In a world that often emphasizes romantic love, it’s essential to celebrate the bonds of friendship, especially those with our amazing gal pals. Enter Galentine’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring the incredible women in our lives. And what better way to celebrate than by hosting a fabulous Galentine’s Day gathering? Whether in a stylish Atlanta condo, a luxe Dallas mid-rise, or a cozy Fort Worth home, this guide will help you plan the perfect Galentine’s celebration.
What is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day, celebrated on February 13th, originated from the popular TV show Parks and Recreation. It’s a day for “ladies celebrating ladies,” a time to show appreciation for the friendships that support, uplift, and empower us. It’s about ditching the pressure of traditional Valentine’s Day expectations and focusing on the love and camaraderie shared between friends.
When is Galentine’s Day 2025?
This year, it’s celebrated on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Planning your fabulous gathering
Here’s your guide to creating a memorable Galentine’s Day celebration:
1. Set the mood
Transform your apartment into a haven of feminine energy. Think pink and red decorations, balloons, fairy lights, and maybe even a DIY photo booth with fun props. Create a playlist of empowering anthems and feel-good tunes to set the vibe.
2. Delicious treats
Food and drinks are essential for any successful gathering. Whether you opt for a potluck-style meal, where everyone contributes a dish, or prepare easy snacks like mini quiches, fruit platters, and heart-shaped cookies, having a variety of options is key. Don’t forget the drinks. Pink cocktails, sparkling cider, or a DIY hot chocolate bar are all great choices. For a fun and interactive experience, especially for wine lovers, Jill Ellis Worthington of Write On Communication Services suggests this clever idea: “When hosting larger groups of our friends who enjoy wine, we ask each one to bring a bottle they love. We put them on the table with the labels covered, so each guest can try a bit of each one. At the end of the evening, labels are removed, and most go home with a new favorite or a list of wines to add to their collections.”
Dr. Lewena Bayer, CEO of In Good Company Etiquette Academy & Finishing School, suggests a fun and educational activity called “Etiquette & Epicure” or “Manners on the Menu.” Each guest is assigned a food or beverage item and tasked with bringing it to the event along with an etiquette tip related to that item. “For example, the guest bringing cake researches how to properly cut and serve it; the spaghetti provider shares tips on twirling pasta; the wine bringer offers wine etiquette advice; and the flower provider shares insights on flower meanings or centerpiece creation. This ensures a lovely visit with good food, valuable etiquette, and entertaining tips for everyone.”
3. Fun activities
Keep the energy high with engaging Galentine’s Day activities. Jennifer with The Hopeful Neighborhood Project suggests, “Celebrating Galentine’s Day with your girlfriends can be a fun and meaningful experience. Consider getting to know one another even better by learning more about the talents and abilities of your friends. Write them down. See if you have the same ones. And, keep your notes—you never know when the opportunity to use your unique collection of gifts will come.” Other ideas include a chick-flick movie marathon, a DIY spa night with face masks and manicures, or a fun game night with classic board games or card games. You could even organize a “favorite things” gift exchange or a crafting session where everyone creates personalized keepsakes. Jennifer also suggests taking your party to a new level by making Valentine’s Day cards together and sending them to community helpers as an act of appreciation.
4. Thoughtful gifts
Showing appreciation is a key part of any gathering, both for hosts and guests. Renita Jackson, founder of Jackson Etiquette, offers guidance for both: “Have a memorable parting gift for your guests as they leave. It can be a simple candle, a bookmark, a heart-shaped box of candy.” For guests, she adds, “Remember to take a hostess gift.”
Galentine’s Day gift ideas to spark joy
Personalized gifts: custom jewelry, monogrammed mugs, or framed photos of you and your friends can make excellent personalized gifts sure to please Photographer Norma Fayak advises on the importance of personal gifts and quality time when it comes to friendship. “I LOVE a good custom gift,” she exclaims, suggesting personalized notebooks or gift baskets filled with favorite products to make everyone feel pampered. But she also emphasizes the importance of quality time: “Focus on the quality time. You can do a book swap, decide on a funny gag gift everyone has to bring, play bingo while watching a rom-com, and find a way to make the time really special together.”
Self-care goodies: pamper your gals with luxurious bath bombs, scented candles, or cozy robes.
Experiences: consider tickets to a concert, a wine tasting, or a spa day for a shared experience.
DIY gifts: show your thoughtfulness with handmade gifts like knitted scarves, painted mugs, or homemade treats.
Subscription boxes: curated subscription boxes tailored to their interests, such as beauty, books, or snacks, are gifts that keep on giving.
For the beauty guru: a set of high-quality makeup brushes, a luxurious skincare set, or a trendy nail polish collection.
For the bookworm: a new release from their favorite author, a cozy reading blanket, or a subscription to a book box.
For the foodie: gourmet chocolates, artisanal cheeses, or a set of unique spices.
For the homebody: a plush throw blanket, a set of scented candles, or a cozy pair of slippers.
5. Capture the memories
Don’t forget to document the fun. Take lots of photos and videos to capture the memories of your fabulous gathering. Create a shared online album or a group chat where everyone can share their pictures and relive the fun.
6. Dress code
When it comes to Galentine’s Day attire, the emphasis is on comfort, fun, and celebrating female friendships. While there’s no strict dress code, many opt for a festive yet relaxed vibe. Think cozy sweaters, stylish loungewear, or even matching pajamas. For a truly luxurious experience, consider taking inspiration from the team at Bitter Grace, a luxury retail store in Washington, D.C., who suggests, “Celebrate Galentine’s Day with the people you love in the coziest way possible—in cashmere. Indulge in warmth, laughter, and meaningful connection while feeling comfortable and luxurious as you toast to friendship and style.” Whether you choose to embrace the cashmere theme or opt for something equally comfortable, the key is to wear something that makes you feel good and allows you to fully enjoy the company of your friends.
Celebrating the essence of female friendship
Galentine’s Day is more than a trendy holiday; it’s a celebration of the powerful connection between women—a reminder to appreciate the friendships that bring joy, laughter, and unwavering support. This Galentine’s Day, focus on fostering those connections with a cozy apartment gathering. Chelese Perry, an executive coach with The Chelese Perry Group, suggests creating the ideal atmosphere: “Put on your comfiest sweats, pull out the snacks, and spend the evening doing absolutely nothing but chatting and laughing together—because sometimes the best celebrations are just about being in your favorite spot with your favorite people.” Perry even offers a signature drink idea: “Bestie Bourbon Spritzers” (bourbon, ginger ale, and a splash of cranberry—or a mocktail version without the bourbon).
This Galentine’s Day, make it a point to show your appreciation for the special women in your life. Take the time to express your love and gratitude, whether through a heartfelt message, a thoughtful gift, or simply by spending quality time together. Celebrate the strength and beauty of female friendship and let your gals know how much they mean to you.
