Like I’ve mentioned before, Valentine’s Day is my very favorite holiday, but Galentine’s is pretty great too. What’s better than getting your favorite girlfriends together for a night to catch up, eat yummy food, and just enjoy all the girly things in life? I know throwing a get-together sounds easy in theory, but sometimes you just need a little inspiration to actually do it! If you’re thinking about throwing your own Galentine’s party this year, here are 10 super fun ideas:
1. Make Heart Shaped Pizzas
Who doesn’t love a pizza night with your favorite ladies, especially when the pizza is heart shaped? Invite everyone to bring a topping, let everyone roll their dough into a heart shape, and go to town with the toppings! To make it extra cute, cut the pepperoni into hearts with kitchen scissors or a mini heart shaped cookie cutter. It’s adorable and delicious! Hack: To make the preparation extra easy, stock up on Trader Joe’s pre-made pizza dough. It’s inexpensive and makes everything so easy! (While you’re there, grab their pre-made sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni too!)
2. Favorite Things Gift Exchange
I know, I know. Favorite things parties are normally associated with Christmas-time, but why not host yours in February when everyone’s schedules are less hectic? You can even add a theme, like favorite beauty item, favorite kitchen staple, or even have everyone bring a couple of their favorite things from Trader Joe’s and do a swap! You and your guests are sure to leave with a few fun new things to try out!
3. Fondue Night
Nothing says Galentine’s like a big pot of chocolate, right? I hosted a Galentine’s get together earlier this week with some of my best friends from college, and this is what we did. It was SO fun! I made a charcuterie board with things to dip in the fondue, including strawberries, raspberries, pound cake, brownies, and other sweet things. We chatted, laughed, and dipped and dipped and dipped! If you don’t have a fondue pot, don’t worry–you can use a regular saucepan to melt the chocolate and quickly reheat it on the stove every once in a while if needed!
4. Waffle Bar Pajama Party
Waffles are amazing any time of day, but especially at night! Set out a variety of toppings (strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate chips, etc) and have everyone come in their pajamas, and you’re already set up for a fun night! Bonus points if you have a heart shaped waffle maker. If you want to take your waffle bar to the next level, try this chocolate waffle recipe and serve it with fruit syrup, fresh berries, and vanilla ice cream. There’s really nothing better!
5. Have a Spa Night
If you and your friends are in need of some relaxation and self-care (aren’t we all?), throw a Galentine’s spa night! Do face masks, paint each other’s nails, and eat some delicious snacks while you catch up on life. In the middle of winter, everyone needs a little pampering!
6. Have a Board Night
Board nights have become extremely popular recently, and it’s easy to see why! If you haven’t heard of board night, it’s pretty simple. Everyone brings a charcuterie board with a unique theme (taco board, fries board, nacho board, etc.) and you have a feast! It’s a really fun idea, especially if you are hosting a bigger get together!
7. Decorate Sugar Cookies
There’s really nothing cuter than sugar cookies, especially when they’re Valentine’s Day themed! Grab a variety of sprinkles and decorating tips, and make several shades of pink frosting. Then set up a station for everyone to decorate their own cookies. Hack: Make your cookies in advance and freeze them to cut down on stress the day of your party!
8. Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Pick up some strawberries, chocolate, and sprinkles, and candy melts, and make chocolate covered strawberries together! It’s easy AND there’s nothing more delicious. Be sure to send everyone home with a box of their creations, and maybe an extra box for someone who could use a little cheering up! Bonus points if you have pink and red ribbon to make the boxes look extra cute and festive. (If you’re looking for tips to make your strawberries look professional, check out my tutorial here).
9. Do a Floral Swap
One of my best friends (shoutout to Kim!) told me about this idea, and I couldn’t believe how genius it was! Have everyone bring one bunch of greenery and one bunch of florals, set out some brown craft paper and ribbon, and have everyone make their own bouquet! Who DOESN’T love fresh flowers? Such a fun and cute idea!
10. Chick Flick Night
Last but not least, if you’re looking for an easy idea that’s still plenty of fun, get the girls together for a movie night! Set out an array of your favorite snacks (bonus points if they’re red and pink!), grab your softest blankets, and turn on a classic chick flick! You’ve Got Mail, Letters to Juliet, Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, and The Wedding Planner are just a few ideas!
If you’re thinking about hosting a Galentine’s party but are feeling unsure, here’s my advice: take a deep breath and send that group text! I promise you (and your friends) will be glad you did it. And if you feel like you don’t know who to invite, I promise there are plenty of girls you know who would love to come. It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one who’s lonely sometimes, but I promise you aren’t. So be brave–as women, we really need each other!
At the end of the day, there’s nothing more fun than getting your friends together, eating delicious food, and having girl talk, no matter what else you decide to do at the party. Which idea is your favorite? Let me know below, and I wish you a very happy Valentine’s week!