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Valentine’s Day isn’t just about chocolates and heart-shaped cards, it’s about showing your affection and appreciation for the person you adore. And aside from your significant other, who is more deserving of a token of love than your best girlfriends? The brainchild of (genius) Leslie Knope of “Parks and Recreation” Galentine’s Day Feb. 13 is a day of “ladies celebrating ladies.” Whether or not you’re familiar with the fictional women of Pawnee, Indiana, take a note from their story this year to celebrate those savvy, smart, and fabulous women in your life. Read on for some tips on hosting a spectacular lady’s night (or day) without breaking the bank.
1) Have Brunch
Coordinate a classic Galentine’s Day brunch, complete with handmade gifts and doused in loads of pink. If you’re hosting at home, break out the waffle iron and cook up some classic Knope breakfast. You can also serve mimosas or bloody Marys, if you like, and ask the guests to chip in for booze. If you’re not up to cooking by yourself, ask everyone to bring a favorite brunch item, like frittatas, pancakes, or a breakfast scramble to share.
2) Have a Ladies’ Night In
Have an old-fashioned movie night watching “chick flicks,” or movies with empowering female leads. Some great films to begin with include “Thelma and Louise,” “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” “Waiting to Exhale,” “Hidden Figures,” and “Mean Girls.” Serve up some popcorn and wine, and encourage your guests to wear pajamas for an extra cozy good time.
3) Get Crafty
If you’re at all familiar with Galentine’s Day’s originator Leslie Knope, you probably remember how much she loves crafts. For a low-cost and fun-filled activity, get some crafting supplies (or request your guests to bring their own) and make some art projects inspired by you and your pals’ favorite Pinterest finds, or those nostalgic memories of childhood Valentine’s Day cardmaking.
4) Bake Together
Baking is an excellent, and delicious, activity that everyone can partake in. Get your pals together and bake some cookies, pies or other delectables to enjoy together for dessert or just because.
5) Treat Yo’Self
Gift your gals to a spa day and treat yo’self. If you’ve got an esthetically talented friend, ask her if she’d like to bring some supplies to share. Otherwise, there are plenty of tutorials available for free online, and plenty of decent low-cost products you can make at home, like these DIY facial masks, courtesy of Self. Give yourselves or one another some mani-pedis while sipping on some rose or Chardonnay.
To be sure, Valentine’s Day isn’t everyone’s cup of tea—especially singles who may feel left out during the couples-centric celebrations. But whether or not you’ll be taking part in the Feb. 14 festivities, be sure to round up some gal pals the evening before for an all-inclusive evening of sisterly love. If you’ve got some of your own Galentine’s Day celebration suggestions, we’d love to hear them!
