What is Galentine’s Day?

I’m so very glad you asked! Galentine’s Day is a fabulous pop-culture holiday that takes place every February 13th.

A little background on this most sacred of holla-days: Created in 2010 by Leslie Knope herself or rather her real-life counterpart, show creator and writer Amy Poehler on Parks & Rec. Galentine’s Day is a day devoted to celebrating the women in your life. “It’s ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas” (Leslie Knope).

So what does that mean for you and your girl gang?? You throw a party.

But not just any kind of party, a party that reflects the strong, amazing femmes in your life who: answer your texts no matter what, write/proof read those cleverly worded texts you send (you know the ones I’m talking about), they help you pick out your outfits, let you borrow their sh*t, will stay up talking with you all night, binge watch your favorite shows, generously give up their time and talents to help you achieve your goals, they believe in you, they cry with you, they laugh with you, and they’re always there for you.

I know it sounds a little sappy, and that’s 100% okay. The most meaningful friendships in our lives should make us all a little sappy. To quote a tweet that I saw one time, “I’m the compilation of every girl I ever thought was cool,” and there are so many cool women in my life that inspire and drive me everyday. These are the beautiful moments in our lives that deserve to be celebrated. So “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.”

Now, here’s how to celebrate Galentine’s Day with them:

*Disclaimer before I go any further: I understand that Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and anything pertaining to love around February 14th can be sad for a lot of people. Growing up, I knew a girl who referred to Valentine’s Day as “S.A.D.” short for Singles Awareness Day, to which I say get over yourself. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a holiday where people tell you they love you and people give you chocolate. That’s basically a perfect world. Plus, the tonal color scheme of reds and pinks is everything. 

Parties live or die based on themes, in my humble opinion. Now there it the traditional theme of “Valentines”- friendship, love, hearts, candy, etc., which is great, but you could also have some fun with it. Here are a couple themes I’ve used through the years with light serving suggestions:

Jurassic Heart

Watch all the Jurassic Park movies and appreciate everything that Jeff Goldblum and Chris Pratt, respectively, bring to the park. Also, major props to Bryce Dallas Howard for wearing all white and running in heals for basically all of Jurassic World. We’re not worthy! You can mix traditional decorations like hearts, glitter, balloons, and personal valentines with DINOSAURS stuffed full of chocolate. (Check out this hella cute pinata HERE.) Serves with chicken wings. It’s fun. It’s whimsical. It really gets the people running.

Love Free or Die Heart

Watch all the Die Hard movies. Action movies aren’t just for the boys. Plus, there is something oddly cathartic about seeing Bruce Willis spout off some killer one liners, literally. This particular movie set pairs well with some Valentine’s Day poppers and mounds of waffles. Serve over ice (a.k.a Ring Pops) and you’re good to go!

Star Crossed Lovers Wars

Star Wars, obviously. While all of the films are out of this world, and my all I mean 4-8, and Rouge One (don’t even think about showing 1-3), for Galentine’s Day I would focus on The Force Awakens and Rouge One. This bouquet of female empowerment is best served hot with a Death Star by Chocolate Cake and oodles of glitter bombs.

And for this year, my sister and I picked a killer theme…

I’d Die for You

We’re showing a collection of classic film noir murder mysteries including: Dial M for Murder, The Big Sleep, Rear Window, and, of course my namesake, Laura. These movies are full of love that’s to die for and some just do. Show during a thunderstorm (and if you can’t summon your own download the Rainmaker app) and pair with loads of twinkle lights because it was a dark and stormy night…

Remember no matter the theme or the food, the most important thing is that you take the time to celebrate the people you love. Cheers to love, friendship, and a smashing Galentine’s Day!!