Host the Ultimate Galentine’s Party: 31+ of the best ideas

Welcome to the ultimate guide on throwing an unforgettable Galentine’s Party! In a world obsessed with romance on Valentine’s Day, there’s a special day just for honoring the bonds of friendship – Galentine’s Day! I

I’ll be honest, I’ve struggled with friendships, especially in the last few years. I moved from San Diego to Kentucky years ago and felt like I left my safe circle behind. You get so busy as a mom, that you fail to make time to cultivate deep relationships with girlfriends and before you know it, years have gone by. It can be lonely and sometimes you have to be the first one to reach out, be vulnerable, and make the invite. So let’s start together (I promise I will if you will) with Galentine’s Day.

What is Galentines Day anyway and why should we celebrate?

Coined by the beloved Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation,” Galentine’s Day falls on February 13th and is dedicated to honoring the platonic love and camaraderie among gal pals. It’s the perfect occasion to uplift the fabulous women in your life. I was invited to my very first Galentine’s Day gathering last year and it was so fun it inspired me to (hopefully) plan one at my house this year.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Galentine’s Day special and showcase exciting ideas to host a Galentine’s Party that celebrates the magic of friendship, laughter, and shared memories. So, grab your gal pals and get ready to embrace the joy of sisterhood in a celebration like no other. Or, if you don’t have any genuine gal pals (I get it sister I really do), let’s make some by starting here.

Galentine’s Party Idea

1. Sip and paint a champagne bottles

This was the theme of the party I was invited to last year for my very first Galentine’s day get-together and I loved it. The host had half bottles ready for us and all the paint and brushes. We each painted our own bottles and chatted. She had fun drinks and snacks as well. It was interesting to see so much creativity in one room and how different each bottle came out.

The usual take on this is painting small canvases and taking them home at the end of the evening. I prefer the mini champagne bottles because they’re consumable and for some reason, I find them easier to paint than a canvas. Also it’s a little more unique.

2. DIY Bracelet Station:

Set up a crafting station with beads, strings, and charms. Guests can create personalized bracelets to cherish.

3. Make your own floral arrangement

Set out a bunch of flowers (Aldi usually has them this time of year for a fraction of the price of other places. That’s my go-to spot) Lay out flowers, greenery, pampass grass, and baby’s breath for guests to choose from. You can also pick up Valentine’s items at the dollar tree that can be added to each arrangement to make it look more festive. Guests can fill mason jars with their arrangements and pretty pink and red ribbons. Each lady can take home her masterpiece at the end of the evening.

4. Galentine’s Charades:

Create a charades game with phrases or activities related to your friendship. It’s a hilarious way to reminisce about shared moments. It’s fun to create your own games and it might just turn in to a full on game night.

5. Galentine’s Day Pictionary

This would be a fun twist on the game of Pictionary Pictionary is a word/sketch game that you play in teams. Players have to get their teammates to guess the secret word by drawing a picture that represents the word. The host could personalize the cards so the players have to sketch out fun group memories, or funny personal encounters. Fun fact, my sister announced her pregnancy during a family game of Pictionary by drawing a pregnant lady and then pointing to herself! it was super cute.

6. Friendship Trivia:

Create a trivia game with questions about each other’s favorite memories, and shared experiences. This is going to work best for a super-tight group. I probably wouldn’t do this one if there were some newer additions at the party as it may make them feel a little excluded.

7. Cupcake Decorating Challenge:

Bake cupcakes and provide various toppings for a fun, delicious cupcake decorating competition. Your friends can eat it there or take it home.

8. Make your own pizza night

Friends can personalize their own pizza that’s been pre-cut into a heart shape. Lay out all the usual toppings and let each guest piece together her own dinner. Bake the heart shaped pizzas and enjoy the deliciousness.

9. Apps and Apps

Ok, I may get made fun of for this one but hear me out as the idea just popped into my brain. I love learning and growing and I try to surround myself with women I admire. There are tons of apps out there that can boost productivity, foster creativity, or are just plain fun.

I follow lots of entrepreneurs on Twitter (or X I guess) and they’re regularly posting information about apps they’ve downloaded, especially AI ones, that are helping their productivity.

