Galentine’s Party Ideas Everyone Will Love

February has long been dominated by Valentine’s Day, a holiday centered around romantic love. But in recent years, a new, equally important celebration has captured our hearts: Galentine’s Day. Coined by the ever-enthusiastic Leslie Knope from the beloved TV show Parks and Recreation, Galentine’s Day, typically celebrated on February 13th, is a day dedicated to honoring the incredible, unwavering, and life-affirming power of female friendship. It’s a day to celebrate the women who are there for us through thick and thin, the ones we call for advice, for a shoulder to cry on, or for a good old-fashioned belly laugh.

And what better way to celebrate these essential relationships than by throwing a memorable Galentine’s Day party? This is not about competing with Valentine’s Day, but rather about creating a space to intentionally nurture the friendships that sustain us. A great Galentine’s party is all about creating a warm, inviting, and fun atmosphere where your friends feel loved, appreciated, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

This guide is your ultimate resource for planning a Galentine’s Day party that everyone will love. We’ll cover everything from creative party themes and decorations to delicious recipes, fun games, and thoughtful gift ideas. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, a chic brunch, or a creative DIY party, we have ideas to suit every style and budget. So, gather your best girls, because it’s time to plan a celebration of friendship that would make Leslie Knope proud.

Setting the Scene – Themes and Decorations

The first step in planning any great party is to decide on a theme. A theme will guide all your other decisions, from the decorations and the food to the activities and the dress code. For Galentine’s Day, the best themes are those that foster a sense of connection, fun, and indulgence. Once you have your theme, you can start thinking about decorations that will bring it to life.

Choosing Your Party Theme

• Pajamas and Prosecco Brunch: This is a classic for a reason. It’s the perfect blend of cozy and chic. The dress code is simple (your favorite PJs!), and the vibe is relaxed and celebratory. It’s ideal for a lazy weekend morning or afternoon.
• “Spill the Tea” Party: A modern take on a traditional afternoon tea. This theme is perfect for catching up on all the latest gossip in a fun and slightly formal setting. Break out the vintage teacups, tiered serving trays, and an array of delicious finger foods.
• DIY Spa Day: If your friend group is in need of some serious pampering, a DIY spa day is the perfect theme. It’s all about relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care. You can set up stations for face masks, manicures, and even massages.
• Favorite Things Party: A truly personal and interactive theme. Each guest brings a small, relatively inexpensive gift that is one of their “favorite things.” It could be anything from a favorite hand lotion to a go-to brand of chocolate. Each person then shares why they love their item, and everyone leaves with a bag full of new, friend-approved goodies.

Decorations That Dazzle

No matter your theme, the right decorations will transform your space and create a festive atmosphere. You don’t have to go over the top; a few thoughtful touches can make a big impact.

• Color Palette: While pink and red are the traditional colors of the season, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. A sophisticated palette of blush, gold, and cream can feel elegant and modern. Or, for a bolder look, consider a vibrant mix of fuchsia, orange, and red.
• Balloons and Banners: A festive balloon arch or a simple “Happy Galentine’s Day” banner is an easy way to make a big statement. You can also find fun, cheeky banners with phrases like “Ovaries Before Brovaries” or “Fries Before Guys.”
• Flowers, Flowers, Flowers: Fresh flowers are a must for any Galentine’s Day celebration. You don’t need a professional florist; a few simple bouquets of tulips, roses, or carnations scattered around the party space will add life, color, and a beautiful fragrance.
• Photo Booth Backdrop: Create a designated spot for photos with a fun backdrop. This could be as simple as a wall decorated with streamers and balloons, or you could get more creative with a flower wall or a custom-made sign. Provide a few fun props like feather boas, oversized sunglasses, and funny signs.
• Table Setting: If you’re having a seated meal, pay special attention to your tablescape. A beautiful tablecloth or runner, cloth napkins, and place cards can make even a simple meal feel special. Sprinkle some confetti or flower petals on the table for an extra touch of whimsy.

The Menu – Delicious Bites and Festive Drinks

Food and drinks are at the heart of any great party. For Galentine’s Day, the menu should feel special and indulgent, but also be easy to prepare so you can enjoy the party along with your guests. Think of dishes that are great for sharing, grazing, and mingling.

