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
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.
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.
How do you throw the best Galentines? ›
Tips for a Galentine's Day Party with a Favorite Things Theme
- Make a Guest List.
- Send Pretty Invitations.
- Use Festive Serving Dishes.
- Decorate with Galentine's Day Decor. Balloons. ...
- Set Pretty Table Settings.
- Have a Small Gift for Each Gal Pal.
- Be Prepared for Photo Opps.
- Plan a Leslie Knope Approved Menu.
Secret Valentine or Secret Cupid is just like Secret Santa. You and your friends write down your names and throw all the papers into a hat, a basket, a pan, whatever. Then each of you draws a name and gets a gift for that person. It's important that no one knows who drew who.
What is Galentines day only the best day of the year? ›
Galentine's Day is a play on Valentine's Day dedicated to celebrating a different kind of love - friendship. The unofficial holiday falls on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine's, and specifically encourages women to get together with their female friends and honor the power of female friendship.
What is a fun fact about Galentines day? ›
One of the most interesting things about Galentine's Day is that it wasn't created by a card company or internet marketplace trying to take all your money. Instead, Galentine's Day was founded by a badass fictional character: Leslie Knope of Parks and Recreation.
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.
How do you throw a fun Galentines party? ›
- Get excited about a theme. Sleeper Party Pajama Set with Detachable Feathers. ...
- 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.
Though you can host the festivities on any day you'd like, it's typically celebrated on February 13th, just before Valentine's Day. It's the perfect reason to get together with all of your favorite people and show your gratitude for the laughter and love they bring into your life each and every day.
How to decorate for galentines? ›
Rather than host a typical hang, embrace the theme and transform your home into a pink and red filled party featuring sparkly backdrops for photo opps, heart-shaped plates and maybe even some mesmerizing edible glitter.
What Is Malentine's Day? Malentine's day is a day for men to meet up and celebrate their amazing friendship. It is a happy, celebratory day, the male equivalent of Galentine's day.
Who made up Galentine's day? ›
Amy Poehler's character Leslie Knope coined the unofficial holiday in the second season of the series during episode 16, which was written by the show's co-creator Michael Schur and aptly titled 'Galentine's Day. '
Is Galentines day only for singles? ›
It doesn't matter if you're in a committed relationship, happily single or in a complicated "situationship," you're free to celebrate Galentine's Day with your friends. But as the name would suggest, it is meant to celebrate women and their friendships with each other.
What is the color for Galentines day? ›
Dress it up
You can never go wrong wearing a dress on Valentine's 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 do you say on Galentine's day? ›
Galentine's Day Quotes
- Galentines 'till the end of time.
- Spending Galentine's Day with my chosen family.
- Will you be my Galentine?
- Blessed with the best Galentines.
- Happy ladies celebrating ladies' day.
- Galentine's sisters forever.
- Shoutout to all the gals on Galentine's Day.
- Hello from the Galentine's squad.
Just as one can be someone's valentine on Valentine's Day, so one can be a galentine on Galentine's Day, e.g., “Will you be my galentine?” As such, a galentine is a playful, affectionate term for a close friend.
Do you give gifts on Galentines day? ›
Whether you have a sweetheart or not, Galentine's Day is a great occasion to celebrate the female friendships in your life. The best Galentine's Day gifts will show how much you care and make each of your friends feel appreciated. Best of all, you don't have to spend big to treat your gals to something sweet.
Is Galentines for single girls? ›
Friendship isn't a bathplug. It isn't there to fill a hole. While Galentine's is for all women – regardless of whether or not you're coupled up – there's an element of it being a booby prize for single women who might otherwise feel left out or alone.
What do you wear to a Galentines party? ›
And of course if you want to go very festive AND dress up, a pink dress is a great option! This one is incredibly comfortable, and can be worn with boots or heels or flats, or whatever you'd like. If you need it to be warmer, pair it with a light pink coat, or a red coat for a very Valentine-y outfit.
