How to Throw a Galentine's Day Party
Valentine's Day is nice and all, but have you ever wished there was a holiday that celebrated friendships between women? Well, it turns out there is! While you may not see it on calendars anytime soon, the unofficial holiday Galentine's Day will be here on February 13th. A creation of the hit TV series Parks and Rec, Galentine's Day is a day for women of all ages and walks of life to celebrate each other. Sound like your kind of gathering? Ours too. Here's what you need to know to throw the perfect Galentine's Day bash.
Step One: Make a Guest List: Galentine's Day is all about ladies celebrating ladies. Make an invite list of all of the important women in your life. Friends, neighbors, daughter, mothers, nieces, teachers, hair stylists, child care workers… the options are endless!
Step Two: Plan a Menu: The traditional Galentine's Day meal is a brunch. Work out a menu that focuses on brunch-time favorites. Quiches or frittatas are a classic, but you can mix things up a bit with pastries, breakfast meats, and hash browns. Of course, if you want to celebrate like Leslie Knope there's no better option than waffles. Whip up some batter, grab that waffle iron out of your closet, and get creative with toppings. Whatever you do, don't forget the whipped cream.
Step Three: Keep it Sparkling: Sparkling beverages are the way to go. Keep your Galentine's brunch light and fun with a mimosa bar or a bowl of pink sparkling punch. Do you have some important girls in your life who aren't old enough to drink? Try mocktails instead - mix orange juice, limeade, and a splash of seltzer for a virgin mimosa. Serve your drinks in unbreakable cups to make sure broken glass doesn't come between you and a perfect celebration.
Step Four: Celebrate The Women in Your Life: This is the core of what Galentine's Day is all about. Once everyone is settled with their food and drink, use the opportunity to express your appreciation for the women who make your life amazing. Give a toast, tell a story, or take some time to go around the table and let each guest know what she means to you. Let others take a turn to keep the love going.
Step Five: Give a Parting Gift: While Galentine's Day isn't about presents, a few gifts never hurt anyone. If you consider gift giving an Olympic sport, find a perfect little something for each person you invite. If not, hand out favors with a personalized note. This doesn't need to be a stressful exchange - just a little token of love your guests can take back with them.
Don't let the fun end there! Keep the Galentine's Day spirit alive by taking time to appreciate the people in your life every day. Have fun!