Would You Host a Galentine’s Gathering?
A couple years ago, I invited a few friends over for Galentine’s Day…
I set out a cheese plate and asked everyone to bring a sweet treat to share, since, as Julia Child said, “a party without cake is just a meeting.”
We also got a giant container of Spanish potato chips because life is short, you guys!!!
Then we sat at my dining table and made heart-shaped notes for people we adored, including friends, parents, partners, children, each other, and ourselves. We had a spread of construction paper, scissors, glue sticks, stickers, more stickers, beads, ribbon, letters, more letters, and glitter pom poms. We laughed and told embarrassing stories, and afterward, I got a dozen texts from friends saying, “That was so NEEDED.” I felt the same.
As Emily Rapp Black wrote years ago: “Here’s the truth: Friendships between women are often the deepest and most profound love stories, but they are often discussed as if they are ancillary, ‘bonus’ relationships to the truly important ones. Women’s friendships outlast jobs, parents, husbands, boyfriends, lovers, and sometimes children.”
Thoughts? Would you throw a Galentine’s gathering? What other activities or snacks would you suggest? I’d love to hear! My friend Susan once had ladies over on Galentine’s Day to watch Clueless, which made for a fun evening. Maybe this year I’ll play PEN15 on mute in the background.
Side note: When I was flipping through my phone for these photos, I came across a snapshot of a page from Lindy West’s book of movie recaps. Still makes me laugh.
P.P.S. The secret to female friendship, and the love story I never thought to tell.
Comments
107 commentsHi Joanna! This post inspired me to throw together a Galentine’s Day dinner for next Friday for 7 of my lady friends. We’d love it if you stopped by! Thought I’d channel your random invite during Thanksgiving to the Frankie’s manager. I live in Fort Greene, steps from your beloved Sailor! Thanks for the inspiration :)
My girlfriends and I do a galentine every year! Another excuse to get together and catch up and eat good food.
NGL, saw your friend’s jumpsuit with black shirt and immediately bought a denim jumpsuit on Poshmark! (I have one and love it but it’s too small.) Hoping it arrives in time for an event next week!
Just a quick plug for Lindy’s book on audio – it had me LOL’ing on my commute constantly.
A bunch of friends from my original Leslie Knope Era obsession with Galentine’s have since transitioned, so I now go out of my way to say Pal-entine’s! Honestly I’ll take the friend holiday and the romance holiday can just go by the wayside, it’s not that big a deal here is Europe and it really feels like less pressure all round
I’m doing this tomorrow! Last year we spent hours making cards based on reels I saved- my favorite was a card with a spinning heart inside.
My friends and I are having our Galantine’s dinner on the 13th. The dress code is “i don’t have anywhere to wear this”. I’ll be wearing my wedding dress. I’m going through divorce, so the occasion seems fitting. It’s a fun bunch of women, my expectations are high!
Fuck yeah Lara! You sound like a baddie
So awesome
I love this! It’s a wonderful thing to embrace friendship with total abandon. True love 💕
My birthday is in February, so I throw a Galentine‘s get together for various friend groups as much as possible during the month! This year we are doing a wine and chocolate tasting where everyone brings a pairing. I’m also doing a movie party with a screening of when Harry Met Sally, peanut butter cups, wine and popcorn for dinner. In previous years, I have done a benefit for Planned Parenthood, pottery making class, cooking classes, and game nights. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is way more fun with girlfriends than kids. 😂 next year, I am going to book a mobile sauna to come to my house so everyone can get a 15 or 20 minute session.
peanut butter cups and popcorn for dinner is pitch perfect :) I love all of this!!!
I’m planning a Palentine’s Day potluck and art make next Friday. I’ve been doing a lot more casual hosting as way to build community—last weekend a friend and I hosted a Driveway Community Coffee to gather folks and share info about our organizing home (SURJ) and local rapid response efforts. For Palentine”s I’m inviting my “pals” to drop by with a food item (or not) and some art of craft or music to work on (or not)—so casual and easy.
a group of eight of us in Jackson, Wyoming are going out to dinner and then to a burlesque show on February 13th for Galentine’s Day! v excited about it.
I will share love, kindness, and appreciation with all of my people and those I meet along the way, but no parties for me. All I want for myself is a night at home alone in my pjs watching Bridgerton, with a slice of pizza, a cookie, and some hot mint tea.
I know this is a long shot, but would it be possible to ask the friend on the left in the top photo for the blush color they’re wearing? It’s so dreamy. As is this post and the event you hosted.
I’ll ask!
