Host the Perfect Galentine's Day Party!
- Nichole Groom
- Jan 24
- 5 min read
Updated: May 2
Did you know Galentine's Day was introduced on Parks and Recreation in February, 2010? Amy Poehler's character, Leslie Knope, creates the day as a time for women to celebrate other women. Leslie was onto something, as Galentine's Day continues to grow in popularity. It's the perfect way to get your best girls together for some relaxation and time to connect.
Galentine's Day parties can be cozy, intimate gatherings in pajama pants with cocktails, livelier parties with games and goodies, or big celebrations. Whichever direction you go, here are some creative ideas to help you host the perfect party for your best gals!
Party theme: Galentine's Day
Best for: Valentine's Day, February Girls' Night, February Book Clubs
Food and Drink Ideas:
Galentine's Charcuterie Board:
Forget the typical cheese and crackers - take your board to the sweet side with pink and white yogurt pretzels, strawberries and raspberries, brie with raspberry jam, and heart-shaped crackers. For more treats, look for heart-shaped licorice, gummies and other sweet treats. Mini-heart cookies can also make an impact on your Galentine's board.
Decorate your own Galentine's Cookies:
Start by making (or buying) plain heart-shaped sugar cookies. Make pink, white and red icing - and don't forget plenty of fun sprinkles! Have some icing ready to spread, and some in decorating bags. You'll have a blast using your creativity to make cookies for yourself and each other!
Festive Cake Pops
These may be easier to buy, but if you're ambitious, there are several recipes online for making your own cake pops. You can also take store-bought pops and decorate them with Valentine's sprinkles, or let guests decorate their own. It's an easy, simple treat everyone enjoys!
Espresso Martinis - three ways
We're taking espresso martinis to the next level with three delectable options that are easy to make and oh so tasty!
Carmel Macchiato Martini
This velvety smooth martini has the perfect combination of caramel and espresso. Using caramel vodka, Caramel Bailey's and bit of caramel drizzle, it's a showstopper! Add a sprinkle of salt to make it a salted caramel treat.
Vanilla Latte Martini
We're using vanilla vodka and vanilla creamer to incorporate the mellow taste of vanilla in this martini. Bailey's can also be an option if you'd like to up the creamy texture.
Cafe Mocha Martini
You can't forget about chocolate for Galentine's Day! Using chocolate liqueur and some chocolate drizzle, this martini satisfies your chocoholics, while also complementing the rich taste of espresso.
Make it Fun and Engaging!
Valentine's Exchange
Remember those Valentine's kits you'd buy as a kid? It was always exciting to fill them out, bring them to school and share with friends. Maybe you even discovered you had a secret admirer! Bring back memories and share your love with your gals by asking them to bring these same Valentines to the party.
Share the guest list - or just the number of people attending.
Ask them to choose a fun child-themed Valentine's card kit and fill out their Valentines cards.
Have Valentine's gift bags with bite-sized Valentine's treats (add their names for a personal touch). When guests arrive, they add their Valentines to each of the bags.
Guests can either take them home, or have fun opening them up together!
Want to get a bit more creative? Get plain bags and have construction paper, Valentine's stickers, etc., as well as glue and scissors and have each guest decorate their own bag.
My Favorite Things
My neighborhood has included this as part of our Spring Ladies' Brunch, and it's always a hit! It's all about sharing your favorite things and giving your besties a chance to try them out. How it works:
Ask each guest to bring three of their favorite items; include a price limit for each (typically $10 - $25, but up to you). Don't wrap them.
Have numbers ready to draw - if you have 10 guests, you have slips of paper numbered one to 10.
Ask each person to share a bit about their favorite thing and why they like it.
Afterwards, start with number one - each person selects an item.
Once you get to the end, start again with number one - they choose their second item.
You may decide to go backwards for the last round, re-draw numbers or simply go through the order one more time.
At the end, each guest comes away with three new fun products or items to try!
Note - this isn't a white elephant - no stealing! Keep it fun and light.
Tip: Skin and hair care, nail care and other self-care options are some of the best 'favorite things' to share with your friends. You may also opt for a favorite treat or splurge item they enjoy, or a life-hack product you can't live without.
For a great variety of self-care items in a variety of sizes and price points, I love to shop at Ulta.
Create the Vibe with Your Decor!
Setting the tone for a Galentine's Day party is easy - think about your vision and then make it happen! A couple of ideas to get you started:
Old-School Valentine's Decor
Get back to the classic Valentine's decor with lots of big paper hearts, heart-shaped doilies and diaper-clad Cupids throughout your space.
Red, pink and white carnations are a fun, affordable flower to use as a centerpiece.
To add homemade flair, buy pink, white and red construction paper and make paper chains to hang from doorways or around the main party area. It will bring back the nostalgia and make the room pop!
Candy Jar Centerpiece
You've seen them at all sorts of events - they're both eye-catching and give your guests a party gift to take home. You can use a variety of vases, jars, etc. to fill with candy hearts, gummy hearts and candies, and Valentine's kisses (You don't need to go out and buy glass jars - use what you have!). Have goodie bags available for guests to take home some sweet treats at the end of the evening.
An Elevated Valentine's Space
I love over-the-top red and pink Valentine's decor. But if you would like to go a
bit more elegant, I'd recommend green and white floral decor with just a hint of red.
Cut flowers with white carnations, roses, eucalyptus, and ONE red rosebud in the bouquet.
Continue to work with the green and white, finding simple, subtle ways to incorporate reds and pinks into the decor.
Use candlesticks with white candles to add additional ambience.
Need Help Planning?
A Galentine's party is such a lovely way to share your appreciation for the ladies in your life. Whichever direction you go, be authentic and have fun! Don't forget - if you need help organizing, check out these other blog articles:
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