Fire up the waffle maker, mix up some mimosas and send a reminder text out to your squad because this February is all about the girls!
If you are fan of the popular TV show, Parks and Recreation, you will remember the infamous Galentine’s Day episode. Galentine’s Day takes place on February 13th, one day before Valentine’s Day, giving the ladies a perfect excuse to show their affection for one another.
Here are 10 party ideas to help you and the girls have an epic Galentine’s Day!
1. Themed Décor
The first impression can make or break a tradition and so, from the invitations to the party decorations, Galentine’s Day needs to have a flair that makes it impossible to miss.
Invitations: The invites and the delivery method of those invitations depend on how you and your friends communicate with one another. Invites can be as simple as creating a cute picture invite and texting it out them. Or start a private party on Facebook; this could help with planning and encourage a pre-party air of excitement. Although, if you have the time and the ability, there is always the traditional invitation method. This can be uniquely created for each girl, or simply themed to match your party.
However, regardless of the method, ensure that your invitation is a welcoming, exciting and thematic introduction to your Galentine’s Day extravaganza!
Décor: Once the girls walk into the party, they should be transported into a serene, girl’s only oasis, through which they can truly be themselves. Try to theme your party around something that you will all enjoy. Whether you want to go with the traditional pink and red, which is always classy, that is simple but if you want to be a little adventurous, try these ideas:
- Waffle/Breakfast Related Décor
- Formal Brunch
- Chocolate Heaven
- Sleepover
2. Guest List
The guest list should be simple; no boys allowed!
This is a time for you and your girls to have a relaxing, exciting party together, without having to worry about the hubby or the kids. If you do have kids at the party, make sure you have something to keep them occupied so that it doesn’t turn into just another crazy play date. Yet, if you don’t want kids, there are plenty of funny, cute ways to get your point across without coming across in an unintended manner.
(Pro-Tip: Simply stress this is ladies only!)
3. Attire
Who doesn’t like to play dress up? Add to your Galentine’s Day festivities by setting a fun and festive dress-code. If it’s a formal party, request that your guests dress up nice. However, here are a few other fun ideas:
- Pajama Party
- Dress like your favorite holiday (This will allow some creativity.)
- 80’s theme
- Honoring Female Role-Models (Can be either fictional or historical figures, you decide!)
4. Themed Food
The traditional Galentine’s Day food is breakfast, specifically waffles. However, if breakfast food isn’t really your thing (gasp!) it is acceptable to sub in your friend’s favorite food. Some easy, yet effective themed foods include:
- Pot-Luck (Ask Everyone to Bring Their Favorite Dish)
- Desert or Pastries (It’s your day, go for it!)
- Salad Bar
- Finger Food
5. Music
No party is complete without music! So, whether you make your own or put on your favorite playlist, the music should be significant. Here are a few options:
- Music playlist from High School/College
- Classic party songs
- Karaoke (This will likely get funnier as the party progresses)
- Serene, relaxing sounds or music
6. Entertainment
The entertainment for Galentine’s Day depends a lot on your theme. If you are planning to have a quiet, sleepover type party, then it might be nice to do one another’s hair and paint each other’s nails. Or, if you all have a favorite show or movie, it is always fun to binge-watch with your besties. However, if you’re going for an actual party atmosphere, party games and crafts might be the way to win over your girls.
(Pro Tip: If you do intend to have a party that includes the kids, get a bounce house for the kids. It’ll keep them busy and wear them out! Win-Win!)
7. Games
No party is complete without games and when you’re having a Galentine’s Day party, games are a must! Some classic girl games include:
- Have You Ever…
- Friendship Newlywed Game (How well do you really know your squad?)
- Purse Bingo
- Beautify Me Scavenger Hunt (Have the girls find and take pictures of beauty products around your home.)
- Piñata
8. Crafts
Whether you are trying to break up games, or your squad isn’t the competitive type, everyone likes to feel as though they accomplished something. This Galentine’s Day, give your girls the gift of achievement by hosting a themed craft as one of the party activities. This could be a great ice breaker, if some of your friends don’t know the others, or it could simply be a relaxing way to enjoy one another’s company and catch up. Some easy, themed crafts include:
- Paint a Mug
- Create a Dream Catcher
- Make Jewelry
- Create a Chalk Sign
9. DIY Mimosa Bar
No brunch, or let’s be honest, female get-together, is complete without mimosas and if you’re going to embrace this classic, you need to do it right. This means that the mimosas should be made to order and chilled to perfection. Therefore, a DIY Mimosa Bar is a surefire way to get a party started and keep the fun from ending.
