Galentine’s Day: a time to celebrate the women in your life. What better way to show love to your ladies than with a girls’ night in? Whether Galentine’s will be the backdrop to your “Single Awareness Day” party or you simply want a fun reason to get together with your girlfriends, here’s a list of the top entertaining essentials you’ll need to host a memorable Galentine’s Day party.
But First, What Exactly is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day is a television-inspired celebration that made its debut in 2010 on the TV show Parks and Recreation. The show’s main protagonist, Leslie Knope is an ambitious, small-town government official who plans an annual brunch for her favorite gal pals called Galentine’s Day. The fictitious holiday resonated with viewers so much that it turned into a nonofficial holiday that has been celebrated ever since.
When is Galentine’s Day?
Typically celebrated the day before Valentine’s on February 13th, Galentine’s can truly be celebrated anytime in February. People who have taken to this trend typically plan gatherings before or after Valentine’s Day. No matter when you plan on hosting your party, make sure to consider the following tips for a girl’s night in your friends won’t forget!
Top Tips for Hosting the Best Galentine’s Party
The most important element to hosting a girls’ night in is creating the right ambiance at your home. With a little creative thinking and some preparation, you can create an event your friends will want to attend year after year.
Create the Right Room Layout
First things first, make sure your home is ready for hosting. If you just moved into your space and are light on furniture, visit a local used furniture store to find affordable dining room sets and living room furniture packages to ensure there’s enough seating. Position chairs and sofas in clusters, so guests can easily have conversations while sitting. Rearrange furniture to create clear walking paths. Place snacks in an area that is easily accessible. Aim to host buffet-style, so friends can shuffle through without getting stuck at the end of the line.
Decorate With a Theme in Mind
While Galentine’s lends itself well to the usual Valentine’s Day decor, you can level up the decorations at your party by implementing a fun theme. Consider the following girls’ night in ideas:
- Traditional Galentine’s Day Brunch: Follow in Leslie Knope’s footsteps and host a breakfast feast. Incorporate quotes from the Parks and Recreation episode as a homage to the woman who started it all. Here are some free Galentine’s Day printables from Brit+Co.
- Single Awareness Day: Bring on the anti-Valentine’s Day decor. Make or purchase a “Cupid is Stupid” sign and decorate with black streamers, black hearts, and black balloons.
- Glamping: Pillows, s’ mores, hot cocoa… create a cozy camping vibe indoors! Keep the lights low and light some candles for a campfire-like atmosphere.
- Sheroes Unite: Let your favorite heroine shine, whether that’s Wonder Woman, Hermoine, or Katniss! Ask friends to dress up as their favorite sheroe and decorate your space with comic books, superhero-inspired decor.
Make a Photo Backdrop
Create a dedicated area in your home for group photos. One of the most cost-effective ways to create a DIY photo backdrop that looks amazing is by draping streamers over a curtain rod. Follow these easy, step-by-step instructions on Wedding Wire to make your backdrop with only five rolls of streamers. For added fun, you can print photo booth props from Etsy or Pinterest!
Plan an Activity
Keep attendees entertained with an interactive Galentine’s Day activity! Remember receiving valentines from your classmates in grade school? Bring back this old school tradition by asking attendees to bring a box of cards. Spend time decorating paper bags, filling out valentines, and exchanging them with one another. An activity is a surefire way to bring a group closer together by encouraging conversation and collaboration. Plus, this kind of exercise can be a great ice breaker for ladies who may not know one another.
Provide Tasty Treats
Lastly, take the time to plan a menu that makes sense for your party. Are you hosting during mealtime, or will appetizers suffice? What kind of drinks will you serve? Will you provide dessert? For simple, budget-friendly menu planning, set up a serve-yourself food station, such as a taco bar or a baked potato bar. Not only does this save you time when preparing food, but it can also center the remainder of your menu. Choose two or three sides to accompany the dish and provide a sweet treat for your guests. For drinks, keep things simple with one signature drink you can prepare in a batch and water bottles.
There you have it! Now you can feel confident hosting a party for your best friends this February. But before your girlfriends come over for Galentine’s Day, make sure your home party-ready by visiting CORT Furniture Outlet. You’ll fall in love with the style – and price! – of the gently used furniture.
