Once upon a time, February was the most dreaded month of the year. If you weren't in a relationship, it felt like only a time for couples. And if you were dating someone, there was so much pressure to find the perfect gift and be Pinterest-level romantic. But then, along came Galentine's Day — the holiday that saved the most disliked time of the year. If you’re wondering how this (magical, pink, lovely) day came to be, grab your box of chocolates and read on because yes, I am a Galentine’s Day historian.
It all started with a 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation titled “Galentine’s Day.” In the show, Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) hosts a February 13 brunch for her best girlfriends. She said the event — held one day before Valentine’s Day — was all about “ladies celebrating ladies.” I mean, of course we all fell in love with this day. How could we not? From that point on, February 14 was pretty much canceled. Kidding, but, Galentine’s Day quickly became the best part of the month and is now highly celebrated year after year.
So, how does one throw a Galentine's Day celebration? Well, there's no wrong way to do it. It's as easy as telling your friends that you love and appreciate them. But, if you're looking for a bit more inspo, you're in luck. Beyond knowing everything about this holiday, I'm also a Galentine's Day Party Professional.
Pick a theme
Everyone loves a good themed party, and this is no exception. Instead of everyone just wearing pink or red, giving your friends a specific direction to go in can really let them get creative. Maybe the theme is slumber party, and everyone wears fun pajamas. Or if you miss getting dressed up (same), you can ask everyone get red carpet ready and wear old prom dresses. Another idea is to make it pop culture focused, and ask your friends to dress up as iconic female movie, show, and book characters.
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Have a secret gift exchange
Presents are never a bad idea, and nothing says ladies celebrating ladies like a whole bunch of cute gifts. Use an online generator like this one to secretly match up you and your friends. Set a price limit, be it $5 or under $25, and ask everyone to wrap the gifts in pink wrapping paper. If you're not together IRL, make sure everyone has enough time to mail their gifts and then take turns opening together on a video call.
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Make a balloon wall
It's not a party without a balloon wall, OK? Whether it's for the background of your Zoom call or a real life photo booth backdrop, this is the easiest and most festive DIY decor you can do. Simply order heart-shaped balloons and line an empty wall with them. Easy, cute, and practically made for Instagram.
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Serve heart-shaped food
There's certainly no shortage of heart-shaped eats during this time of year, from grocery store cookies to drugstore chocolates. But, I highly recommend going for a heart-shaped pie. Many local pizza shops run specials on this kind of pizza during February, so there's a likely chance you can find someplace near you that can do something like the picture above.
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Make a dessert charcuterie board
ICYMI: Traditional charcuterie boards are kind of over. Now, it's all about putting fun new twists on the platter. For Galentine's Day, you can make a dessert board filled with pink and red sweets. Beyond tasting good, it will look good on your feed.
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Danielle Tullo
Deputy Editor
I like pink, iced coffee, and long walks through the candle section. When I'm not lighting up my favorite scents (probably while testing out new skincare), you can find me writing and editing all of the lifestyle things at Seventeen.
FAQs
For Galentine's Day, celebrating surrounded by sweet treats is essential. Embrace the red 40 and buy cookies, cupcakes and chocolate covered goodies in the official Galentine's colors to please guests with a sweet tooth.
How do you celebrate Galentines day? ›
This day, as the name suggests, is usually dedicated to honoring friendships between women. You get to spend it however you like with your galentines—by going out, taking a trip, enjoying a cozy night at home, or simply showering each other with gifts and affection the same way you would a partner.
What is Galentines day only the best day of the year? ›
What's Galentine's Day? Oh, it's only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.
How to throw the best galentines party? ›
35 Galentine's Day Party Ideas Your Girls Will Absolutely Obsess Over
- Get excited about a theme. ...
- Arrange your own flowers.
- Make fondue.
- Plan a "my favorite things" product swap. ...
- Pick a signature co*cktail.
- Invest in (themed, duh) balloons.
- Make personalized goodie bags.
- Host an at-home mani-pedi night.
Observed on February 13, the day before Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day celebrates platonic friendships, usually among women.
What is the guy version of Galentine's day? ›
Malentine's day is a day for men to meet up and celebrate their amazing friendship.
What are some fun facts about Galentines day? ›
Fun Fact: Galentine's Day was created by Leslie Knope, the Parks and Recreation fictional main character. She invented the holiday as a tribute to her close girlfriends.
What is the color for Galentines day? ›
Red is definitely the go to color for this day of love. If red is not your gam, don't worry, because I have something for everyone.
What does galantine mean? ›
galantine in British English
(ˈɡælənˌtiːn ) noun. a cold dish of meat or poultry, which is boned, cooked, stuffed, then pressed into a neat shape and glazed.
Is Galentines for single people? ›
Nope. Despite its name, anyone and everyone can celebrate Galentine's Day. At its gooey heart, Galentine's Day is a celebration of friendship and the people who stick by your side as romantic relationships come and go.
Throw an effortlessly delicious Galentine's Day party with a snack board of small bites and treats with meat and cheese , nuts , chocolates , and sweets . And of course, don't forget their favorite wines! They'll love digging into the Valentine's Day Charcuterie & Chocolate Gift Box with Wine.
How do you plan a Galentines brunch? ›
planning your menu: SNACKS
Cut & style them so that they're shareable and your guests can try a variety without committing to a large piece. You'll also want to serve up some healthier options. Good choices are egg white frittata, an arrangement of fresh fruit, yogurt for parfaits, etc.
How do you make the best party ever? ›
How to Have a Great Party
- Put together a rocking playlist for the party.
- Make batches of co*cktails or mixed drinks ahead of time.
- Put out a bunch of tasty snacks for people to munch on.
- Greet people and offer them a drink.
- Let your guests know what to expect as they arrive.
There are no strict rules when it comes to Galentine's Day festivities. Some choose to go the original path that is based on the television show. This consists of eating breakfast, sharing Valentine's Day goodies, exchanging gifts and an overall celebration of female friendship.
What is a Galentine slang? ›
Gal·en·tine's Day ˈga-lən-ˌtīnz- variants or less commonly Galentine's or Galentines. : a holiday observed on February 13th as a time to celebrate friendships especially among women. Sandra Lee loves a good party, and Galentine's Day is no different.
What is another word for Galentines? ›
Palentine's Day emerged as a gender-neutral version of Galentine's Day, which focuses on women's friendships.
Is Galentines only for single girls? ›
Is Galentine's Day only for girls and singles? Galentine's Day is definitely NOT for just the singles and girls. While the name has gal in it, anyone and everyone can celebrate Galentine's Day.
What to bring to a Galentines party food? ›
These delicious and decadent Galentine food ideas are sure to impress all your friends.
- Pecan-crusted French toast. ...
- Tomato and feta mini frittatas. ...
- Juicy baked ham. ...
- Asparagus with hollandaise sauce. ...
- Prosciutto-wrapped shrimp with arugula salad. ...
- Fruit with creamy dip. ...
- Pear, goat cheese, and hazelnut crostini.
It gained popularity in 2010 through the American sitcom Parks and Recreation. The leading character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, created the concept. In episode 16 of series 2, Knope brought together her lady friends to celebrate ladies on Galentine's Day.
What is Galentines explained? ›
Valentine's Day did not come to be celebrated as a day of romance until about the 14th century. Although there were several Christian martyrs named Valentine, the day may have taken its name from a priest who was martyred about 270 ce by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus.