I would love to get into the routine of hosting a Galentine’s party, even a low key one. My biggest issue is, like in this moment, I am so insoried and excited for you and want/wish to do that same and by the time all the texts get sent, date confirmed, usually weeks out, I’m not always running with the same enthusiasm as I was at the initial stage. So then I stop myself for even sending out an invite. I know once it comes up, I can muster the energy and enjoy it but it can sometimes feel like another *to do*, even if its with friends and it is easy. Im not sure what one calls this. It happened this past fall around Halloween, a few weeks before, confirmed plans to go trick or treating with kids with close friends and by the time Halloween arrived, I was just exhausted and felt weighed down by the obligation I myself had arranged. I remember thinking that day, ok 4 weeks ago this really sounded like a fun evening and now it doesnt. I’m a mom, two boys, 7 and 3, pregnant with our third, and an elementary teacher, so lots of planning so much and caregiving needs all day all week. Im thinking it might just be the season I am in? Maybe once the the physical caregiver load gets lighter, ill have more energy to infuse into planning fun things and keep the momentum. We do host a big christmas party and have people over on the regular, but it can feel like a mountain to climb at times.
Oh Amanda, I feel you! The stage of life you’re in sounds really tough. Pregnancy was completely and utterly exhausting for me – I could barely leave my bed for many weeks. Give yourself grace especially now. I run a company and have two kids AND adore my friends, so my goal is low-key gatherings that are more consistent than perfect. My favorite is Wine Night and the reason I think it works is because it’s less a party and more a ritual. Ritual gathering involves rules that allow for less thinking and more being. (I am an experience designer for work, as you can perhaps tell!) The rituals of wine night are simple: 1. Women only, new friends always welcome 2. Host makes all food – nobody else cooks a thing 3. Everyone else brings a bottle of wine in a category of the host’s choosing that is $15 or less 4. Monthly on a Thursday – date is based on who wants to host and a date that works for *most* of us, knowing that sometimes you might miss a month and that’s ok. Wine Night always happens and it’s such a shared responsibility/joy that most months out of the year I simply buy wine, show up and get to see my friends! And the nights that I do host (maybe 1-2x per year max) feel like a fun chance to shower my friends with love and care. I hope you can start something like this when you feel ready. And in the meantime, maybe just lower the bar for yourself? A Galentine’s Party might not be in the cards this year but a latte and a walk with a dear gal pal might be ok. Pregnancy + little kid + big kid = a hard time. It will get easier and I’m rooting for you! xx
As someone who declared 6 months ago that I was going to have a *huge* milestone birthday party (weekend), complete with signature cocktails and pinatas and insisted my out of town BFF attend sans kids….and then very nearly cancelled five days before the party, I GET YOU :) I did not cancel (my bff and partner and mom said I was nuts for considering, “you’re overthinking it, just keep it simple”) and I am so very, very glad I didn’t! Yes, parties take effort and there will always be things making us tired. You just have to decide to do the thing, and the people who show up will make you so glad. Barring spreading illness, I’ve never heard someone regret hosting an event/party they were previously genuinely excited about.
The only thing better than the book Shit Actually by Lindy West is the audio version of Shit Actually read by Lindy West. It has gotten me through a number of long haul rides across the Midwest, laughing until I cried.
oh my gosh, I want to get that from the libby app.
Oh wow, I have to get the audio! I love that book so much. Thanks for the tip!
As an autistic woman, I’ve never managed to have group of friends (not from lack of trying though, and several bullying incidents throughout teens and adult years havent helped), but it seriously makes my heart swell with joy to see groups of women together enjoying each others company. It feels like a hug. You are all bringing lots of joy to people like me by just gathering and being good to each other. Happy Galentine’s Day gals!
Oh Amy, I so relate to all of this. I’m very happy and content with my life but I do wonder how it would feel to have a group of close female friends.
Same, Amy and Kate. I have just a single friend plus my amazing, brilliant, also high functioning spergy husband, which is truly enough. But I, too, wonder what it might be like to have girlfriends and be a part of these types of gatherings.
I’m autistic too, and the key for me may be that I am an expat, and live somewhere with a lot of expats, so people are looking for friends and willing to chalk up differences in communication styles to cultural differences! I actually have a much easier time with people from other countries because we’re all explicitly trying to understand each others’ culture, vs feeling like the one who missed the memo. I also was intentional behind the scenes about fostering these relationships (scheduling check ins where I would reach out and send a voice note, writing down people’s key details they mention so I remember, introducing them to each other one at a time, hosting a standing monthly hang at mine which burns me out much less than going out) in a way that probably wouldn’t make sense to allistic people but has successfully conveyed to my now-close friends how much I value and appreciate them and want to be close.
