During the beginning of February, Valentine’s Day, February 14th, is top-of-mind. We often think that the only way to enjoy Valentine’s Day is if you have a significant other to share it with. For those of us who don’t have a partner or cannot see our partner, Valentine’s Day — a day of what’s supposed to be about love — can evoke feelings of sadness, loneliness and frustration.
Let’s turn that around this year! We’re so quick to lavish our significant others with gifts, chocolates and other tokens of affection, but why not our friends? Galentine’s Day, generally marked as February 13th, is a time to celebrate love by coming together and enjoying festivities with your best of friends. Here are some ideas for how to throw the ultimate Galentine’s Day party.
1. Pick a dress code.
Whether you and your friends want to dress to the nines or wear a cute and comfy pair of pyjamas, pick a dress code for everyone to follow! Not only will a dress code add an extra layer of fun and excitement to your party, but the coordination among guests will make for some great photo ops.
2. Fill your space with decorations.
Nothing generates excitement like walking into a room filled with decorations; they’re a great way to set the mood for a fun-filled event! Think pink, red and white tablecloths, balloons and flowers. Hanging hearts and a banner. Maybe some heart-shaped plates. The options are endless. Have fun and get as creative as you want with your Galentine’s decor.
3. Plan for a potluck.
Whether you’re hosting your friends for brunch or dinner, a potluck is not only cost-effective and relieves some of the preparation stress but it’s a great way to offer a wide variety of tasty dishes. It’s an added bonus if these dishes capture the Galentine’s Day spirit as well, from heart-shaped cookies to pink rosé wine.
4. Make an on-theme playlist.
Making a playlist full of upbeat, empowering songs is a great way to set and sustain the mood for your Galentine’s Day party. Singing and dancing along with your friends to songs by Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae or any other favourite artists is not only a ton of fun but is a great bonding experience.
5. Embrace the theme.
Last, but definitely not least, get excited about the theme! I get it, from the pink decor to the heart-shaped cookies, all the gushiness that comes with Galentines’s party may not be your thing. But at the end of the day, remember that Galentine’s is about spreading love and celebrating your friendships — if that’s not something to wholeheartedly embrace, I don’t know what is!
Bonus: Tuesday, February 13th happens to be when a new episode of The Bachelor will be airing instead of its usual Monday evening. If you and your friends watch, have it on in the background when you aren’t listening to the playlist you made!
No feelings of sadness, loneliness and frustration this Valentine’s (or should I say GALentine’s) Day! I hope these ideas help you throw the ultimate Galentine’s Day party. Enjoy!