Forget Cupid. On February 13th, it’s all about waffles, wine, and women supporting women.

Whether you’re single, partnered, or somewhere in between, Galentine’s Day is your excuse to gather your favorite ladies and celebrate friendship like it’s a sacred ritual—which, let’s be honest, it is.

Think of this guide as your no-nonsense blueprint for throwing a Galentine’s bash so fun it’ll feel illegal not to make it an annual tradition.

I’m giving you 22 detailed, no-fluff ideas, from themes and decor to food and fun.

I’ve hosted a few myself, and I’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to. Let’s get into it.

1. Host a Pajama Brunch (Waffles Mandatory)

Ain’t nobody got time for corsets and tight jeans on Galentine’s Day. Host a pajama brunch where everyone rolls up in their coziest PJs.

Bonus points if someone brings fuzzy socks or matching eye masks.

Serve up a DIY waffle bar—because if Leslie Knope taught us anything, it’s that waffles are the backbone of female friendship.

Offer toppings like strawberries, Nutella, whipped cream, and even fried chicken if you want to go savory.

Add a mimosa or two (or five), and you’ve got yourself a full-blown love-fest.

2. Make It a DIY Spa Night

Set up little at-home spa stations: think DIY facials, mani-pedi stations, and maybe even foot soaks with rose petals floating on top.

It doesn’t have to be expensive—just grab some sheet masks from Target, bowls of warm water, and essential oils.

Light candles, play soft music, and let the serotonin flow. It’s bonding, it’s self-care, and it’s a much better use of time than swiping on dating apps.

3. Host a Rom-Com Screening Marathon

Load up on the classics: 10 Things I Hate About You, Legally Blonde, The Proposal, Clueless, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Stream them back-to-back, and don’t forget popcorn bars and candy trays.

Encourage your guests to come dressed as their favorite rom-com characters. I once had a friend show up in full Elle Woods pink power suit, and honestly, it stole the show.

4. Make Custom Friendship Bracelets

Get nostalgic with some DIY bracelet-making. All you need are beads, stretchy string, alphabet letters, and charm add-ons. Put on a girl power playlist and get those hands working.

There’s something deeply satisfying about wearing something your bestie made while you both scream “This Is Me Trying” by Taylor Swift.

5. Set Up a Love Letter Writing Station

Have a little station with pens, paper, markers, and stickers so everyone can write anonymous or named love letters to each other. Encourage compliments, funny memories, or heartfelt thanks.

You’d be shocked how many people leave your party with a lump in their throat and a smile in their heart. Real talk: validation from your girls hits different.

6. Create a Photo Booth Wall with Props

Set up a DIY photo booth with a pink or red backdrop and props like boas, heart-shaped sunglasses, and tiaras. All you need is a ring light and phone stand to make it Instagram-worthy.

According to Sprout Social, 71% of people say user-generated content boosts their connection to a brand—your “brand” being friendship. So yes, let them post!

7. Make a Signature Galentine’s Cocktail (or Mocktail)

Craft a special drink for the night and give it a cheesy name like “Love Potion No. 9” or “Sippin’ Pretty.” Use pink lemonade, champagne, cranberry juice, edible glitter—whatever makes it extra.

Have cute glasses, sugared rims, and cocktail umbrellas. It’s the little things that take it from “regular Tuesday” to “main character moment.”

8. Do a Favorite Things Gift Exchange

Have everyone bring a $10-$15 item they absolutely love—anything from a favorite snack to a beauty product. Draw names, exchange gifts, and explain why you chose that item.

I once walked away with a Trader Joe’s hot sauce trio and a candle that smelled like Tom Hardy in a leather jacket. Still grateful.

9. Create a “Hot Girl Walk” Playlist and Take It Outside

Weather permitting, go for a Galentine’s group walk with your besties. Curate a playlist full of Lizzo, Beyoncé, Ariana, and Megan Thee Stallion.

Studies from the University of California show walking in nature with friends reduces cortisol (stress hormone) and boosts dopamine. Plus, you’ll earn your brunch later.

10. Try a Vision Board Workshop

Break out old magazines, scissors, glue, and poster boards. Have everyone create a vision board for their year—relationships, career, self-care, whatever.

It’s therapeutic and goal-setting in disguise. Throw in some affirmations and glitter pens, and suddenly, you’re a motivational speaker.

11. Organize a “Galentine’s Bake-Off”

Set up a friendly baking competition. Have teams or individuals whip up cupcakes, brownies, or cookies. Get everyone to judge on taste, creativity, and presentation.

According to Nielsen, 52% of consumers say baking is their go-to form of stress relief. Might as well turn it into a bonding activity with some laughs (and frosting fights).

