Planning a Galentine’s party is an opportunity to celebrate friendship in a fun and heartfelt way. The goal isn’t perfection but creating a space where friends feel appreciated and enjoy a special evening together. With a little creativity and some thoughtful planning, it’s easy to throw an unforgettable celebration.
A Galentine’s Day party is all about celebrating the amazing friendships that bring joy and support to life. It’s a time to gather your closest girlfriends and show appreciation for one another. To make it even more special, consider inviting everyone to bring a friend—it’s a great way to spread the love and build connections, all while keeping things as inclusive as your budget allows.
How to Host a Galentines Day Party
My best and first advice is to make a checklist, and then stick to it. Visualize what you want the party setup to look like, then go from there to build a shopping list. Same with decor. Are you giving your gals a gift? Add that to your checklist.
If hosting something, you decide what you want to do, set the agenda if you will. So if you want to do games, play games! You can find some simple ones online; if there aren’t any for Val/galentines then adapt baby shower games. If you need ideas, Pinterest has more than you can look at.
Choose a Theme That Sets the Tone
A well-chosen theme can tie the entire party together and make it extra memorable. Themes like “Pajamas & Popcorn” encourage a relaxed vibe, with guests in cozy loungewear and a DIY popcorn bar featuring toppings such as caramel drizzle, cheddar powder, or crumbled cookies.
For a more nostalgic feel, a “Vintage Valentine” theme can include lace tablecloths, handwritten notes for each guest, and classic Valentine candies like conversation hearts. A clear theme helps streamline decisions about décor, activities, and even the playlist.
Set Up a DIY Galentines Party Photo Booth
A photo booth is always a hit and doesn’t require a big budget. A simple backdrop, like a sparkly curtain or string lights, paired with fun props like heart-shaped sunglasses, feather boas, and playful signs, creates a space for laughter and creativity. Guests love capturing memories, and adding a Polaroid camera or portable printer allows them to take physical keepsakes home. These little touches make the event feel thoughtfully planned and add to the overall fun.
Offer Delicious Treats with a Personal Touch
A mix of themed treats and interactive food stations can elevate the party experience. Heart-shaped cookies or cupcakes are classic options, and setting up a decorating station with frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter lets guests personalize their own desserts.
Another super hit ideas is a galentines charcuterie board! They’re so fun to make and stunning to look at.
For drinks, a “Love Potion” bar featuring sparkling rosé, cranberry juice, and fun garnishes like sugared rims or fresh berries is an elegant touch. Including mocktails ensures everyone feels included, no matter their preference.
Plan Fun, Low-Key Galentines Party Activities
A balance of structured activities and unstructured time keeps the party lively without feeling rushed. Easy-to-organize games like Bingo or Galentine’s trivia, with questions about friendships or favorite rom-coms, always bring laughs. DIY craft stations, such as making Valentine cards or decorating mini succulent pots, are another popular option and leave guests with a tangible memory of the evening.
Honestly, the sky is the limit when it comes to fun games. Some other fun ideas include:
- Movie night with popcorn and adult beverages. Bonus points if you do it themed. Like… lets say you do Mobster movie night, then you could order food that you see in the movies.
- Card games like spoons
- Build your own pizza night followed by decorating your own cupcake night. Same thing with taco night and ice cream sundaes.
- Oh and karaoke never hurt
I personally would go with movie night. It’s chill and time-boxed.
Galentines Party Decor Ideas to Transform the Space
Creating a visually stunning atmosphere doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These decor ideas can elevate any Galentine’s party, making it feel festive and welcoming:
Balloon Garlands and Arches
Use a mix of pink, red, white, and metallic gold balloons. Balloon garland kits are inexpensive and come with everything needed for a show-stopping statement piece.
Themed Table Settings
Layer the table with a red or pink tablecloth, gold chargers, and heart-shaped plates. Add patterned napkins with Valentine-themed prints for extra charm.
Fresh or Faux Florals
Place vases filled with roses, carnations, or tulips on tables or scattered throughout the room. For a creative twist, use mason jars or repurposed wine bottles wrapped in ribbon or twine.
Light It Up
String fairy lights across the room or drape them over doorways and mantels. LED tea lights and pillar candles (real or flameless) add soft, romantic lighting.
DIY Centerpieces
Fill clear glass bowls or vases with conversation hearts, red and pink candies, or even small fairy lights. For a whimsical touch, place paper or felt hearts on sticks in the center of each vase.
Wall Backdrops
Hang a sparkly curtain or a large “Love You, Ladies” banner as a backdrop. Attach paper or felt hearts to the wall for an easy DIY photo op.
Heart-Shaped Everything
Incorporate heart shapes wherever possible—heart-shaped confetti on tables, heart-shaped balloons, and even heart garlands strung across the ceiling.
Soft Textures
Use velvet table runners, faux fur throws, or plush cushions in the seating area to add a cozy, luxe vibe. These small details make the space feel polished and inviting.
Seasonal Accents
Incorporate Valentine’s-themed items like cupid figurines, “XOXO” signs, or mini wreaths made from red berries or faux roses.
Chalkboard Signage
Use chalkboards to write fun messages like “Gal Pal HQ” or “Love You, Ladies” to direct guests to food and drink stations. Frame the signs for a polished look.
Hanging Valentine’s Décor
Suspend paper lanterns, pom-poms, or even floral hoops with ribbons from the ceiling to add depth and height to the space.
With these decor ideas, it’s easy to create a stunning, Instagram-worthy Galentine’s Day celebration that your guests will love. Keep the focus on layering textures, soft lighting, and pops of pink, red, and gold for a cohesive and festive look.
Surprise Guests with Thoughtful Gestures
Small surprises can leave a lasting impression. Mini gift bags with items like face masks, candles, or handwritten notes are thoughtful yet budget-friendly. Personalized touches, such as printing out-group photos taken during the party to send as keepsakes later, show an extra level of care and thoughtfulness.
What to bring to Galentines party?
Ask your guests to bring something that represents the kind of love they want to celebrate.
If they’re into plants, they could bring one. Love baking? Maybe an egg beater. If they adore their pet or grandma, they could bring photos to pin on a bulletin board you provide. Missing an old friend who’s moved away? They could bring a little memento from one of their adventures together. Or, if a book has really meant a lot to them, they could bring that too.
Ultimately, a successful Galentine’s celebration is all about connection, laughter, and meaningful moments. Whether it’s the perfectly executed theme, the delicious treats, or the heartfelt surprises, the details come together to create an unforgettable experience. Even if everything doesn’t go exactly as planned, the joy of celebrating friendship is what truly makes the night special.