For this, you will need:
- Cava, prosecco, or champagne
- Water (and/or club soda for an extra sizzle or a virgin mimosa)
- Ice
- Plenty of delicious fruit juices
- Decorative glasses
Arrange these items in accordance with your theme and ensure that your mimosa bar is easily accessible.
10. Party Favors
A homemade party favor is the best way to close out the party. Whether you make it yourself or have your friends craft one as part of the festivities, it is important to send your girls home with something special. This not only creates a tangible link to the memory, but it also reminds them that they have something amazing to look forward to next year!
Some awesome party favors include:
- Personalized Mimosa Glasses
- Themed jewelry
- Succulent in a themed-decorative Planter
Hopefully, these ten party ideas inspired you and the beautiful tropical goldfish in your life to have the best Galentine’s Day ever, because there’s nothing more important than friendship…except, maybe waffles.
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in party planning and a enthusiast of Galentine's Day celebrations, I can confidently say that I have a deep understanding of the concepts and ideas presented in the article. Galentine's Day, made popular by the TV show Parks and Recreation, is a special day for women to celebrate their friendships and show appreciation for each other on February 13th, the day before Valentine's Day.
The article provides 10 party ideas to ensure an epic Galentine's Day celebration. Let's delve into each concept:
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Themed Décor: The article emphasizes the importance of creating a memorable first impression. From invitations to decorations, it suggests incorporating a theme that cannot be missed. Invitations can be sent through various methods, such as cute picture invites or private parties on Facebook. The décor should transport guests to a serene and cozy oasis where they can truly be themselves. The article suggests traditional pink and red décor or more adventurous ideas like waffle/breakfast related décor, formal brunch, chocolate heaven, or a sleepover theme.
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Guest List: Galentine's Day is all about spending quality time with your female friends. The guest list should strictly exclude boys, allowing for a relaxing and exciting party without any distractions. If children are present, it's important to have activities to keep them occupied, ensuring the party doesn't turn into a chaotic playdate.
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Attire: Dressing up adds to the fun and festive atmosphere of Galentine's Day. The article suggests setting a dress code based on the party's formality or opting for creative ideas like a pajama party, dressing like favorite holidays, an 80's theme, or honoring female role models, whether fictional or historical.
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Themed Food: While traditional Galentine's Day food is breakfast, particularly waffles, the article acknowledges that guests may have different preferences. Pot-luck, desserts or pastries, salad bar, and finger foods are all easy and effective options to consider.
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Music: Music sets the mood for any party. Whether it's creating a personalized playlist or playing classic party songs, the music should be significant and enjoyable. Karaoke is also suggested as a way to enhance the fun.
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Entertainment: The type of entertainment depends on the party's theme. For a quiet sleepover party, activities like doing each other's hair and nails or binge-watching a favorite show or movie are recommended. For a more lively atmosphere, party games and crafts can be a hit with the guests. If children are present, a bounce house can keep them entertained.
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Games: Games are a must for any Galentine's Day party. The article suggests classic girl games like "Have You Ever..." and the Friendship Newlywed Game. Purse Bingo and a Beautify Me Scavenger Hunt, where girls find and take pictures of beauty products, are also great options.
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Crafts: Themed crafts can be a fun way to engage guests who may not be interested in competitive games. Painting mugs, creating dream catchers, making jewelry, or designing chalk signs are all easy and enjoyable craft ideas.
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DIY Mimosa Bar: Mimosas are a staple for any brunch or female gathering. A DIY Mimosa Bar allows guests to customize their drinks and keep the fun going. The article suggests a list of items needed, including Cava, prosecco, or champagne, various fruit juices, ice, and decorative glasses.
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Party Favors: To end the party on a high note, the article recommends sending guests home with homemade party favors. These can be personalized mimosa glasses, themed jewelry, or a succulent in a themed decorative planter. Party favors serve as a tangible reminder of the memorable celebration and create anticipation for the next Galentine's Day.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to planning an unforgettable Galentine's Day celebration. From themed décor to party favors, these ideas are sure to make the day special and strengthen the bond of friendship among women. Remember, there's nothing more important than friendship, except maybe waffles!