- Kelli
Galentine’s Day 4 Ways
Updated: Sep 12, 2020
Hello Gal Pals from all walks of life!
It is that time of year again! The time when all of woman-kind is dramatically divided into two categories: doting lovebirds with puppy-dog eyes who marvel at each romantic gesture no matter how trivial they may seem, AND bitter and jaded, love-loathing beings who can’t be bothered to even look in the direction of anything even remotely pink or heart-shaped. The truth is, whether you’ve found yourself struck by Cupid’s bow or begrudgingly adding another notch on the “years single” count, there is one holiday we can all get behind, GALENTINE’S DAY!
That’s right, the (arguably) fictional holiday iconically coined by our girl Leslie Knope has given lady folk both single and spoken-for an opportunity to celebrate one another’s achievements, attributes, and friendship. Regardless of where you fall on the relationship spectrum, I think that’s a holiday we can ALL get behind.
So, how do you celebrate your besties in style? I’m sharing 4 different Galentine’s Day celebration ideas with you! From outfits and decor to recipes and activities, I’m taking you through the ins and outs of how to make the most out of this fun holiday, no matter what your girl gang looks like.
1 – Love You a Brunch
The most classic of galpal celebrations, the brunch. Invite your favorite ladies over for some delicious breakfast foods and mimosas. Use funky and festive decorations to set the mood, like these I found on Pinterest!
Love this classy and classic tablescape with the garland pop!
Of course, a festive floral centerpiece is a must!
And check out these delicious veggie sandwiches on focaccia bread that your guests will love!
And these Oreo pops for a sweet treat!
Add a signature cocktail to get the party going (and keep it going) like these Raspberry Pink Champagne Floats! Are you drooling? Because I am.
And don’t forget a trendy backdrop for photo ops! I’m obsessed with the balloon letter walls that Oh Happy Day often features on their IG:
A brunch with your besties is the perfect opportunity to dawn something funky and bright, like this fuchsia tulle skirt. Pair with a crop top or bodysuit, a fun pair of pumps, and some colorful statement earrings!
2 – High SocieTEA Party
If you’re feeling a bit more proper and exclusive, a sophisticated tea party is the way to go! This is a great option especially if you’ve got a smaller, tight-knit group of lady friends. After all, most of us haven’t had a tea party since childhood! Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse. In my opinion, the key elements to achieving the ideal aesthetic for such an event are pale pink, lace, and flowers (both real and printed on porcelain).
When it comes to tablescape, less is more. Keep it crisp and classy with a white tablecloth or runner, allowing the cups and saucers to pop!
Speaking of cups and saucers, you CAN achieve the vintage tea party look without breaking the bank! Here is an inexpensive find that I may have just thrown in my own Amazon cart…
They come in a set of 4 for under $40 – love the variety of floral patterns too!
Of course, flowers are a must. A more whimsical option is to arrange your flowers in a teapot and use that as your centerpiece. This would be especially cute for a round table, in my humble opinion. I am always and will always be partial to the classic look of a bouquet in a nice vase, though.
For some nice refreshments, layer some finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes/sweets on a three tier cake stand, from bottom to top, respectively. Here’s an inexpensive cake stand from Amazon that is adorable (comes in white, baby pink, and lavender) and is just $25!
For food inspiration:
For party favors, you can’t go wrong with a nice royal icing sugar cookie! Wrap individually and add your guest’s name for an elegant take-away. You can do these yourself if you’re more talented than me, OR you can purchase them from your local bakery or a variety of Etsy pages!
In terms of an outfit, I think a nice, festive, yet muted dress is the way to go. Obviously pearls are a must. I think that’s pretty much an unspoken rule.
3 – Galentine’s Day Sleepover
Keep things cozy and casual with a good, old-fashioned slumber party with your girls! This is a great option if you’re short on time and money. Throw up some christmas lights, pop some popcorn, select your favorite romantic comedy and invite each of your friends to bring their favorite wine!
I hope you procrastinated putting away Christmas decorations, because you’ll need at least one strand of lights to set the perfect mood for a night of relaxation and endless chatter. String them on the back wall or ceiling, but avoid putting them on a wall across from the tv, or you’ll have an annoying glare for the majority of your movie-watching experience.
In terms of entertainment, your favorite romcom is a must to throw on the tv with your girlfriends. Here’s a list of the best romantic comedies of all-time. My recommendation is 13 Going on 30, so you can drool over Mark Ruffalo and sob over your Jenna dream house.
Also, a must-have accompaniment to any movie is POPCORN. I found this super cute and festive recipe and am so obsessed with the salty & sweet combo! Throw it in some valentine’s day paper bags and serve!
Pair this with a delicious mug of this Stout Hot Chocolate with Ice Cream and you will have the best of both youth and adulthood in a cup!
Arguably the most exciting part about hosting a sleepover (next to seeing all of your besties in one place, OF COURSE) is that you can literally be in your PJs the entire time you’re hosting. Stay on-brand with these festive jammie sets:
Or if you’re REALLY in the mood to keep things cozy, a onsie is ALWAYS an option…
The following morning, dazzle your guests with a fun and festive breakfast of heart-shaped waffles.
4) GNO
The fourth and final Galentine’s day celebration idea is a fun and fabulous night out with your besties. In the mood for a #TreatYoSelf moment? Gather your gal pals and hit the town for a night of celebration of female friendship and empowerment.
First thing’s first, you’ve got to get your outfit on point. This is one of those exciting times when you get to dress up a bit fancier than normal! Go boldly and all-in with the following inspiration pieces:
If you’re in the New York area, I’ve got the perfect guide to your lady date night beginning with…..
Dinner at Pietro Nolita.
Tucked away on Elizabeth and Spring St. in Lower Manhattan, this little pink Italian bistro is the perfect festive outing to kick the night off. Featuring “Pink as Fuck” napkins and a bathroom that will make your millennial heart soar, this restaurant is sure to get you in the Galentine’s day spirit, complete with Instagram-worthy photo-ops at every angle. I recommend starting with the violetta cocktail and ordering the classic and simple spaghetto al pomodoro.
174 Elizabeth St. New York, NY 10012
Next stop on your exciting night out can be to pop on over to a Broadway show! There are so many amazing shows to see, but my top suggestions for Galentines day are as follows:
Based on the iconic movie of the same name, this musical is a classic brought to life. You and your friends will enjoy this because you’ve likely already seen the movie. Enjoy hearing famous lines delivered in new ways, and seeing an iconic cafeteria tap number performed with trays. Go see it and you’ll get what I mean.
Another (cheaper and more accessible) option that will still be a spectacular experience is The Prom!
You will laugh, you may cry (a couple times if you’re like me), and you will literally want to get out of your seat and dance along. Relive your high school glory days and hear some new music that you may find yourself later searching for on Spotify.
There you have it! 4 ways to celebrate Galentine’s day this year! I hope you’re feeling inspired to rally all your girls together and celebrate each other’s strengths, skills, accomplishments, and character. Even if you decide not to host anything yourself, you can always tell your friends what they mean to you; it’s free and requires minimal effort, yet goes such a long way!