So, why not add a little fun informative tech to your Galentine’s day party? Each friend mentions her favorite app or one she just discovered and why it’s cool. This could be funny or actually informational. You just have to bring something creative to the table, not just mention the Instagram app!

After that, you snack on a plethora of yummy appetizers and socialize. See, there? Apps and then apps!

10. Tennis or Pickleball

Many of my friends are super into tennis so this one would be a no-brainer, if the weather cooperates. Our friend recently turned 40 and his birthday party included several rounds of tennis with people rotating in and out since it was a big group. They then had Mexican food for everyone to eat afterwards.

It was great to have an activity to do rather than just standing around socializing. Pickelball is all the rage right now so if you can find a place for your friend group, that’s one of many fun Galentine’s Day ideas.

11. Beauty product swap

Have a new lip gloss you’re in love with? How about a cool shade of nail polish you now can’t live without? Or maybe a new dry shampoo that’s changed your life. Bring your favorite new beauty product and explain why you love it before swapping with your friends.

I’d obviously shy away from foundation as skin tones can vary dramatically and are pretty specific to each lady. This is especially fun if each friend would give a little demonstration of why she loves and it and how it works.

12. One item giveaway

Similar to the beauty product swap listed above, except here you must bring something you’ve owned, but want to give away. It’s a great way to purge something you’ve been holding on to and maybe someone else will really appreciate it.

13. Galentine’s Bingo:

Customize bingo cards with phrases related to your friendship or common experiences. Play for small prizes or just for laughs. This is a little work to make but it could be super cute for your friends. This could lead to other board games if your group is enjoying a little friendly competition.

14. Rom-Com trivia

Enjoy the best day by hosting a trivia evening and test your friends knowledge of romantic comedy facts and TV romances featured on shows like “Friends.”

15. DIY Photo Booth:

Set up a photo booth with props and a fun photo backdrop. Encourage guests to take silly and memorable pictures to capture the moment.

16. Secret Galentine’s Gift Swap:

A little Valentine’s twist on Secret Santa. Maybe call it secret cupid? Organize a gift exchange where each guest draws a name and brings a small, thoughtful gift for their secret Galentine.

17. Karaoke Night:

Sing your hearts out with a karaoke machine or a karaoke app. Choose empowering and fun songs that celebrate friendship. Be fully prepared to laugh your heart out during this one. You can do this one at home with your phones or head to a karaoke bar.

18. Fondue night

Take a page out the restaurant The Melting Pot’s book and have various fondue pots for guests to enjoy. Have a melted cheese pot where guests can dip bread and veggies as an appetizer. Another fondue pot could have boiling broth where ladies can dip meat and shrimp.

Another fondue set can house warm chocolate for the dessert portion. Each lady can dip cake, marshmallows and strawberries for a sweet treat. If you want to go the extra mile here you could buy or rent a chocolate fountain. Yum! I’ve priced them on Amazon before and they’re actually not that bad.

19. Wine swap

Have your friends bring two bottles of her favorite wine. I’d set a price range for this as wine prices can vary dramatically. Your closest gal pals can swap and try new wines. Maybe uncorked one or two and try some wine tasting as well.

20. Movie Marathon:

Curate a list of favorite chick flicks or empowering films. Create a cozy movie-watching area with blankets and pillows. Dress code here is super casual – pajamas encouraged.

21. Cocktail or Mocktail mixing station

Set up aa DIY mocktail or cocktail mixing station with various ingredients. Guests can create their signature drinks.

22. Escape Room game at Home:

Choose an escape room kit or create your own. Break into teams and see who can solve the puzzles and “escape” first.

23. Dance Party:

Create a playlist of upbeat songs and dance the night away. You can even organize a dance-off with fun prizes.

24. Invite a Sommelier for a lesson

This can be on the pricier side, but if you want to learn more about wine, you could invite a sommelier to your home for a lesson and some tasting. This is informative for the novices in your friend group and wine lovers alike.

