A nesting party is a gathering where guests help prepare a home for a new baby, often by bringing food or completing practical tasks.
The term draws on the idea of “nesting,” a familiar expression for organizing and preparing a living space before a baby arrives. Guests might assemble furniture, wash baby clothes, stock a freezer, sort supplies, or help arrange the nursery. A shared meal can make the work feel like a social celebration rather than a chore.
Nesting parties overlap with baby showers but emphasize assistance instead of presents. They can be especially useful when parents already have the equipment they need or would prefer help with preparation. The exact activities depend on the household and may be planned as a casual afternoon.
The expression is informal and does not describe one fixed ritual. It should not be confused with a “nesting” impulse sometimes discussed in pregnancy, which refers to a parent’s personal urge to clean or organize.