Photos: Chris Emeott
A day celebrating the friends you love.
Celebrating love whether you’re single or not, Galentine’s Day is a time to surround yourself with the people you love. This unofficial holiday is truly as sweet as it sounds. Conceptualized by Leslie Knope of the popular television show Parks and Recreation in 2010, the celebration in season two takes place over a brunch filled with waffles and love from her friends. “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it breakfast style,” Knope says in the episode. “Ladies celebrating ladies.”
Whether you’re bonding over a spa night, cuddling up to watch a movie or putting on a fantastic brunch to emulate the episode, there is truly no wrong way to celebrate it! Galentine’s Day is simply about gathering together your closest gal pals to embrace each other’s presence on the day before a holiday that is widely considered exclusively for lovebirds.
We spoke with lifestyle blogger Rana Monet about how she would plan a Galentine’s Day with her friends.
Activities
Activities can encourage individuals to interact with one another and can be a way to physically incorporate the theme of the event.
Organize a card and gift exchange, similar to the premise of Secret Santa, where friends in the group are randomly assigned one another to anonymously give a Galentine’s Day gift.
Food
Food, for many, is the focal point to any occasion. Amp it up by creating an event that is catered to you and your friends’ tastes. Start with Pinterest for meal ideas or a potluck-style spread that incorporates anything from charcuterie and dips to salads and entrees. To ensure no two dishes are the same, Monet says to create a spreadsheet to help gauge what everyone will bring and provide a resource for those with any dietary restrictions.
If potluck style isn’t for you, create a tea party-esque spread equipped with a variety of appetizers and cupcakes from a local bakery along with fresh, seasonal fruits. Top the menu off with a signature holiday cocktail like a strawberry mocktail or cosmopolitan for a flirty, festive touch.
Decorations
The eye is in the beholder and how they choose to value the holiday. According to what they perceive Valentine’s Day to be, the colors could alter their decorating motives. The event could be centered around the classic and heartfelt red and white shades, or you can take Galentine’s Day quite literally and opt for an utterly girly route with a gradient of pink tones.
If Valentine’s Day really isn’t your thing, Monet suggests taking the anti-approach with Gothic elements and all black décor.
When decorating, it is important to consider your own preferences to add a personal touch to the event. After all, you are spending the day celebrating you and honoring your besties. Considering the uniqueness of this event, Monet says the best way to approach décor is to find pieces that are multipurpose and potentially secondhand. So you don’t sacrifice too much from a cost perspective, she suggests thrifting vintage pieces like funky vases, lacy linens and dishware. This is not only an easy way to repurpose classic items, but it will also make your event unique. “It makes it feel more special than your standard themed paper plates,” Monet says about the
salvaged items.
Tablescapes
As the center of the event, the tablescape is the key factor in showcasing your theme. “I focus on place settings and the decorations to set the tone for the event,” Monet says. When dressing the table, she shares how she uses the power of a clean linen tablecloth, unique dishware, flowers and plenty of candles to create a chic and inviting experience.
As an inexpensive way to decorate, candles can also provide a source of ambient light, add variation of height to the center piece and can be an easy way to incorporate your color scheme without going over the top.
Strawberry Mocktail
- 30 mL of lemon juice
- 30 mL of strawberry-flavored syrup (or
fresh fruit puree) - tonic water
- lemon
- strawberries
Shake the fruit juices with ice, and strain. Dump the “dirty” ice into a glass of your choice, and top the drink with tonic water. Stir to combine. Express the zest of a lemon peel. Garnish with a strawberry slice and a lemon peel twist. —Ava Diaz
Check out these local vendors to source some of your Galentine’s Day items for the celebration.
Sweet Treats
Nikkolette’s Macarons
3425 Highway 169 N.
How Sweet It Is Desserts
15705 35th Ave. N.
Decorations and Party Favors
Bachman’s Plymouth
10050 Sixth Ave. N.
Abode & Co.
3375 Plymouth Blvd. S. #220
Secondhand Treasures
Goodwill – Plymouth
15750 32nd Ave. N.
Turn Style Consignment
15545 34th Ave. N.
A special thank you to the following people and businesses for supplying their time, expertise, supplies and location.
Rana Monet
Instagram: @rana.monet
A Family Affair Event Styling
Instagram: @afa.eventstyling
Brick + Linen
Instagram: @bricklinen
Island Floral
Instagram: @island_floral
Fountain Hill Winery
Instagram: @fountainhillwinery
