How to host a Galentine’s Day night in
Valentine’s Day is the holiday that dominates the greetings card shops and restaurant set menus at this time of year, but more and more attention is being given to an unofficial holiday that is observed the day before - Galentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day is a day dedicated to celebrating your female friends, whether you’re single, married, or it’s complicated.
Where did Galentine’s Day come from?
The idea of Galentine’s Day was actually first conceived on a TV show, Parks And Recreation. Its lead character, Leslie Knope (played by the wonderful Amy Poehler) gets all her friends together to shower them with love and appreciation: “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home [...] ladies celebrating ladies." We can definitely get on board with this idea, so we thought we’d come up with some fun ideas for hosting a night in with your very own BFFs.
5 ideas for a girls’ night in
Pamper
Relax and spoil yourselves with some DIY beauty fun, like face masks, makeovers, and manicures.
Sheet masks are a quick and easy way to get the pamper part of the evening going, and with fun animal designs like our Cute Panda, Happy Mouse and Hello Tiger, they also create the perfect moment for a group selfie.
Cute Panda brightening face mask, £3.95
It’s not a proper pamper session without some manicures. Pop some nail files and nail varnishes in a basket or box for your friends to dig into, and then get creative, whether you go for a sophisticated French manicure, or a bright pop of colour.
Folk Doves matchbox nail files, £2.95
To really get the spa vibes going, make sure you’ve got plenty of fresh towels and flannels for cleaning up hair and face masks, light some candles, and make sure your home smells dreamy. Our Flamingo Bay reed diffuser smells of hibiscus and prosecco, perfect for a girls night in.
Flamingo Bay reed diffuser, £12.95
Indulge
Nothing says special like something homemade, so why not treat yourself and your friends with some cocktails or mocktails, all shaken and stirred by your very own selves. If you’re feeling brave, ask your friends to bring a bottle of their choice and see if you can conjure up something delicious, or play it safe with a tried and tested recipe.
Flamingo Bay cocktail shaker, including recipe guide, £14.95
If cocktails aren’t your thing, why not set up an at home hot chocolate station? Simply line up some mugs, provide a choice of toppings and your guests can build their dream hot chocolate. Classics include mini marshmallows, whipped cream and sprinkles, but feel free to go down the ‘freakshake’ route and go mad with brownies, gingerbread, mini doughnuts and more.
Cookie the Cat hot chocolate spoon, £3.95
Watch a movie
Get cosy on the sofa and pick a few films that suit whatever your group is into, whether it’s a terrible chick flick that can only really be enjoyed after a glass (or two) of prosecco, or the latest thriller. Maximise the fun with some fresh popcorn from the microwave, served in classic cinema-style popcorn holders.
Popcorn holder, £1.95
Get creative
If your crowd can’t get enough of crafting, you could host your very own crafternoon tea. Provide the basics (glue, scissors, paper), ask everyone to bring something crafty, and then get creative!
Washi tape, £2.95 each
Say thank you
Galentine’s Day isn’t all drinks and mani pedis. Take a moment to let your friends know how important they are with a little card. Thank them for being your friend, and let them know just what makes them so special. It’ll be something they treasure for a long time.
Hummingbird thank you card, £1.25
We hope these ideas have given you some inspiration for your next night in.