Forest returned to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon as The Reds made a first visit to the London Stadium to face West Ham United in the capital.
Steve Cooper made two changes from the side that drew with Manchester City last weekend, with Chris Wood and Neco Williams coming in to replace Serge Aurier and Danilo.
The hosts created the first opportunity of the fixture, Felipe's loose pass was seized upon by Jarrod Bowen but the Brazilian defender recovered well to get a challenge in on Danny Ings before Keylor Navas alleviated the danger by claiming the loose ball.
The Hammers carved out another strike on 8 minutes following good work by Lucas Paqueta and Saïd Benrahma on the left before working the ball to Bowen, his strike on his left foot was deflected behind by Renan Lodi.
Two minutes later, Bowen's dangerous in-swinging corner had to be helped over his own crossbar by Navas with the ball curling towards the back-post before Ings' deflected strike deflected against the woodwork.
Forest's first attempt on goal came after 13 minutes, Jonjo Shelvey's delivery from deep was met by the head of Felipe with his effort forcing Łukasz Fabianski into a save to tip the ball over the bar.
On 22 minutes, The Reds created danger following a fantastic touch from Brennan Johnson near halfway before racing towards the penalty area, he found Gibbs-White but his strike from outside the area was held by Fabianski.
Six minutes later, Benrahma showed neat skill on the left side before cutting in on his right foot but his low effort was comfortable for Navas at his near post.
On 40 minutes, Johnson led a breakaway which resulted in a foul on the Wales international for a free-kick in a dangerous position. Gibbs-White delivered from the left hand side but despite Felipe's best efforts to flick the ball on, the hosts cleared the danger.
Johnson went down in the penalty following a challenge from West Ham defender Ben Johnson as we approached the break, but after a brief VAR check referee Jarred Gillett waved play on.
Half time: West Ham United 0-0 Nottingham Forest
The Hammers made a change at the break as experienced full-back Aaron Cresswell replaced Vladimir Coufal, while The Reds remained unchanged for the second period.
Forest worked possession well on 50 minutes to create a chance on the right hand side, Williams delivering a dangerous low cross towards Wood inside the six-yard box but Nayef Aguerd was well positioned to clear.
The hosts came closest to breaking the deadlock on 55 minutes, the ball was worked to Bowen who struck a low effort from 20 yards but was denied by the base of the post.
On the hour mark, Wood and Gibbs-White combined to set Johnson free into the penalty area, he chopped inside onto his left foot before shooting wide.
Forest made their first change on 66 minutes as André Ayew entered the action against his former club as he replaced Shelvey.
Following a blow to the head, West Ham 'keeper Fabianski made way for Alphonse Areola on 69 minutes.
On 70 minutes, The Hammers took the lead. Bowen's low drilled cross towards the six yard box was met by Ings who finished first time past Navas.
Just two minutes later, Ings bundled in his second of the game after a strong run into the area by Benrahma to give Forest a mountain to climb for the final 18 minutes in East London.
Cooper responded with a double change on 77 minutes, introducing Harry Toffolo and Jesse Lingard in place of Wood and Lodi.
However, on 78 minutes Declan Rice curled a superb effort past Navas from the edge of the box to make it three.
The Hammers then made a triple change as Paqueta, Benrahma and Ings made way for former Forest frontman Michail Antonio, Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini.
Moments after his introduction, Antonio headed in a fourth after leaping to connect with Fornals' cross at the back-post.
Sam Surridge entered the action for the final few minutes, replacing Johnson in the Forest frontline but The Hammers saw out the closing stages comfortably to ensure the three points stayed at the London Stadium.
Full time: West Ham United 4-0 Nottingham Forest
Line-ups
West Ham United: Łukasz Fabianski (Alphonse Areola 69'), Ben Johnson, Vladimir Coufal (Aaron Cresswell 46'), Lucas Paqueta (Pablo Fornals 83'), Danny Ings (Michail Antonio 83'), Jarrod Bowen, Angelo Ogbonna, Saïd Benrahma (Manuel Lanzini 83'), Nayef Aguerd, Tomas Soucek, Declan Rice
Substitutes: Gianluca Scamacca, Flynn Downes, Thilo Kehrer, Emerson
Goals: Ings (70', 73'), Rice (78'), Antonio (84')
Nottingham Forest: Keylor Navas, Neco Williams, Jack Colback, Morgan Gibbs-White, Joe Worrall (C), Renan Lodi (Harry Toffolo 77'), Brennan Johnson (Sam Surridge 85'), Jonjo Shelvey (André Ayew 66'), Remo Freuler, Felipe, Chris Wood (Jesse Lingard 77')
Substitutes: Wayne Hennessey, Danilo, Orel Mangala, Gustavo Scarpa, Emmanuel Dennis
Referee: Jarred Gillett