What is Galentine's Day?
If you're not familiar with Galentine's Day, it's time to take a cue from Leslie Knope, the queen of friendship herself. Introduced in Parks and Recreation, Galentine's Day is a celebration of platonic love and female friendship, taking place on February 13th, the day before Valentine's Day. It's all about honoring the special bond between women—whether it's your closest gal pals, coworkers, or even family. Think of it as the perfect opportunity to celebrate the ladies who lift you.
The beauty of Galentine's Day is that it's all about the friendships that enrich your life. Unlike the romantic love celebrated on Valentine's Day, this day puts a spotlight on the women who are your pillars of support. Whether it's long-time friendships that have stood the test of time or newer bonds you're nurturing, this is the unofficial holiday to shower your female friends with love, laughter, and fun.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to celebrate Galentine’s Day with your nearest and dearest. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to host your very own Galentine’s Day celebration—complete with everything you need for a fun, memorable night with your girlfriends.
Planning the Perfect Galentine's Day Brunch
What better way to kick off your Galentine's Day celebration than with a delicious brunch? It's the ideal setting for gathering your ladies to enjoy great food, sparkling conversation, and perhaps a glass (or two) of mimosas. Whether you go with classic dishes like pancakes and fruit or something more upscale like avocado toast with poached eggs, a well-planned brunch sets the tone for the day.
Elevate your table setting by incorporating modern dinnerware that complements your theme. Lenox is known for its sophisticated and timeless designs. From luxury melamine dinnerware to beautiful serveware, explore their collection of fine tableware to find the perfect pieces that reflect elegance and tradition for any celebration.
Choose a sleek and elegant style to make your brunch feel extra special. Imagine your guests enjoying their favorite brunch bites on stylish dinner plates or sipping coffee or tea out of cute coffee mugs or teapot sets.
One fun idea to add some flair to your brunch is to create a DIY mimosa bar. Set up different juice options, from classic orange to fun alternatives like mango or raspberry, and let your friends mix their signature drinks with home bar essentials. It's an interactive and festive way to get the Galentine’s party started. You can even set a loose dress code, encouraging everyone to wear their favorite brunch outfit, making the day feel like an actual event.
Incorporate small personal touches to make the brunch feel even more special. Handwritten notes with a personal message for each guest or a small favor like a scented decorative candle or friendship bracelet are simple but meaningful ways to express your appreciation. It's these little touches that will make your brunch an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Ideas for a Galentine's Day Gift Exchange
Nothing adds a touch of fun to your Galentine’s Day like a gift exchange. This is the perfect opportunity to get creative, drawing inspiration from a Valentine’s Day gift guide for her, and choosing thoughtful, personal presents that show your female friends some extra love
For a twist on the usual gift exchange, why not have everyone bring a gift related to your friendship theme? Perhaps something handmade or symbolic of your shared memories. Elegant items like a flatware set or a personalized spa kit will make the experience even more special. It's the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories while having fun together.
Another fun idea is to host a DIY gift-making station. You can provide supplies for everyone to make something unique, like friendship bracelets, or create custom greeting cards for each other. This adds a personal and creative touch to your gift exchange, making it more meaningful and memorable. Whether it's practical gifts or sentimental keepsakes, your friends will cherish the time and thought you've put into celebrating them.
And don't forget—this gift exchange doesn't need to be extravagant! The spirit of Galentine's Day is about appreciation and connection, so even small, heartfelt gifts like homemade cookies, a favorite book, or a framed photo of a cherished memory will mean the world to your friends.
Galentine's Day Decorations & Table Setting
When planning your Galentine's Day party, the decorations, and table setting can really set the mood. Opt for soft, romantic hues like blush pink, gold, and cream to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Just like you would for a Valentine’s Day tablescape, start by dressing your table with beautifully styled luxury serveware to make every dish look more appealing.
Think of creative ways to bring the Valentine’s day décor together: mix-and-match linens, elegant glassware, and plenty of candles. Add a touch of whimsy with some festive balloons or a cozy photo booth area where you can snap pictures throughout the celebration. These elements will bring your event to life and create a space where everyone feels celebrated.
One idea for enhancing your table setting is to create personalized place settings for each of your guests. Use elegant flatware and modern dinnerware sets to give your table a polished, sophisticated look. You can add name cards with handwritten notes or small floral arrangements at each setting to create a warm and welcoming ambiance. After all, the setting is a reflection of the care and attention you've put into planning this special day for your friends.
For a fun twist, set up a dessert table where each friend can bring their favorite treat to share. From cupcakes and macarons to heart-shaped cookies, this sweet display will not only satisfy everyone's sweet tooth but also serve as a beautiful centerpiece for your celebration.
Games and Activities for Galentine's Day
No Galentine's Day celebration is complete without some interactive games and activities to keep the fun going. A classic game night is a guaranteed hit—think charades, trivia, or even a customized version of Guess Who with clues about your friends. Want to get creative? Try a paint night or even a dance class to shake things up.
For those who prefer a more laid-back approach, set up a DIY spa day station. Your guests can indulge in face masks, manicures, and self-care treatments while enjoying each other's company. This not only gives everyone a chance to relax but also adds an extra layer of bonding. You could even organize a Galentine's Day movie marathon, complete with your friends' favorite chick flicks, popcorn, and cozy blankets.
Another fun activity is to create a memory jar where each guest writes down a favorite memory with the group or something they appreciate about each friend. Read them aloud during the party, creating a heartwarming moment that everyone will treasure. This simple activity is a great way to foster connection and celebrate the uniqueness of your friendships.
How to Host a Galentine's Day Dinner Party
If brunch isn’t your style, why not take some inspiration from Valentine’s Day dinner party ideas and host a cozy Galentine’s Day dinner party? You can create an intimate atmosphere with comfort foods like pasta, grilled veggies, and decadent desserts, adding warmth and elegance to the celebration.
For a sophisticated table setting, consider using a modern dinnerware set to bring elegance to your dinner. Paired with sleek glassware, your table will shine, making the night feel even more special. Personal touches like hand-lettered place cards or a themed playlist will make the evening unforgettable.
Encourage your guests to come in day outfits that match the party theme, whether it's "Hollywood Glam" or "Cozy Night In." This adds an element of fun to the dinner while setting the tone for a relaxed, celebratory vibe.
Dessert and Drink Ideas for Galentine's Day
Finally, no Galentine's Day party would be complete without some indulgent desserts and signature drinks! From heart-shaped cookies to decadent cheesecakes, creating a dessert table will have everyone swooning. Set up a cupcake decorating station or bring in a chocolate fondue fountain for a fun, interactive dessert experience.
Pair your desserts with creative cocktails like a sparkling rosé punch or a berry-infused gin and tonic, served in chic glassware sets for that extra touch of style. Make sure to include non-alcoholic options, too, such as mocktails or infused water, so everyone has something to enjoy. Whether you're toasting to friendship or sharing sweet treats, it's all about celebrating the people who make your life richer.
Celebrate Galentine's Day Your Way
At its heart, Galentine’s Day is about appreciation, laughter, and showing up for the people who matter most. Whether you’re hosting a full Galentine’s Day party with mimosas and cocktails, planning a cozy spa day, organizing a game night, or keeping things simple with dinner and quality time, this unofficial holiday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Galentine’s Day in a way that feels true to you.
This celebration shifts the focus away from romantic love toward platonic love, shared memories, and the female friends, gal pals, and lady friends who make life richer. From thoughtful gift ideas to fun activities, Galentine’s Day offers endless ways to honor friendships. No matter how you gather the ladies—big party or intimate moment—it’s all about connection, joy, and celebrating the friends who feel like home.