How to Host a Galentine's Dinner

Galentine's Day has quickly become the ultimate celebration of friendship, and what better way to celebrate your nearest and dearest than by hosting a fun, memorable Galentine’s dinner? Whether you’re gathering your best friends to unwind, laugh, and indulge, or you’re aiming for something a little more glamorous, throwing a Galentine’s dinner is the perfect way to show your appreciation for the amazing women in your life. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know on how to host a Galentine’s dinner that’s both chic and fun, from the invitation to the menu, and of course, the decor.

1. Set the Mood with Invitations

First things first—invite your gals! You can go the traditional route with hand-written invites or make it easier by sending out a digital invite. If you want to keep things light-hearted, create a playful Galentine’s invitation that sets the tone for the night. Platforms like Paperless Post or Canva have fun templates that you can personalise with quirky phrases like, “Let’s eat, drink, and slay” or “Best friends forever and always.”

For a more personal touch, make your invites a little more themed: think “Girls Night In,” “Treat Yourself Night,” or “Brunch for BFFs” depending on the vibe you're going for. Include any specifics like dress code (if there’s one), the time, and whether your friends need to bring anything (e.g., a bottle of wine, or maybe even their favourite playlist).

2. Curate a Fun, Tasty Menu

A Galentine’s dinner is about more than just the company—it’s about good food and making everyone feel pampered. Your menu should reflect the vibe you want for the night: elegant, relaxed, or even whimsical. Here are some ideas depending on the type of dinner you're hosting:

A. Elegant Galentine’s Dinner

If you want to go for an elegant affair with sophisticated nibbles and drinks, consider preparing:

• Appetisers: Mini bruschettas with roasted tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and basil; charcuterie boards with cheeses, olives, figs, and nuts.
• Main Course: A light pasta dish, like lemon and ricotta ravioli, or a vegetable risotto. For those who prefer meat, a delicate chicken with white wine and herbs is always a winner.
• Dessert: A fancy layered trifle, chocolate mousse, or macarons.

Pair the meal with some sparkling wine, cocktails like a French 75, or a fun punch made with your favourite fruit juices.

B. Casual Galentine’s Dinner

For a laid-back, no-fuss dinner, go for comfort food that’s easy to eat and share:

• Appetisers: Chips and dip (guacamole, salsa, or a creamy spinach dip), pizza bites, or loaded nachos.
• Main Course: Tacos or a taco bar with all the toppings, homemade pizzas with custom toppings, or a charcuterie-style grazing platter.
• Dessert: Chocolate fondue with marshmallows, strawberries, and pretzels to dip, or heart-shaped cookies you can decorate together.

With this menu, you can keep things fun with a DIY cocktail station, where each guest can mix their own drinks.

3. Create a Fabulous Setting

The setting for your Galentine’s dinner should feel both intimate and celebratory. You can play around with the theme, but one of the best parts about hosting a Galentine’s dinner is that it’s all about your personal touch. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Table Settings: Opt for soft, feminine colours like blush pink, gold, and white. Think floral table runners, napkins with a fun message, or candles in cute holders. If you want to add a touch of glamour, place some confetti on the table and scatter rose petals for that romantic but not too over-the-top vibe.

• Personal Touches: Add quirky elements that make your friends smile—customised drink stirrers with their initials, personalised place settings, or even hand-written little notes at each spot to show your love for each friend.

• Lighting: Keep the lighting soft and flattering by using candles or fairy lights, which create a warm, cosy atmosphere. You can even add a touch of glamour with string lights or a DIY photo booth corner with a sparkling backdrop for fun photos.

4. Plan Fun Activities and Games

No dinner party is complete without a little entertainment, and a Galentine's dinner is the perfect opportunity for fun games and activities that will leave everyone in stitches. Here are a few ideas to add some interactive fun:

• Truth or Dare (Galentine's Edition): Put a twist on the classic game by adding friendly questions and dares like, “Who’s the most likely to be caught singing in the shower?” or “Dare: Call your partner and sing 'I Will Survive.'”

• Galentine’s Trivia: Test your friends' knowledge about your shared experiences. Questions could be things like, “What was our first holiday together?” or “Who is the most likely to get lost on the way to brunch?”

• DIY Cocktails: Set up a DIY cocktail station where everyone can mix their own signature drink, and give each one a fun name like “The Heartbreaker” or “The Bestie Martini.”

• Compliment Jar: Have a jar where everyone writes a compliment about each person at the table and then read them aloud during dessert. It’s a sweet way to celebrate each other and leave everyone feeling appreciated.

5. Dress to Impress (or Relax!)

While you can certainly go casual, it can be fun to make the night feel extra special by dressing up a little. Consider setting a dress code like “Pyjamas and Pajama Glam” for a relaxed but stylish vibe, or “Chic and Sassy” for an elegant affair.

For a more laid-back night, you could encourage your friends to come in their most comfortable (yet cute!) loungewear. Think matching robes, fuzzy slippers, and your favourite cosy sweaters—comfortable, but still fun!

6. Don’t Forget the Music

No party is complete without the right playlist, and you can’t go wrong with a mix of upbeat tracks and some slower love songs. Some great go-to artists include Beyoncé, Lizzo, and Taylor Swift for fun and empowering tunes, and then a few classics like Aretha Franklin or Whitney Houston for a slower vibe.

For a themed playlist, why not make it “Galentine’s Hits” and include your favourite songs to dance around the living room to? Or if you’re feeling extra, let each guest create a playlist to share!

How to Host a Galentine’s Dinner: Wrapping Up

Hosting a Galentine’s dinner is a fantastic way to celebrate the love and connection you share with your best friends. It’s all about creating an atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated and valued. Whether you’re serving up delicious food, sharing heartfelt compliments, or dancing around to your favourite tunes, your Galentine’s dinner will be the ultimate celebration of friendship.

So, grab your besties, gather some great food and drinks, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.