Crowd-Pleasing Food Ideas

• The Grazing Board: A beautifully arranged charcuterie or grazing board is the ultimate party food. It’s visually stunning, requires no cooking, and offers something for everyone. For a classic board, include a variety of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, bread, fruit, nuts, and olives. For a sweet twist, create a “dessert charcuterie” board with chocolates, cookies, macarons, and fresh berries.
• Brunch Favorites: If you’re hosting a brunch, you can’t go wrong with a frittata or a quiche. They can be made ahead of time and are perfect for serving a crowd. A yogurt and granola bar with a variety of toppings is another fun and interactive option. And of course, a big stack of pancakes or waffles with all the fixings is always a hit.
• Finger Foods and Appetizers: For an evening party, a selection of elegant and easy-to-eat appetizers is the way to go. Think herbed goat cheese and radish tartines, mini caprese skewers, or a warm spinach and artichoke dip with plenty of tortilla chips and veggie sticks for dipping.
• DIY Food Stations: Get your guests involved with a DIY food station. A “build your own” pizza bar with a variety of crusts, sauces, and toppings is always fun. Or, for a healthier option, a taco salad bar with all the classic fixings.

Festive and Fun Drinks

No Galentine’s Day party is complete without a signature cocktail (or mocktail!).

• The Mimosa Bar: A staple for any brunch party. Set out a few different types of juices (orange, grapefruit, cranberry, pomegranate) and some bowls of fresh fruit (berries, orange slices) so guests can customize their own bubbly creations.
• Honeyed Prosecco: For a simple but elegant upgrade to your prosecco, create a honey syrup by simmering equal parts honey and water until the honey dissolves. Let it cool, and then add a splash to each glass of prosecco. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a twist of lemon.
• The Lillet Spritz: A light and refreshing alternative to the more common Aperol spritz. Combine 3 parts Lillet Blanc, 2 parts tonic water, and a splash of club soda in a wine glass filled with ice. Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint.
• The Non-Alcoholic Option: Always be sure to have a delicious and festive non-alcoholic option for guests who are not drinking. A sparkling cranberry and rosemary punch or a simple pitcher of fruit-infused water are both great choices.

The Fun – Games, Activities, and Thoughtful Gifts

Once the scene is set and the food and drinks are flowing, it’s time for the entertainment. The best Galentine’s Day activities are those that spark laughter, encourage bonding, and create lasting memories. And at the end of the day, sending your friends home with a small, thoughtful gift is the perfect way to show them how much you care.

Games and Activities That Bond

• Rom-Com Bingo or Trivia: Create custom bingo cards with common romantic comedy tropes (e.g., “makeover montage,” “running through an airport,” “fake relationship”). Or, test your friends’ knowledge with a trivia game based on iconic rom-com quotes and characters.
• “Who’s My Famous Galentine?”: A fun icebreaker. As each guest arrives, tape the name of a famous woman (real or fictional) to their back. They then have to ask other guests yes or no questions to guess who they are.
• DIY Craft Bar: Set up a station for a fun and creative DIY project. This could be anything from decorating wine glasses and making friendship bracelets to creating custom-scented candles or sugar scrubs. Everyone gets to take home their creation as a party favor.
• Cookie or Cupcake Decorating: Bake a batch of plain sugar cookies or cupcakes ahead of time and provide an array of frosting, sprinkles, and candies. It’s a fun, creative, and delicious activity for all ages.
• Movie Marathon: If you’re going for a cozy, low-key vibe, a movie marathon is the perfect activity. Choose a selection of your favorite female-centric films, from classic rom-coms to empowering dramas.

Thoughtful Gift and Favor Ideas

A small party favor is a sweet way to thank your friends for coming and to remind them of the fun you had together. The best gifts are personal and thoughtful, not necessarily expensive.

• Personalized Items: A small, personalized gift shows you put in extra thought. This could be a mug with their initial, a piece of jewelry with their birthstone, or a custom-made playlist of songs that remind you of your friendship.
• Self-Care Goodies: Put together a small self-care kit with items like a face mask, a bath bomb, a luxurious hand cream, or a scented candle. This is a perfect favor for a DIY spa day theme.
• Sweet Treats: You can’t go wrong with an edible favor. A small bag of gourmet chocolates, a beautifully decorated cookie, or a jar of homemade jam are all lovely options.
• A Framed Photo: In the age of digital photos, a physical print can feel incredibly special. Print out a favorite photo of you and each of your friends and place it in a pretty frame. It’s a simple but heartfelt gift that they are sure to cherish.

A Celebration of Friendship

Throwing a Galentine’s Day party is about so much more than just having a get-together. It’s a powerful and joyful act of celebrating the women who lift us up, support us, and make our lives richer and more meaningful. It’s an opportunity to create a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and cherished.

Remember, the perfect Galentine’s Day party is not about flawless execution or spending a lot of money. It’s about the intention behind it. It’s about the laughter that fills the room, the heartfelt conversations, and the simple joy of being in the company of friends who feel like family. Whether you choose a cozy brunch, a chic tea party, or a fun-filled craft night, the most important ingredient is the love and appreciation you have for your friends.

So, this Galentine’s Day, take the time to celebrate your tribe. Raise a glass to the inside jokes, the shared secrets, the unwavering support, and the incredible bond of female friendship. Your friends are some of the greatest loves of your life—they deserve to be celebrated in style.