
On February 11, 2010, “Galentine’s Day” was born on the TV sitcom Parks and Recreation. Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), explained the day, “Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.” And the rest is history… or should we say, “herstory.”
Galentine’s Day has become the ultimate celebration of female friendship and is the perfect excuse to gather your besties for an evening of love, laughter, and of course, incredible food and drinks. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a full-fledged party, we’ve compiled a list of menu items that will make your Galentine’s Day celebration unforgettable.
Small Bites, Big Love
Get the party started with some delightful bite-sized goodies that let your guests know this is a love fest.
- Mini Caprese Skewers: A bite-sized twist on the classic Italian salad, caprese skewers offer a refreshing combination of textures and flavors. Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil onto small skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy and sweet finish.
- Heart-Shaped Bruschetta: Using simple ingredients, bruschetta delivers a perfect balance of crunch, freshness, and zest. Toast some Italian bread and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter for a festive twist. Then top with juicy diced tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Finish with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Charcuterie Board: Creating a vibrant and indulgent spread to celebrate friendship is as easy as cheese. Keep it simple with a few cheese variations, meats, and fruits, or go all out with a creamy, sweet, and savory palette. Creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and flavored goat cheese served alongside salami and prosciutto (style your prosciutto into roses for some cuteness overload); fresh strawberries and raspberries, plus dried apricots and figs; a savory mix of marinated olives, roasted red peppers, and herbed nuts with assorted crackers, baguette slices, and hummus. Decorate with edible flowers or rose petals. It’ll be insta-worthy and delicious.
The Sweetest Treats for the Sweetest Friends
When you think of Valentine’s Day, your mind immediately goes to candy and sweets. And Galentine’s Day is no different! Indulge your guests with these sugary delights:
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: An absolute classic, chocolate-covered strawberries combine the sweetness and juiciness of the strawberry with the creamy, velvety texture of chocolate. Dip the strawberries in your choice of chocolate – milk, dark, or white – and drizzle with more chocolate or pink and red sprinkles. Serve them on a platter, stick them in a centerpiece, or package them up as take-home gifts for your gal pals.
- Macaron Tower: Create an elegant and delicious centerpiece with macarons. Flavors like raspberry, strawberry, rose, vanilla, and pistachio perfectly complement the romantic and festive theme.
- Mini Dessert Cups: Taste all the desserts with less guilt. Single-serve dessert cups, like chocolate mousse, cheesecake, tiramisu, and fruit parfaits allow your guests to easily indulge in all the flavors. Customize to match your theme by decorating with edible glitter, fruits, or heart-shaped sprinkles.
A Bevy of Bevvies
Raise a glass and toast to friendship with these fun and festive drinks:
- Signature Cocktail: We love a signature cocktail for parties and events. But we especially love a signature cocktail for your Galentines. Whether it’s a sparkling rosé spritz, a sweet strawberry margarita, or a refreshing lavender gin fizz, these custom creations add a personal touch to the festivities. Add an extra personalized touch by naming your cocktails after your favorite inside jokes or pop culture icons.
- Mocktail Bar: Add the fun and flair of cocktails without the alcohol with mocktail options. Mix up a berry spritzer, a rose lemonade, or a tropical pineapple mint cooler. Garnish with fruit, edible flowers, or add some pink sugar to the rims of your glasses to match the theme. Mocktails make sure all of your besties can toast to your friendship.
- Wine Flight: Wine is always a good option when you’re getting your girls together. So curate a selection of wines that fit the theme. Start with the deepest reds and move all the way through a sparkling rosé. Create tasting cards for your guests to jot down notes about each wine they taste and compare with the group. Take it an extra step and pair some of the items on your charcuterie board with each wine.
Wrapping Up
Galentine’s Day is more than just a made-up holiday. It’s a great excuse to gather your girlfriends and celebrate the incredible friendships that enrich our lives. Whether you’re crafting a charcuterie board, turning your sweet treats into a centerpiece, or raising a glass, the day is all about honoring the women in your life. Cheers to ladies celebrating ladies!
Kadi McDonald is a freelance writer, marketing strategist, and proud Cleveland sports fan.