There’s something magical about the nesting phase of pregnancy. It’s that time when an expecting mom’s instincts kick in, and she starts preparing her home—and her heart—for the arrival of her little one.
What better way to celebrate this special season than with a nesting party? Think of it as a baby shower’s cozy cousin: a gathering focused on helping the mom-to-be feel supported, relaxed, and ready for her new role.
If you’re planning a nesting party or just looking for inspiration, you’re in the right place. Here are seven creative and engaging ideas to make the event unforgettable.
1. DIY Nursery Decor Station
One of the most exciting parts of nesting is setting up the nursery. Turn this into a fun group activity by setting up a DIY nursery decor station.
Provide plain onesies, wooden letters for the baby’s name, or blank canvases for wall art. Guests can paint, draw, or decorate these items to create personalized keepsakes for the baby’s room.
Not only is this a creative way to involve everyone, but it also gives the mom-to-be unique, handmade treasures she’ll cherish.
Pro Tip: Set up a Pinterest board ahead of time with inspiration for guests who might feel unsure about their artistic skills. Provide stencils, stickers, and fabric markers to make the process easy and fun.
2. Meal Prep Party
Let’s face it: once the baby arrives, cooking might be the last thing on the new mom’s mind. A meal prep party is a practical and thoughtful way to help her stock her freezer with ready-to-eat meals.
Ask guests to bring their favorite freezer-friendly dish (think casseroles, soups, or muffins) or host the party at the mom-to-be’s home and cook together.
You can even turn it into a friendly cooking competition with categories like “Most Creative Dish” or “Best Comfort Food.”
Pro Tip: Provide reusable containers and labels so the mom-to-be can easily organize and identify her meals post-party.
3. Relaxation Station
Nesting isn’t just about preparing the home—it’s also about preparing the mind and body for the journey ahead. Create a relaxation station where the mom-to-be and her guests can unwind. Set up a cozy corner with soft blankets, scented candles, and essential oils. You could even hire a masseuse to offer mini prenatal massages or teach guests how to give soothing foot rubs. Add a playlist of calming music, and you’ve got the perfect atmosphere for relaxation.
Pro Tip: Include a DIY bath salt or sugar scrub station so guests can create their own spa goodies to take home.
4. Baby Book Library
Books are a wonderful gift for any baby, and a baby book library activity is both fun and meaningful. Ask each guest to bring their favorite childhood book or a new favorite they’d like to share with the baby.
During the party, guests can write a personal message inside the book’s cover, creating a library filled with love and memories. This activity also doubles as a great way to start building the baby’s first bookshelf.
Pro Tip: Include a mix of classic titles and diverse stories to create a well-rounded collection.
5. Nesting-Themed Games
No party is complete without games, and a nesting party is no exception. Try games like “Guess the Baby Food Flavor,” “Diaper Decorating Contest,” or “Baby Item Memory Match.” For a nesting twist, you could also host a “Nesting Olympics” where guests compete in baby-related challenges, like folding tiny clothes or assembling a stroller blindfolded. Keep the tone light and fun, and don’t forget to have small prizes for the winners.
Pro Tip: Incorporate games that involve the mom-to-be’s input, like “What’s in Mom’s Hospital Bag?” or “Baby Name Guessing Game.”
6. Blessingway Ceremony
A Blessingway is a beautiful, spiritual alternative to a traditional baby shower. It focuses on honoring the mom-to-be and offering her emotional support as she prepares for birth.
During the ceremony, guests can share words of encouragement, tie a string bracelet around the mom’s wrist as a symbol of their connection, or even create a birth affirmation banner.
This heartfelt activity fosters a sense of community and empowerment.
Pro Tip: Include a guided meditation or a group prayer to make the ceremony even more meaningful.
7. Memory Lane Scrapbook
Pregnancy is a fleeting but unforgettable time, and a memory lane scrapbook is a wonderful way to capture it. Set up a scrapbooking station with supplies like patterned paper, stickers, and markers.
Guests can contribute by writing notes of advice, sharing funny stories, or adding photos of the mom-to-be throughout her pregnancy. This scrapbook will become a treasured keepsake for both the mom and the baby.
Pro Tip: Include prompts like “What I love most about the mom-to-be” or “My wish for the baby” to guide guests’ contributions.
FAQs About Nesting Parties
Q: What’s the difference between a nesting party and a baby shower?
A: While a baby shower typically focuses on gifts for the baby, a nesting party is more about supporting the mom-to-be as she prepares for motherhood. It’s a cozy, intimate gathering that emphasizes relaxation, practical help, and emotional support.
Q: Who should I invite to a nesting party?
A: A nesting party is usually smaller and more intimate than a baby shower. Invite close friends and family members who are special to the mom-to-be. Think of it as a “mom’s night in” with her nearest and dearest.
Q: What should guests bring to a nesting party?
A: This depends on the theme of the party. For a meal prep party, guests might bring ingredients or a prepared dish. For a baby book library, they could bring a favorite children’s book. Be sure to communicate the theme and any specific requests in the invitation.
Q: Can I combine a nesting party with a baby shower?
A: Absolutely! Many people blend elements of both to create a hybrid event. For example, you could have a traditional baby shower with games and gifts, followed by a nesting-themed activity like a relaxation station or DIY nursery decor.
Conclusion
A nesting party is more than just a gathering—it’s a celebration of the mom-to-be and the incredible journey she’s about to embark on.
Whether you’re helping her stock the freezer, decorate the nursery, or simply offering words of encouragement, your support means the world. So, gather your favorite people, pick a theme that resonates, and create an unforgettable experience for the mom-to-be.
After all, this is her time to nest, and there’s no better way to show your love than by helping her feel ready, relaxed, and celebrated.
What’s your favorite nesting party idea?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
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