My girlfriend in San Diego did that and said it was super informative, but her guests got a little rowdy toward the end and had trouble listening to the lesson. (that’s why they call it “wine tasting” and not “wine chugging.” ha!).

You can call your favorite upscale restaurant or favorite bar and they might be able to point you in the right direction to find a sommelier in your area. There are a number of wine bloggers out there two who are also certified and likely would be happy to help you. I’d google wine bloggers in my area and see what comes up.

Be sure to have plenty of food and water out and maybe a non-alcoholic option or two.

25. Galentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt:

Plan a scavenger hunt with clues related to your friendship or inside jokes. The final prize could be a collective memory or group photo.

26. Compliment Contest:

Have a lighthearted contest where each guest writes what they like about others. Award prizes for the most creative and heartwarming compliments. At first, I thought this idea was cheesy and I wasn’t even going to include it, but the more I think about it, I realize we don’t uplift each other enough.

We may admire and appreciate certain aspects of each other, but we rarely voice that. And we should! If people are uncomfortable reading their cards out loud, friends can take them home and read them there privately.

Remember, the key is to celebrate friendship and have a good time together. Mix and match these ideas to create a memorable Galentine’s party tailored to your group’s preferences.

27. Face masks and self-care evening

This is one of those economical and fun Galentine’s day ideas. Find your favorite diy face mask and try it out on each other. I would. not recommend the mayonnaise in hair mask I tried with my friends in high school. It’s possible we used way too much but the smell make us sick and our hair was greasy for days!

28. Yoga and yapping

Do a yoga sessions to honor Galentine’s day and then chat the rest of the evening with your lady friends. Add some fun snacks and drinks into the mix but be sure to hydrate as yoga is no joke.

29. Favorite book swap

Bring your absolute favorite book new or gently used and explain what you love about it.

30. Learn a sexy dance

This is one all the hubbies are going to be all for! I would probably want to do this only with my very closest gal pals and with a very small group. You could pull up a dance instruction video and learn a strip tease (Carmen Electra has a great one.)

Then take your new information home and practice what you’ve learned with your husband. He’ll be begging you to hang out with your friends more after that! There are also dance instructors from your local dance studio or dance class who might be willing to come to your party and instruct your friends for a fee.

31. Host a delicious ladies brunch

I don’t know why, but brunch sometimes seems less daunting than hosting a full on dinner. A Galentine’s day brunch is a great option for celebrating female friendship. Your friends may be happily single and that should be celebrated as well. Put together a breakfast style buffet including some fun heart shaped food and you’re good to go to create memories together.

Head to a nail salon with JUST your group

Next to going on a girls trip, this is one of the more extravagent ideas I’ve thought of. We actually did this for my bachelorette party and it was a blast. My bridesmaids rented out the nail salon (actually I think we just booked the party on their day off and they made it work) and we all got pampered with hand massages and lovely nail polish and it was a blast.

Invitations

Creative invitation ideas 1. Digital invites with cute graphics 2. Handwritten notes for a personal touch

Galentine’s Goodies

Nothing says thank you for coming to my Galentine’s Day party like personalized goodie bags. You can include heart shaped cookies, little notes of appreciation, maybe some pink lip gloss, or red nail polish. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just a small token of appreciation for celebrating a special night together.

Don’t forget the decor

I’ve never really decorated much for Valentine’s Day, but I’m slowly adding a few key items incluing a pretty front door wreath and other decor. To see some cool decor ideas, click here.

Food ideas

I’m a huge fan of charcuterie so obviously I’m going to plug that for a Galentine’s Day get together. I like that the ladies can graze on it while they chat and I also like the fact that you can make them ahead and put them in the fridge until people arrive.

I’ve linked my favorite Valentine’s charcuterie ideas incuding one I just made for a little get together at our house.. Obviously, the type of event you host is going to dictate the food you serve. If you’re hosting a fondue night you’re going to serve different dishes than you would for an afternoon tea.

Make it super easy on yourself and have your friends bring their favorite appetizer or dish to share.

Conclusion

Remember to infuse your personality into your gathering and make it unique to your group of friends. Have a blast planning your Galentine’s Day bash!

Erica Fox

Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!