Welcoming a child is a moment that sparks excitement for many families. In the past, it was common to celebrate by hosting a traditional baby shower focused on games, gifts, and fun themes. These gatherings would often feature cute decorations, guessing activities, and plenty of baby-related goodies. However, parents today are embracing a different kind of celebration that shifts the focus from presents to practical support.
Instead of balloon arches and typical shower games, there's a new approach to celebrating parenthood that places emphasis on preparing the home in a more meaningful way. This new trend is called a "nesting party."
What Is Nesting?
Nesting refers to the natural urge many soon-to-be parents feel to organize, arrange, and tidy up living spaces before the arrival of a child. This can involve rearranging furniture, washing tiny clothes, sorting through baby supplies, and ensuring that everything feels orderly. It is a way for expectant parents to create a soothing environment that sets the stage for a comfortable family life.
What Is a Nesting Party?
A nesting party is a small gathering of close family and friends at the parent-to-be's home. Instead of arriving with traditional gifts such as diapers or baby outfits, guests may bring cleaning supplies, simple organizational tools, or even a helping hand.
The event often includes tackling essential pre-baby tasks, such as:
- Organizing the nursery
- Assembling baby gear (cribs, strollers, etc.)
- Preparing freezer-friendly meals for postpartum recovery
- Setting up diaper stations or nursing areas
- Packing hospital bags
- Cleaning or organizing household spaces
In comparison, baby showers focus on gift-giving, games, and socializing. Baby showers are also often held at a venue with a larger number of guests, including extended friends and family.
How To Host a Nesting Party?
When planning a nesting party, begin by clarifying the purpose and focusing on the parents' main needs. Decide if you'll be helping with practical tasks like organizing the nursery, tidying up different areas of the home, or preparing freezer-friendly meals. Next, pick the right day and time. Ideally, the party should happen a few weeks before the due date.
Before guests arrive, put together a clear list of tasks and gather any supplies you'll need. Tasks might include:
• Sorting and folding baby clothes
• Putting nursery furniture together
• Making simple meals that can be frozen
• Cleaning key parts of the house
• Setting up diaper stations for later convenience
Have printed instructions for meal prep, and double-check that you have enough cleaning products, bins, and labels. It also helps to plan light snacks like sandwiches, fruit trays, and refreshing drinks so everyone can keep their energy up.
When guests come over, welcome them with a friendly greeting and explain what you hope to accomplish. Make it fun by allowing friends to choose tasks that match their strengths or interests. If someone loves to cook, they can work on the freezer meals, while the person who's great at assembling furniture can focus on the nursery.
Play some gentle music in the background and encourage breaks for chatting and snacks to keep the mood relaxed. You might also want to snap a few photos or short videos to capture the energy of everyone pitching in.
Once everything on the list is finished or close to done, take a moment to thank your helpers. You could offer small tokens of gratitude like a favorite tea blend or a handwritten note. Celebrate your collective efforts by sharing a quick meal, enjoying some dessert, or simply taking a break together to admire the newly organized spaces.
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