12 New and Fresh Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day
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By Alicia Searl, Crosswalk.com
Who doesn’t love getting together with “their girls” and celebrating friendship?
Valentine’s Day may be marked with flares of romantic love, but the love found within a friendship is truly special and should most certainly be celebrated! After all, these lovely ladies have seen you through thick and thin, all the highs and lows, along with your best and worst days--and they still adore you!
They have witnessed your heartbreaks as you have theirs, and you have faithfully been by each other’s side, bringing comfort and reminders of God’s unfailing love. Such a blessing! Oh my, how sweet friendships really do refresh the soul (Proverbs 27:9).
And so, sometimes, do chocolate and romcoms! But if you're looking for more unique and lasting ways to celebrate with your beautiful friends, this list will give you ideas you've never thought of before.
So, as the holiday of love draws in, let’s find some special ways to get together with your precious friends and honor your beautiful relationship that was brought together by a good and gracious Father.
Here are 12 Galantine’s party ideas that are sure to strike your fancy and allow you to “treat” yourself and those dear ladies in your life who bring you so much joy!
Photo Credit: ©Priscilla du Preez/Unsplash
1. Have Fun with Fondue
Between cheese, chocolate, or broth as the base, and then all the ways to serve fondue, the possibilities are endless. Oh, and not to mention, simply delicious!
While you can always go out for a night on the town to a fondue restaurant, you can just as easily host a fondue party! All you need is a few pots to simmer your base (whichever ones you and your girls decide, I personally love cheese and chocolate) then a variety of crackers, breads, and sliced meats for the cheese fondue base and fruit, pound cake, nuts, and pretzels for a chocolate base. Broth fondue generally pairs well with vegetables, meats, and breads.
Just have your friends bring the accessories of their choice and you provide the yummy pots of fondue, then let the fun begin!
2. Book a Retreat
While this option may sound costly and may be a bit difficult to get away, as prior prepping is most certainly involved especially if you have a hubby and kiddos to consider, it is still so worth it.
Nowadays, you can rent out a cute little house or cabin, split the cost (which will help with the expense), and take a girls' weekend to remember! Look at nearby towns, places within a short distance, or even a staycation away if you worry about leaving the family for too long.
But just soaking in some girl time and getting away for a few days may be just what the doctor ordered to melt the everyday stress away. Ahhh, blissful!
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/DGLimages
3. Get Crafty
Maybe you are super crafty, maybe you aren’t. I fall to the latter, however, I do have some crafty friends that simply amaze me!
One of my dear friends even dedicates her beautiful crafts to her late mother’s memory and then sells them in local boutiques. That said, one year we got together, and she taught me how to make some of her designs!
It was so much fun and while my creations didn't look anywhere near as incredible as hers, the time spent together fueled our hearts and made for a special time.
4. Soak it Up at the Spa
Did someone say mani and pedi? Getting together at a spa or salon to get glammed up can really do something to feed our soul, am I right?
Doing so with friends is all the better. When you decide to meet up with your girlies to get facials or to get your nails and toes painted that pretty pink, it allows time to talk and discuss those often close-to-the-vest topics. It’s as if there is this open invitation to share our hearts and struggles.
So, try meeting up at a spa. And while you tend to your outer beauty, let your friends remind you that your inner beauty is what she sees, and that is what is truly invaluable to our God.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Becca Tapert
5. Paint ‘til You Faint
Painting classes seem to be growing and popping up everywhere. They are the latest craze. They are also a great way to get together with your people and learn a new art- literally.
Many of these places offer a one-of-a-kind painting for you to create, along with an instructor to learn from. This time of year, many of the paintings are centered around sweet and whimsical paintings that portray love.
So snag an apron and get your paintbrushes ready, because this party idea will not only help you create a masterpiece, but make way to have a simply sweet time as well!
6. Break Bread at Breakfast
Sometimes our schedules can be crazy, making it difficult to meet up with our gals. Family always comes first and while the commitments come with many strings attached, it may feel like you’ll never be able to celebrate with your friends.
So, that’s when we must get creative.
Maybe meeting in the morning works best for you and your friends. Offer to meet up for breakfast or brunch. There are lots of restaurants that cater to just their morning clientele.
Also, be sure to look into tea rooms or cozy little bed and breakfasts, as they often serve the public with a fun and festive menu!
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Brooke Lark
7. Cookie Exchange
I am a sucker for a good sugar cookie. And, as you probably guessed, with anything that we truly enjoy, it’s really hard to just have one and be done. Nope!
I’ve been known to eat half the batter before they even make it onto the cookie sheet. Sigh! If you are anything like me, a cookie exchange may be right up your alley!
You and your friends each make a few dozen of your favorite cookies, then get together and swap them for an eclectic mix that will serve your sweet tooth. Mmmm.
8. Movie Marathon Night
Whether it is The Notebook, Somewhere in Time, or Sleepless in Seattle (or all three), get the popcorn and sodas ready because it is about time to veg out in front of the TV with your friends.
Don’t forget the tissues, they may come in handy too.
Then get ready to gush over the simply sweet love story between Allie and Noah or get swept away by the moving music that sparks the romance between Elise and Richard. Talk about a pull on the heartstrings!
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Erol Ahme
9. Get Your Game On
Order a pizza and break out the snacks, because this Galentine’s party comes with some healthy competition.
The key to hosting a fun game night with your friends is simple but if you really want to make it epic, choose games that fit the theme--Valentines! There are fun Valentine’s bingo games that can be used with conversation hearts or Would You Rather game cards you can print out or order online.
Pull out the deck of cards, chess boards, or checkers as well and let the good times roll!
10. Volunteer Together
Maybe there is a need in your community that you and your friends could extend a helping hand and serve together.
If nothing else, start by cleaning out your closets and pantries, then hit up a local shelter or consignment shop and drop off donations. You could also check out local animal shelters and see if they are in need of supplies such as toys, food, or beds.
Where is your heart? In other words, where do you and your friends have a heart to serve? Start at that point and then go from there.
11. Take it Outside
If it is a beautiful day and the sun is out and shining, get out and enjoy it!
Slip on those sneakers and meet up at a local park or hit the trails. Many times, when we get the blood pumping and adrenaline going it not only boosts our mood and allows us to soak in that wonderful vitamin D, but it makes way for a great social activity where we can chit-chat and catch up on what’s going on in each other’s lives.
Walking is essential for our health as well as the longevity of our friendship, I say!
12. Plan a Travel Potluck
I end with this one because in all honesty, I believe it is my favorite way to party with my own friends! And, if you are feeling up for it, you can invite the hubbies too!
Potlucks are always fun, and they allow everyone to participate. But, with a travel potluck, everyone gets to host as well! Start by choosing a theme--pink, glitter, hearts, etc. This will help with planning food and décor. Then everyone will pick a part of the meal they wish to host.
This can include but is not limited to appetizers and hors-d’oeuvres, soups and salads, main entrée, side dishes, and desserts. The host will supply that part of the meal. Then the fun begins as you venture from house to house, tasting each part of the meal as you go along. This is really fun and creates so many lasting memories!
Well lovely ladies, there you go! Some fun and simply sweet ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with some of the most precious people in your life, your gal pals! Now all that is left to do is start planning it! Happy Galentine’s!
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
