Celebrating Galentine’s Day
While I absolutely plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the loves of my life—my husband and kiddos—I’ve also got plans to honor my besties. I wish I could take credit for the brilliance of Galentine’s Day, but since I can’t, let’s honor its originator: Leslie Knope, the fictional Deputy Director in the comedy series, Parks and Recreation.
Leslie, thank you for granting us the official opportunity to love on our besties every February.
What’s Galentine’s Day? Oh, it’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.
— “Galentine’s Day,” Parks and Recreation, 2010
The purpose of G-Day is to honor and celebrate the friends in our lives by showering them with love—and perhaps gifts and champagne, too. But there are no rules! Here are some ideas to celebrate this fabulous holiday.
Show your love to your best babes this Galentine’s Day
Host a brunch party, plan a spa day, or send a surprise package in the mail. Express your appreciation and love to your Galentines by sharing something you enjoy with them.
Party time
Hosting a brunch is always a good idea. Be sure your menu features items that can be made ahead, so you can spend all of your party time connecting with your besties!
- Set the date and send a group text or a digital invitation.
- Frittatas are an excellent brunch option with delicious vegetarian and meat-filled options; my favorites include this bacon, spinach, tomato, and swiss and this mushroom and goat cheese option. I also love a fruit-forward green salad and yummy pastries.
- Mocktail and mimosa bars are beautiful, delicious, and—in my experience—always crowd pleasers.
- For decor, all things pink, red, glittery, and heart-shaped set the G-Day vibe. DIY balloon arches make for darling decor and the perfect photo op. Themed plates, napkins, and serving ware will make the soiree even more festive.
Spa day
Whether you’re pampering yourself or being pampered, you’re sure to walk away refreshed and feeling good about yourself. You could book your go-to nail salon for group mani-pedis, but I also love an at-home spa celebration with my besties!
While at-home spa party options are endless, I’ve selected some favorites to inspire your Galentine’s Day.
- Invite everyone to wear their jammies—cute PJ will set the tone for your spa day. Shein, Old Navy, and Nasty Gal have pairs we’re loving for everyone in your squad, and Hanna Andersson even offers sizes for furry galentines!
- Set the spa vibe by delighting every sense during your soiree with a good-for-your-soul playlist, smells-like-a-five-star-spa essential oils in a decorative diffuser, minimal party decor for a truly relaxing atmosphere, and spa-inspired drinks and food like fruit-infused waters, tea, and light finger foods.
- Neatly roll a bunch of dark-colored washcloths and place them in your crock pot with about a cup of water and a few drops of essential oil. Hand out the warm towels before facial treatments to ensure fresh, clean skin and maximum relaxation.
- Set up mini stations where you and your guests can do treatments on themselves or each other, like nail care and hand masks, eye masks, eyebrow tinting, or DIY cocktails/mocktails. I highly recommend the Auria Vita’s microdermabrasion treatment for your at-home spa day. Immediately bask in the benefits of ridding your face of dead skin cells: softer, smoother skin that will absorb topical products much better! Follow your treatment with a sheet mask and experience legit glow.
- Ask everyone to bring a self-care product they love. Exchange products and share your most beloved tips and tricks for looking fab and maintaining your sanity!
Surprise package for your far-from-home babes
To surprise your besties, send a fun Galentine’s Day package, card, or treat to let them know you’re thinking of them.
A few simple but sweet ideas:.
- There are so many cute Valentine’s cards—even the ones used for kids’ Valentine’s Day exchanges have sweet messages and darling designs.
- Sending a mini card with a thoughtful note and five-dollar Starbucks gift card would make anyone’s day!
- Personalized bracelets with inspirational words make for a sweet gift. I love these Little Words Project bracelets—and they’re now on sale at Target, too!
- Even as a grown woman, I can’t get enough colored gel pens, Sharpies, and really any other fun writing tool. Gift one of these cute pens with a notebook and a handwritten message.
Happy celebrating, babes!
XO, Machel