Yes, yes, yes. I’ve always been on the fringe of any friend group, not for a lack of trying, too. I have my best friend from grade school, but that’s about it, and we are not the text, talk, hang out all the time people that you hear about it books/TV/movies. It always makes me a little sad. I joined a local women’s group several months ago and that has bee nice, but I’m still on the edge of things and don’t quite fit in yet, but I’m working on it. But I’ve got my family and a rich inner life that keeps me quite happy!
Erika, do either of you have special interests that overlap with a community? For example I became a huge fan of craft beer, road cycling and of Married at First Sight Australia, or I know some people who go wild for The Bachelor, or other sports, or magic the gathering, or cosplay, or battlebots. I think as long as you really give yourself and your husband a chance to decompress/recover after group stuff it can be really rewarding! I personally find that more satisfying than emulating my ideal of what a friends night should be. I’m really into card games and I’m teaching a group of people to play Dutch blitz since it breaks the ice.
Kelly, those are all such great ideas! Thanks. And yes, I’ve been trying to get involved where my interests lie. We’re part of a hiking group, but no one talks. We tried a board game group, but it was way too competitive. I was part of a crafting meetup, but lots all my supplies in natural disaster. I’m part of an ancestry research group, but it’s mostly 70+ women who don’t seem interested in getting to know a younger person. That said, I accidentally stumbled into a Bitcoin meetup once when trying to find another group and actually stayed because the conversation were so fascinating and the people so welcoming… maybe I need to track them down lol.
Erika, my husband is also high functioning and I am so thankful for his company. We get each other. Kelly, I immigrated to another country a few years ago and spent lots of time living in different countries so totally get how it can be less stressful making friends with people who hail from somewhere else. Kate – I resonate with what you said about contentment yet wondering. Jenny – cheers to spins and rich inner lives! I’m currently exploring mixed media art and it has been so gratifying.
Exactly. First step: Find a group of friends! Seems like I’ve been trying to do this for so many years now. Not knowingly on the spectrum. I’ve just been too busy with life and conflicting stuff.
I’m inspired to throw this as a party for my “travel for work” friends that I did not get to see before Christmas…and guys, my tree is still up! I so needed the light, color and sparkle this year, badly. Have been buried in doing taxes, caring for a 12 yr old who has just started her periods, sick elderly in laws, sick kid, husband who lives in semi fear of Federal shutdowns (he works for the SEC) …just could not bear to take down Christmas yet. I think my friends will be delighted to see bits of Christmas still. A pot of chicken chili, decorating cookies, and some pink champers should bring us enough cheer to chase away the worldly malaise for a night…thanks for the inspiration! “This is so needed”, are some of the truest words of all time. <3
!00% in favor of a solid Galentine’s Day gathering and I love that this has continued to be a thing! A little backstory: After the 2016 election, I was needing a safe space to chill with the community of women around me, so I decided to host a Galentine’s event in my home and raffle off prizes to raise money for our local Girls, Inc. It was such a hit, that I’ve since…almost 10 years later…hosted one every year and together we have raised money for local non-profits. Look, we’re not raising a ton of money, but several hundred dollars each time adds up– and the show of support in love and fun matters. After the first handful of years, I was getting messages from my guy friends who also wanted to join and so I started hosting summertime “garden parties” inclusive to all and, collectively over the years, we’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars to support our local community (foodbanks, foster care orgs, inclusive playgrounds, immigrant legal defense, hospice, unhoused families org, planned parenthood…) Next Saturday, on Valentine’s Day, I’m hosting a Valentine’s to raise money for our local immigrant mutual aid fund–and I’ll tell ya–nothing takes me out of the despair/hopelessness/helplessness/rage than stepping outside of myself and gathering friends for good. I don’t have a lot of money and I live in a studio, but I am doing what I can with the resources I have (ie I can gather friends, donate my services and products, and throw a party!). And I think that if we all just find our own ways to contribute (whatever that is for each of you) our hearts are fortified, communities are lifted and, so, the broader world. What began as women united for Galentine’s has transformed into much more than I could have imagined. Women know what’s what and the world will be saved because of us.
Absolutely love this. Brava to you, brilliant!
I hosted my first Galentine’s Brunch last year with a “favorite things” gift exchange, and it was SO FUN! All of my girlfriends had the best time and I loved seeing the women from different parts of my life (childhood friends, co-workers, fellow moms) meeting each other and vibing over mimosas :) Everyone begged me to host again so the second annual will be on Saturday! The world needs to celebrate girlhood now more than ever.
Meghan can you tell us more about the “favorite things” gift exchange? Does each participant bring their favorite thing (makeup, office supply, snack, etc.), and bring enough for all participants. So basically you come away with one of everything, like a cookie swap?
