How To Plan a Galentine's Day Your Friends Will Remember (2024)

In my 20s I used to host a big Galentine’s Day party. It was my ‘big event' of the season and something my friend group always looked forward to. It went a little something like this: throw on a cute ‘going out outfit,’ gather at my house for drinks, enjoy a massive cheese board and sweet snacks, and enjoy a white elephant lingerie gift exchange. Then we drank some more and hit the bars! One of the most memorable Galentine’s Day moments with my friends was when we actually hitched a ride home at 2am in a fire truck. True story…and I have proof:

After starting a family and having kids, my Galentine's day tradition looks a bit different 😉, withmore cozy pjs, spicy movies, and heavy on the snacks, lighter on the wine vibes.

What and when is Galentine's Day?

Galentine's Day is a non-official holiday, celebrated annually on the 13th of February, the day before Valentine's Day. The term was popularized by the television show ‘Parks and Recreation', where the lead character, Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) creates a day to celebrate female friendships. Since then, it has become a day to celebrate with girlfriends, from fun boozy brunches to wild parties out on the town.

5 steps for an epic Galentine's Day

Let the Galentine's Day ideas begin!

1. Pick a theme

Choosing a theme for your Galentine's Day can add an extra layer of excitement. A theme not only helps in setting the tone for your celebration but also aids in streamlining your planning process, from decorations and food choices to dress code and activities. Whether it's a retro 80s vibe, a spa day, or a movie marathon, let your creativity run wild and choose a theme that you and your friends will enjoy. Here are some ideas:

1. Pajama party
2. co*cktail party
3. Fancy high tea or a dinner party
4. Las Vegas
5. Black and white
6. Costume party
7. Arabian nights
8. Decades: 50s, 70s, and 90s are fun!
9. Cooking/baking

2. Set the Vibe

Creating the right atmosphere, or vibe, for your Galentine's Day party is as essential as choosing the theme. The vibe sets the tone and mood of your celebration, helping to create an experience that resonates with you and your friends. It can range from lively and upbeat like a karaoke night or relaxed and calming like a yoga class.

The vibe is reflected in everything from the decorations and music to the lighting and even the scent of the space. For instance, a cozy night in might involve soft lighting, fluffy blankets, and a warm, inviting scent like vanilla or cinnamon. A boozy brunch, on the other hand, might call for bright, vibrant decorations, upbeat music, and a fresh, fruity co*cktail.

3. Create your menu

Creating a menu is a vital part of your Galentine's Day party, and it should reflect the theme and the vibe you've chosen. If you're doing a brunch, consider a variety of sweet and savory breakfast items that your guests can indulge in. Pancakes, waffles, and pastries are usually a hit. For a savory brunch, consider eggs benedict, avocado toast, or even a DIY bagel bar with various toppings.

A brunch is not complete without mimosas, the classic brunch co*cktail. You can offer a standard orange juice and champagne combination, or get creative with different fruit juices like peach, cranberry, or even grapefruit. You can also add a fun twist by making a mimosa bar where your guests can mix their own drinks.

For snacks, try to include finger foods that complement your main courses. Vegetable platters, cheese boards, and small canapés are always a good choice. Snacks not only keep your guests satiated throughout the festivities but also give them something to nibble on as they mingle and enjoy.

Some menu ideas:

1. Charcuteries boards – fruit, veggie, cheese, candy, chips and dips
2. Chicken wings or pigs in a blanket
3. Italian – pizza, ziti, spaghetti and meatballs
4. Sushi
5. Movie theater snacks – licorice, chocolate-covered raisins, chips, pretzels, popcorn

4. Choose your activities

Choosing activities for your Galentine's Day party should focus on creating fun and memorable moments. You could start with a silly icebreaker game, like ‘Two Truths and a Lie' or ‘Who Am I?', to set the tone for the events that lie ahead. When planning activities, know your crowd. If you have a creative bunch, consider DIY activities like jewelry making, baking, or flower arranging. If your friends like hanging out and chatting, consider going to eat, a movie marathon, or a game night. Some other ideas include:

1. Spa day
2. Road trip
3. Wine tasting
4. Fondue night
5. Fancy dinner parties
6. Posh high tea
7. Karaoke
8. Meditation or yoga class
9. Book club – grab one of these romantic books for a spicy conversation

5. Do a gift exchange

Doing a gift exchange on Galentine's Day adds an extra layer of excitement and bonding to the celebration. This fun tradition allows everyone to share a little piece of their personality, while simultaneously expressing your appreciation for your friends. Gifts don't have to be expensive, it's the thought (or the fun to be had) behind them that counts. You can also provide a theme to your gifting like lingerie exchange, skincare exchange, or chocolate exchange. Here are a big list of mom-approved Valentine's Day gifts as well as some other cute ideas:

1. Old Navy Valentine's Day Pajamas – wouldn't it be absolutely adorable if we all matched?
2. Saje Fortified Warmth Bath Salt
3. Machete Bar Keychain
4. Anthropologie Candle
5. Heart Shot Glasses or Heart Glasses

Galentine's Day is about celebrating love and friendship. Whether it's through a matching pajama party, a luxurious spa experience, or a toast with charming heart-shaped glasses, these Galantine's Day ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. The goal is to create lasting memories, filled with laughter, warmth, and appreciation. Have a fantastic Galentine's Day!

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For gift ideas for that mom in your life that does it all, check out my Valentine's Day Gift Guide, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for an inside look at my day-to-day, you may even catch me hosting my own Galentine’s Day!

Featured Image by Lorena Romero from Imágenes de Lorena Romero

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