out an invitation about six weeks ahead of time is good practice, and gives you the best shot at having lots of participation.
You can use a cute e-invite, a printed invitation (check out my free printable invitation below!), or even a cute card.
Just be sure to let everyone know this is a nesting party (not a baby shower), and share anything they should bring along (cooking tools, cleaning supplies, etc.)
To print these free nesting party invitations, click the button above and download the PDF. Print on cardstock at 100% size, and trim with scissors.
2. Choose your goals for your nesting party
Having set goals ahead of time can maximize the efficiency of your nesting party. Make sure to know what the top priorities for the mama-to-be are (whether that is you, or a friend). Here are some ideas of things to incorporate.
For the Nursery
For the Food
For the Mama
4. Prepare for a productive nesting party
Setting the scene for a productive party is another way to help the day flow smoothly. Setting out cleaning supplies, making a food-prep station, or having a printed list of tasks to accomplish so that people can visually see the agenda are all great ideas of how to make your day more efficient and enjoyable.
Even thinking ahead about who will be coming can help you plan the day and play to your friends’ strengths.
Have a friend who is master organizer? Plan to set her in charge of organizing baby clothes! Have a friend who is a great cook? See if she wants to head up freezer meal prep.
5. Have food for your helpers
Make sure to feed all your wonderful helpers! You can go all out and order a catered meal, or you can keep it simple with some deli sandwiches and soup.
Whichever way you choose, make sure to take time to feed all your awesome friends. Consider even setting out a few snacks for anyone (especially the pregnant mama!) who may be hungry before the meal is served. Here are some snack and meal ideas to serve.
Snack Ideas
Meal Ideas
6. Make it fun!
Don’t forget to make it fun, too! Turn on some peppy music, have a race between project teams, or play bingo and have people cross off boxes as they complete different freezer meals.
You can even hide pacifiers throughout the spaces guests will be and see who collects the most by the end of the party.
Or you can make a station for guests to right a bit of advice or a fun memory with the mama-to-be for her to read later.
7. Show your gratitude
One of the most important things to do is to make sure you show your appreciation for everyone who came to help. Take a moment to thank everyone who came, and consider writing a quick thank you note or sending a text to each person afterwards.
You can even give away a small favor to each guest. Here are a few idea.
Favor Ideas
Should you bring a gift to a nesting party?
Guests do not need to bring a gift, as their time and help is the gift they are giving. However, if someone really wants to bring a gift, something such as a freezer meal, a pamper-kit for the mama, or gift cards for food delivery would be great ideas for them to give!
How long should a nesting party be?
A nesting party should be about 2- hours long: enough time to accomplish your top priorities, but not so long as to wear mama or your helpers out! A good timeline for a nesting party is as follows:
- First hour: Greet everyone, show them wear the work stations are and the tasks to be accomplished, and help everyone figure out what to do.
- Second hour: Get some work done!
- Third hour: Wrap tasks up, serve food, visit, and clean up.
As always, cater to the pregnant mama’s preferences timewise (whether that is yourself, or someone else).
Do you decorate for a nesting party?
You aren’t required to, but a few simple decorations can bring a fun atmosphere to the nesting party.
Consider hanging a simple banner, blowing up a few balloons, or using some fun party plates for your food.
A few small things can go a long way in adding festivity to your nesting party!
Conclusion
So there you have it! Whether you are hosting a nesting party for yourself, or are throwing it for a friend, following these suggestions can yield a fun and productive day, and be a huge gift to the pregnant mama and her family as she prepares to welcome this sweet little one. Happy nesting!
Oh I love this idea. As a new mom I truly needed so much support after birth, and I love the idea of preparing for that in advance! It’s nice too because people don’t have to buy gifts, they can gift their time and service.
Yes!! I think this idea is a trend that is here to stay. It is such a blessing!
Love all of the step by step ideas! I would love to have a nesting party one day.
Glad you liked it!
I love this idea! Especially as we approach our 3rd baby, I won’t need as many gifts, this is what I will be asking family and friends to do instead!
Glad it was helpful! And congratulations on your third little one!!
What a fun idea! Love this idea especially for those having consecutive babies after their first and might already have what they need!