As someone who has had the honor of photographing so many growing families here in the Twin Cities, I’ve noticed a quiet, meaningful shift in how we celebrate the arrival of a new baby. The traditional baby shower—with its stack of gifts and pastel games—still has its place, but something new is blooming: nesting parties.

These gatherings are less about “showering” someone with stuff, and more about showing up with support. In a world where parents often feel overwhelmed and under-supported, nesting parties offer a breath of fresh air. They’re warm, communal, practical, and deeply personal. In this post, I want to walk you through what makes nesting parties such a beautiful experience—not just for the parents-to-be, but for everyone involved.

What Exactly Is a Nesting Party?

If you’ve never heard of a nesting party, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But once you discover the idea, it’s hard not to fall in love with it.

A nesting party is a get-together where close friends and family come together to help prepare for a baby’s arrival in practical, meaningful ways. Think of it as the gentle, real-life version of those nesting instincts everyone talks about—only you don’t have to do it all alone.

Rather than watching the parents-to-be open gifts or play party games, guests lend a hand with the things that really matter:

• Assembling nursery furniture

• Folding tiny onesies

• Cooking and freezing meals for the first weeks after baby arrives

• Tackling that “before-baby” to-do list that keeps growing

It’s hands-on help, surrounded by connection, conversation, and the kind of shared effort that feels like a warm group hug.

From Gifts to Acts of Service: The Shift in What Families Value

The families I work with often tell me: “We have what we need—we just need help pulling it all together.” That’s what nesting parties are all about. They recognize that support is the most valuable gift of all.

Why Parents Love Nesting Parties

• It’s deeply personal – You’re not just receiving stuff, you’re receiving care.

• It eases stress – Crossing things off that never-ending list with the help of your favorite people? That’s powerful.

• It builds community – Nesting parties create an atmosphere of shared joy, support, and storytelling.

When we step away from expectations and into intention, everything changes. And honestly? It’s a change that reflects how many of us are redefining what “preparing for baby” looks and feels like.

Activities That Make a Nesting Party Shine

The best nesting parties are simple, meaningful, and full of gentle movement and laughter. Here are some of my favorite activities I’ve seen (and photographed!):

🍼 Practical Projects

• Assembling the crib and setting up baby’s dresser or changing table

• Installing blackout curtains in the nursery

• Organizing baby items by size and season

🍲 Meal Prep Magic

• Friends bring ingredients or freezer-friendly recipes

• A little cooking party results in meals the new parents can reheat during those busy early days

🎨 Sweet Sentimentals

• Crafting onesies with fabric paint or iron-ons

• Creating “love notes” for the parents to open during the newborn stage

• Decorating the nursery with handmade touches

🌿 Outdoor or Minimalist Ideas

• In spring or summer, gathering in a backyard for both connection and nursery prep

• For minimalist parents, a deep clean or simple organization day can be more helpful than any store-bought gift

The beauty is in the details—because every act of support becomes part of the story the family is writing together.

Planning a Nesting Party in Saint Paul or Minneapolis

If you’re planning a nesting party here in the Twin Cities, you’re in the perfect place. Saint Paul and Minneapolis are rich with community-minded people, cozy gathering spots, and local vendors who can help make your event both meaningful and easy.

Choosing the Right Space

• At home: Most intimate and convenient (especially when nursery setup is the focus)

• Local venue: Consider renting a community space for a larger group or a more neutral setting

• Outdoors: Think backyard brunch or a cozy park picnic during warmer months

Food That Feels Like Home

• Potluck-style dishes (ask for family favorites)

• Brunch boards, sandwich spreads, or comforting soups

• Consider hiring a local caterer for extra ease

Themes That Embrace Comfort and Care

• “Nourish & Nest” – focus on feeding the body and preparing the home

• “A Day of Love & Labor” – work together, laugh together

• “Baking for Baby” – meal prep with a sprinkle of sweetness

The Deeper Meaning: Connection Over Convention

Nesting parties are about so much more than productivity. They remind us that welcoming a baby is not a solo journey. And for many of the families I photograph, that communal experience creates a lasting memory far more special than any wrapped present.

When I’m behind the camera at these gatherings, I get to witness:

• Quiet moments of two generations organizing baby clothes together

• Friends laughing as they misread crib instructions

• A pregnant parent exhaling with relief as meals are tucked into the freezer

These are the moments that matter. These are the ones that become stories told for years.

Photographing the Heart of Nesting Parties

If you’re considering having your nesting party photographed, I can tell you from experience—it’s 100% worth it. These sessions are filled with real emotion, movement, and intimacy. And because everything is hands-on, there’s no stiff posing or forced smiles—just connection and care.

Tips for Beautiful Nesting Party Photos

• Let guests know you’ve invited a photographer, so they feel at ease

• Embrace the mess—laundry piles and nursery clutter are part of the story

• Capture the quiet in-between moments, not just the group shots

• Keep things simple and candid—I’ll be there to document it all gently

Think of it as visual storytelling. The photos will serve as a reminder of who showed up, what was shared, and how deeply you were cared for.

Why Nesting Parties Resonate in Today’s World

More than ever, we’re seeking meaningful connection over material celebration. We crave gatherings that feel intentional, intimate, and rooted in love. Nesting parties reflect that shift perfectly.

In a time when many of us are simplifying our lives, focusing on well-being, and reevaluating what truly matters, it makes sense that we’d want to prepare for a baby by surrounding ourselves with people who show up, sleeves rolled, hearts open.

Because when your little one arrives, what they’ll feel first is the energy of that love. The way the home was prepared with care. The way everyone came together to say: We’ve got you.

Final Thoughts: Creating a Legacy of Support

Whether you’re the one expecting, or you’re planning a gathering for someone you love, a nesting party is a beautiful way to turn a milestone into a memory.

It’s not about getting everything perfect—it’s about making sure no one feels alone.

And if you’d like to capture that day in a way that reflects its emotion and authenticity, I’d be honored to document it for you. These aren’t just photos—they’re your memories preserved.

✨ Your moments, your legacy.

Ready to Plan Your Nesting Party?

Let’s make it heartfelt, helpful, and completely you.

📍 Serving Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding areas
📷 Contact Giliane Mansfeldt Photography to document your special gathering