How to Throw the Best Galentine’s Day Party
NBC’s Parks & Recreation is no longer on the air, but it still has a huge impact, especially around February 14. That’s because the idea of Galentine’s Day originated on the show, which starred the brilliant Amy Poehler and often featured her championing her female friends and the friendships they shared. Yes, girl.
It has been 7 years since the Galentine’s Day episode hit the air, and we’ve come to really appreciate the fictional-holiday-turned-real-holiday. If you’re preparing to celebrate but are unsure where to start, the following six tips will help you show the love to your closest gal pals this February.
How to Throw the Best Galentine’s Day Party
- Branch Out — Brunch?
We don’t want to make a sweeping generalization, but it seems fair to say that the majority of women love brunch. Switch things up at this year’s Galentine’s gathering and meet in the morning instead of at night. You can whip up a seriously delicious breakfast menu and still incorporate some sweet morning cocktails, if you wish. Or, you know, you can all just munch on omelets and donuts and tell each other how wonderful, powerful and smart you are. Either way.
- Make It Baked
Valentine’s Day has a big, sweet element to it: candy! You can always go pick up a few bags of chocolate for your Galentine’s Day fiesta… or you can make your own confections and have that be the centerpiece of your party.
Have all of your girlfriends decide on a few recipes they’d like to try, or have everyone bring a tried-and-true dessert recipe plus the ingredients. Then, pre-heat your oven, dust off your mixer and go to town. You might want to have some romantic comedies on deck to watch while you veg out.
- Get Creative
Another way to spend Galentine’s Day is to complete a crafty little project with your girlfriends. You might want to head to an art studio where you can take painting lessons — preferably ones with wine — or go together to make pottery. You could also pick out a Pinterest craft, pick up the supplies and try your own DIY. At the end of the night, you’ll have a little souvenir to remember Galentine’s Day by for years to come.
- Uncork the Party
We don’t want to make any assumptions, but… do you and your friends like wine? If so, Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to gather ‘round and drink a bunch of different wines… for research.
It’s simple to host a wine-tasting party, although you can make it as simple or fancy as you’d like. Of course, wine pairs well with… just about any appetizer, so make sure you come up with a menu as well. Wine + snacks = a sure-fire way to knock this Galentine’s out of the park.
- Crank the Tunes
Let’s face it: no girls’ night out is complete without a dance party — the guys just don’t get why you have to imitate Beyoncé while you sing her entire discography, anyway. So, start compiling a playlist of all your favorite songs to go with the mood of the party.
You could go classic with the best party songs — the ones that everyone knows and can sing along to. If you just so happen to be overcoming heartbreak, some top-tier women’s empowerment songs will hit the spot, for sure. Or, if you’re all leaning into your single-ness this holiday, turn that Adele all the way up and show us how you really feel. Then, switch it back to the fun songs and dance your little heart out.
- Decorate!
No matter what type of party you go for, you should make a point to decorate your space so that it exudes those lovely, love-filled Galentine’s Day vibes. You can do something simple, like light candles or buy flowers, or get creative: place a bouquet of tulips in the center of a vase and fill the surrounding space with candy hearts or Red Hots. Voila: You’re instantly festive.
Now, Let’s Party
You have your theme, you have your playlist and you have the place looking full of love. All there’s left to do is wait for the girls to arrive and kick off this year’s celebration of friendship… and food and wine and compliments and cheesy movies. There’s no better holiday than this, ladies.