@ Genevieve – I’m not Meghan, but thought I’d share an alternate to what you mentioned. My sister hosted a favorite things party and she asked each guest to bring just 2 of the same favorite thing (e.g., 2 of the same mascara or 2 of the same smart gadget). Then all the guests explained what their favorite thing was and why they loved it, and they drew from a hat to decide on the order. Each person chose one item, and then they went in the reverse order to grab a second item. By limiting it to two items, people spent less and ended up with items they were hopefully more interested in! It was a big success.
Can someone please tell me if those Spanish potato chips in the paint can are worth the 50 bucks because I am so intrigued but also…..$50 for chips?!?!?
They are pretty great, but you can also order them in smaller quantities and at a lower price point.
On the side-topic of Lindy West, I’m so excited for her next book that’s coming out next month!!
Love this, so fun! Also can I kindly request a beauty uniform on your friend with the denim jumpsuit?! Her style is amazing!
yes! Alison! her denim jumpsuit was from APC. xoxo here’s her week of outfits in the meantime: https://cupofjo.com/2022/09/20/week-of-outfits-alison-piepmeyer/
Your friend’s adorable denim jumpsuit…link, please!
it was APC! xo
My gay husband/ bestie started a Valentine’s Day dinner years ago. We each have a dedicated “ Valentine “ box with all kinds of decor, napkins, etc. This year it’s a Gaylentine/ Gaylentine group ( one notable cis man). It varies year to year, sometimes we throw a couple in ( our group is largely child free and single or have grown children). Everyone gets a treat bag full of candy and usually some other kind of party favor. Last year it was pink, red or white scented candles which had designs carved into them. One year hand sewn , wool felt hearts with little poems in the pockets. ( pattern from Purl in NY). We do the table up, sometimes super girly with tons of pink, red and hearts, other years it’s been more subdued. We don’t strictly play games, but usually tell crazy date stories or introduce a fun topic to chat about. We craft and menu which gets posted in the entry as guest walk in and usually serve lots of Pink champagne! The point is share love, laughter and friendships old and new ( some people are meeting for the first time). A couple years ago we invited a couple that never celebrated Valentine’s Day or even payed attention to it. They really got into it and had a wonderful time. Plus who’s isn’t happy to get a fun gift and candy to bring home?
Can we be friends?! ☺️❤️ Sounds amazing! Have fun this year!
I listened to Lindy West’s book while weeding and can remember the exact spot in my yard where I heard the chapter “On Marriage:” I cannot f*cking imagine the look on my face if my husband came to me and said, “Honey…” “Yeah?” “Honey.” “What is it?” “Honey, I have something to tell you.” “Just tell me!” “Honey…I shrunk the kids.” HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Her movie reviews are incredible.
This chapter is iconic!
I have an idea for NYers! I am acting in (and produced) The Norwegians, a play written by C. Denby Swanson, about two heartbroken women in frozen Minnesota navigating the absolute worst of breakups. Complicating things are two Norwegian gangsters–who also happen to be really, really nice guys. What will happen when the rage of these scorned lovers meets the restrained sensibilities of these Minnesota gangsters? Uffda. We thought it could really speak to people who are really angry at their exes, or heartbroken, or just hate Valentines Day haha. If anyone is interested I can send you the ticket link!
This sounds incredible – Cheers to you!
C. Denby Swanson is one of my dearest friends, and she is going to be BEYOND delighted to hear this! Love!
Ok this sounds wonderful and also C Denby Swanson used to work at my kids preschool! Like, not as a playwright- as an ED! I knew she had written plays but had no idea they were still being performed! People contain multitudes. Break a leg.
Yep! This is the first year I’m not doing this because i’m going to Mardi Gras (woot woot!). But i generally make a big pot of something like french onion soup or brothy rancho gordo beans. We eat snacks, drink lots of wine, and just talk and laugh. i don’t have my act together enough to gather art supplies! maybe next year!
Ranxho Gordo!!!! I got off the waiting list this year!
In Australia (not sure if it elsewhere) but Feb 14 is Library Lovers’ Day!
I wish we had this in the US! I love libraries
My female friends are a little too far-flung and from separate parts of my life for a party, but I *always* send Valentine’s cards to them. I’ve been with my husband forever, but my female friends are without a doubt the most sustaining relationships in my life. There’s nothing too weird or embarrassing for us to talk about. I never worry about how I show up for them. No one makes me laugh harder or makes feel more supported when I need to cry. We’re in this shit together.
My friend hosts one for a group of us girls every year, probably for the last three years! She always includes fun goody bags and this year, the activity is to make small bouquets together. It’s a great time to hang out and celebrate women.