12. Host a Wine & Paint Party

Grab some canvases, paints, and bottles of rosé. You don’t need talent, just a sense of humor. Pick a fun theme like “Paint Your Ex,” “Abstract Love,” or “Self-Love Portraits.”

You can even hire a local artist or follow a Bob Ross tutorial. I once painted a blob that accidentally looked like a potato in lingerie—and my friends still bring it up.

13. Do a Charcuterie Board Contest

Each guest or team brings their best charcuterie creation: cheese boards, candy boards, dessert trays—anything goes.

Vote for categories like “Most Creative,” “Best Presentation,” and “Board You’d Take on a Desert Island.” Winner gets a bottle of wine or just lifelong bragging rights.

14. Throw a Karaoke Lip Sync Battle

Bring out your inner Beyoncé or Britney with a karaoke machine or app, and go all in. Add a twist with a lip sync battle, complete with judges and fake scorecards.

Let loose, laugh loud, and remember: no one’s judging your pitch if your confidence is louder.

15. Craft Galentine’s Day Cards Like It’s 2002

Think glitter glue, heart stickers, googly eyes, and scented markers. Sit around a table and craft cards for each other or for charity.

Mail some to women’s shelters, hospitals, or nursing homes. A heartfelt, handmade card is underrated magic.

16. Set Up a Fondue Fountain or Chocolate Bar

Rent or buy a chocolate fondue fountain (they’re surprisingly affordable), and lay out strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, bananas, and even potato chips.

Make sure to take photos of the chocolate-drizzled chaos—just maybe don’t wear white.

17. Host a Sip and Swap

Have everyone bring clothes, accessories, or books they no longer use but are in good condition. Lay it all out like a pop-up thrift shop, grab some wine, and go “shopping.”

It’s sustainable, it’s fun, and it scratches the retail therapy itch without draining your wallet.

18. Create a Compliment Wall

Set up a big piece of poster paper and have everyone write anonymous compliments about the other guests. By the end of the night, it’s a love-fest in writing.

You’ll be shocked at how many of your friends don’t realize how awesome everyone thinks they are until they read it on a wall.

19. Do a Group TikTok Dance or Trend

Pick a trending TikTok dance, skit, or filter challenge, and do it as a group. You’ll laugh more trying to get it right than from actually watching the result.

Whether or not you post it is up to you, but the process? Absolutely hilarious.

20. Curate a Friendship Awards Ceremony

Make up categories like “Most Likely to Send Memes at 2 AM” or “Queen of Emotional Support.” Hand out goofy prizes, certificates, or tiny trophies.

It’s light-hearted and guaranteed to end in laughter—and possibly tears. But, like, the good kind.

21. Have a Pizza & Prosecco Night

Keep it simple. Order pizza, open some bubbly, and play card games, Would You Rather, or Never Have I Ever. No theme. No stress. Just good food and good company.

Sometimes, the best Galentine’s parties are the ones that feel like an unplanned sleepover at age 13—except now you can legally drink and afford delivery.

22. Make It a Potluck Poetry or Storytelling Night

Have guests write or read short stories, poems, or even journal entries about love, friendship, or heartbreak. Don’t worry if it’s messy or raw. That’s the point.

Combine this with wine, candles, and music, and suddenly, your living room turns into an indie café in Brooklyn. Vulnerability has a strange way of bringing people closer.

Galentine’s Day by the Numbers (Because I’m That Friend)

• 84% of women say close female friendships positively impact their mental health. (American Psychological Association)
• 63% of millennials say they would rather spend Valentine’s Day with friends than a romantic partner. (YouGov Survey)
• 40% increase in Galentine’s-themed product sales on Etsy since 2020. (Etsy Trends Report)

Real Talk: Why Galentine’s Day Matters

Life gets busy. Between work, obligations, dating woes, and whatever the algorithm is pushing next, we often forget the women who hold us up when everything else is falling down.

Galentine’s Day is your annual nudge to stop, gather, eat carbs, laugh too loud, and remind each other: you’re more loved than your ex ever made you feel.

You don’t need fancy decor or a Pinterest-worthy charcuterie board to celebrate properly. You just need intention, warmth, and maybe a waffle or two.

Final Note From Me to You

As someone who has hosted, burned cookies during, laughed through, cried in, and once accidentally ended a Galentine’s night with a group therapy session—weirdly beautiful—I’ll tell you this:

You will never regret gathering your girls.

So plan the party. Wear the ridiculous heart glasses. Make the playlist. Because in the end, it’s not about pink balloons or mimosas—it’s about connection. And connection, my friend, is the truest love story of all.