11 Dec
What is a Nesting Party? The New Event Trend for 2025
At RSVPify, we’ve been a first-hand part of the transformation of traditional events that seemingly might never change. In 2012, many thought using online invitations or RSVP software for planning weddings or other personal events might seem tacky or too casual. Over a decade later, it’s now as much a part of planning for those events as white dresses for weddings.
So we were intrigued when Pinterest recently announced their trends for 2025 based on user activity and noted that “Baby showers are out. Nesting parties are in.” Search trends reflect that the nesting party is quickly becoming the new hot event trend for personal events, similar to the rise of Friendsgiving in recent years.
But what is a nesting party, and where did it come from? Why are so many couples and families who previously hosted traditional housewarming or baby shower events now opting for nesting parties instead? Here’s everything you need to know about the newest event option for 2025.
The origins and meaning of the nesting party
The concept of a nesting party originates from the desire to create a comforting and nurturing environment, particularly during times of transition. Rooted in the Scandinavian tradition of “hygge,” which emphasizes coziness and togetherness, nesting parties have grown in popularity worldwide as people embrace more intentional ways of living.
While there’s no definitive origin story, the idea is closely linked to housewarming parties and seasonal gatherings. It’s all about preparing your “nest”—whether that means settling into a new space, preparing to welcome a new addition to your family, or simply surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family for any occasion. The rise of minimalism and self-care trends has also influenced the modern nesting party, a natural reaction to the tech-influenced evolution away from more rigid or stoic traditions around events.
What happens at a nesting party?
A nesting party typically involves activities that are both practical and comforting. Here’s what you can expect at one of these gatherings:
1. Preparation and Organization
Guests often come together to help the host with home-focused tasks. This could include unpacking boxes in a new home, reorganizing a space, or even decorating for an upcoming season. It’s a collaborative effort that lightens the workload and makes the process more enjoyable.
2. Creative Activities
Nesting parties often incorporate creative elements like crafting, vision boarding, or DIY projects. These activities allow guests to contribute something personal to the host’s space or create keepsakes of their own.
3. Comfort Food and Beverages
Food is a central part of the experience. Think warm soups, baked goods, and hot beverages like tea or mulled wine. The menu is designed to evoke comfort and bring people together around the table.
4. Self-Care and Relaxation
Some nesting parties include elements of relaxation, such as aromatherapy, guided meditations, or simply curling up with blankets and sharing stories. The goal is to foster a sense of calm and belonging.
5. Gift-Giving
Guests might bring small, thoughtful gifts to enhance the host’s space, such as candles, plants, or cozy blankets. These gifts are often practical and aligned with the nesting theme.
How to Host a Nesting Party
1. What Kind of Nesting Party Are We Talking?
Decide what your nesting party will focus on. Are you celebrating a new home, preparing for the winter season, or simply gathering friends for a self-care day? Or are you looking for an alternative to a traditional baby shower? While some of the overarching thematic components of a nesting party will be the same in any case (the focus on comfort, a smaller guest list including close friends and family), the specific variation will influence your planning list.
2. Set the Mood
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with soft lighting, cozy blankets, and calming music. Since the focus is on the hosts’ comfort in this case, you can also feel free to include elements that make you happy or relaxed – even if it might not fit the traditional idea of comfort.
3. Plan Activities
Choose a mix of activities that suit your theme. For example, you could:
Host a decluttering session with friends.
Set up a crafting table for DIY home décor.
Lead a meditation or journaling exercise.
- Organize the new baby’s room together.
4. Prepare Comforting Food
Offer a menu of easy-to-make comfort foods. Consider dishes like:
A build-your-own soup or chili bar.
Freshly baked cookies or bread.
Warm drinks like hot chocolate or cider.
- If you are planning on catering, opt for getting food that requires little preparation. Remember, the goal is to relax!
5. Encourage Participation
Invite guests to bring items or ideas that align with the theme. For instance, they could bring organizational tools, recipes to share, or even their favorite books to swap.
6. Send Thoughtful Invitations
Set the tone for your nesting party with invitations that explain the concept and encourage guests to dress comfortably. Finding a platform that lets you upload your own invitation design can help you personalize and communicate the “vibe” of the event even more effectively.
7. Express Gratitude
At the end of the party, thank your guests with small tokens of appreciation, like homemade candles, packets of tea, or mini plants. While the focus is on supporting you as the host, if you’re asking your guests to do some work, it’s a nice touch.
