Gather up your girlfriends. It’s time for our favorite holiday of the year: Galentine’s Day.
Written By Melissa Peterson
Whether you’re single and looking to avoid the hearts and chocolates all together this year or you just want an excuse to spend a couple of hours catching up with your gal pals, we’re ready to help you throw the ultimate Galentine’s Day party this month.
What To Do: Pick A Theme
Of course there’s going to be yummy food, the perfect music playlist and plentiful drinks, but what are you actually going to do at this party? No one wants to host a party where everyone’s bored—especially if the gossip stops flowing. Here are a few cute ideas to make sure everyone’s feelin’ the love.
Choose an outfit theme.Whether you want your pals to come dressed up in heels and cocktail dresses, decked out in pink and white color combos, or comfy and cozy in their favorite PJs, a themed dress code is the perfect conversation starter and a great reason to snap a group selfie before the night is over.
Organize a Secret Cupid gift exchange. In traditional “Secret Santa” style, choose names beforehand and have everyone bring a gift for their person. Even better, choose a theme: a bottle of wine, your favorite beauty product, a candle and comfy blanket, the best book you’ve read this year. Whatever it is, set a budget so everyone knows what to expect.
Plan an activity. Hire a professional for a night of massages, mani-pedis or makeovers. Have a guided paint-a-picture night. (There are some great instructor-led videos on YouTube.) Sing karaoke. Watch a chick flick. Play a game. (We suggest Never Have I Ever or Truth or Dare.) Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a good time if you come with a sense of humor (and possibly a stiff drink).
Hand out Galentine’s Day cards. You could go with the traditional childhood boxed cards or even make your own. A fun activity for the evening would be to supply blank cards and craft supplies so everyone can make cards to exchange with one another.
Create personalized goodie bags. What’s a party if everyone doesn’t leave with a fabulous favor? Because you’re the host, you can choose a small, unique gift that’s perfect for each of your guests. Another idea is to invite your guests to stuff a goodie bag full of their favorite things, and then guests can choose one randomly before leaving for the night. This can be done in place of a gift exchange. Let your guests know the size of the bags and the price point, so they can plan what to bring in advance.
What To Eat: Bring A Board
A charcuterie board that is—and you don’t have to stick with the traditional meats and cheeses. We’re giving you and your pals permission to think outside the box.
One of our favorite party food trends is the “everyone brings a board” new twist on potlucks. And we think your Galentine’s Day party is the perfect chance to really indulge in some fun options. Here are some of our favorite—and most unique—boards that will really liven up your party spread.
Fruits and veggies. Choose options that complete all colors of the rainbow and can be paired with a yummy dip.
Caramel apples. Along with the caramel and apples, you’ll want all the toppings, like a variety of nuts, chocolate chips, granola and marshmallows.
S’mores. Pre-melt the marshmallows, and pack it with chocolates and graham crackers, but also don’t forget some other s’mores-flavored treats, like cookies. Also, pro tip: S’mores are great with peanut butter cups.
Salsa and queso. White cheddar queso, chunky salsa with all the veggies and creamy guac is a sure bet. Pair it with all the chips needed to scoop up a mouthful.
Donuts. Donut holes, powdered donuts, glazed and cream filled—everyone loves donuts. Make sure you get some ultra un-sensible sprinkles, too.
Candy. Twizzlers, ring pops, Fun Dip, gummy bears, loads and loads of chocolate, the options are unlimited.
Baked potatoes. This one is the perfect option for something a little heavier. Cook the potatoes in advance, slice them open and then supply all the toppings for the perfect loaded baked potato.
Chicken wings and nuggets.Honey garlic and everyone’s favorite mild are definitely crowd pleasers in the wing department. For the nuggets, Chick-fil-A offers a large platter, and don’t forget the dipping sauces.
Tacos. Crunchy shells, flour tortillas, lots of cheese and toppings, options for beef or chicken tacos—you can’t go wrong with tacos.
Pizza.Order a few pizzas, or make your own at home. Don’t forget the cheesy bread, breadsticks and garlic knots as well as butter garlic and marinara dipping sauces.
What To Drink: Punch It Up
Whether your gang’s looking for a mocktail or a cocktail, here are two recipes that will satisfy all preferences.
Cranberry Raspberry Vanilla Punch
- 8 cups cranberry-raspberry juice
- 8 1/2 cups cranberry ginger ale
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pint raspberry sorbet
- frozen cranberries, for garnish
In a large punch bowl, add juice, ginger ale and vanilla extract. Stir until combined. Add frozen cranberries and scoops of frozen sorbet. Stir slightly, and then serve immediately.
Red Wine Sangria
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 bottle red dry table wine
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 whole apple, sliced
- 1 whole orange, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
In small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring sugar and water to boil. Cook until sugar is fully dissolved. Allow to cool. Add red wine, brandy, pomegranate juice, apples, oranges and strawberries to large pitcher. Add cooled simple syrup, and stir. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.