Our book club meets every month and this month I’m hosting so we’re celebrating galentines while discussing the book! I’ve got us a bookmark craft to do and valentines candy salad to take home. I’m decorating with balloons, conversation hearts, and all the pink and red and I don’t care one bit how extra it is, it makes me happy!
I must admit that I feel a bit jealous when I read about all these get-togethers you host:) My kids are all in their twenties now & when they were younger we used to host & attend get-togethers fairly often. Now I can’t remember the last time we got together with friends outside a restaurant, coffee shop, or other public space. Has anyone else experienced this? Though maybe people got tired of dealing with our smelly, needy (but sweet!) pets:)
Hi COJ team, Would you ever consider adding a “Random Post” button somewhere on the blog? I’m a relatively new reader, but I’d love to read old posts from the archives without clicking “Older Posts” dozens of times. Smitten Kitchen has one in her main navigation called “Surprise Me!” Or if you have one already and I’ve missed it – can you tell me where it is? Thanks for the consideration!
this is such a fun idea, yes, cate!
I’ve hosted a Galentine’s Day brunch for my daughter, her friends, and their moms for the past 4 years—it’s become a really fun tradition we look forward each February! We always plan a fun activity to do together; last year we exchanged “favorite things” gifts, and this year the moms are bringing flowers to mix and create floral arrangements to take home. Before long, the girls usually disappear into my daughter’s room while the moms relax, chat, and enjoy mimosas. Toward the end of the party, the girls get a floral delivery from our local grocery store.
Joanna! I love that your pictures are always casual and unscripted, and not overly edited. Always gives a cozy homey vibe! I don’t love Galentine’s i’m invited somewhere by an acquaintance, not really a friend yet. And the drive is on a friday, and I live in a very traffic congested city, and it would take me almost an hour to get there.So I was already not on board, and now they’ve cheerily said, wear red or pink, and now i’m like, hell no , definitely not going. So yup. I just want friends who live nearby who I could see without having the need to dress up.I live in a society where my culture really prides dressing up.And it’s exhausting. I want casual friends who live near by and don’t need to dress up every time we see each other. Is that so much to ask for?!?!
I totally get that! Luckily in LA you can wear WHATEVER you want pretty much everywhere, but I grew up in the south and the pressure to dress up was immense. My mom had a very active social life when I was growing up and at one point she ended up in a friend group that had an unspoken rule that you couldn’t wear the same outfit twice. So my mom was constantly shopping which was a huge source of stress because we didn’t actually have the money to support this insane Mean Girls code of conduct. Now I do 90% of my clothes shopping at Goodwill and I get glee from wearing the same item of clothing as many times as possible.
Hi RfQ, I totally hear ya, but maybe rethink not attending? The only way to move from acquaintance to friends is by showing up for people- I think its really lovely they invited you, why not go? To move from acquaintance to friends also means you’ll be able to do more casual things in the future with them, these things take time. As for your issues with the clothes and traffic, pop on something red/pink you already have in your wardrobe (doesn’t have to be the whole outfit, like if your style is black all the time, then a red necklace or pair of socks would be fun) and a funny audiobook or favourite album and the drive will be a breeze. I know this advice is unsolicited but honestly, as someone who also has to travel 45-50 minutes to see friends in my city I’ve grown to love the time I get to jam out in my car. I’m still making friends in my city, so I’d kill to have been invited to a Galentine’s day!
Omg Sarah! I live in the South!! Atlanta! And am from Pakistan so its dressing up on another level And JAK, maybe ! I’ll see my energy level on a Friday! It might be rejuvenating.I just hate traffic but youre right . Many of my friends live far from me unfortunately
Re the dress code—I sometimes think that’s a way to tell people what the host will be wearing so you don’t show up and feel left out. Reframing it from YOU MUST DRESS UP to “here’s the vibe” can be a way for it to not feel stuffy to you! Once I went to a New Year’s party and assumed it would be at least a little dressy, so I showed up sparkly and was the only one at ALL dressed up and also the only one without kids (kids weren’t there but since that was the central topic of convo it sort of added to the odd man out vibe) and I wished the host had said “it’ll be super casual my friends don’t dress up”! But100% hear you on wanting casual friends nearby, and I hope you find them soon!
I used to host a Valentine’s (bc I don’t believe v-day needs a rebrand to focus on women, platonically or romantically) white elephant dessert exchange. we gave our offerings saucy names (looking at you, “just the chip” (fritos dipped in dark chocolate)) and ended up trying everything. this year I’m helping my daughter craft friendship bracelets for all her classmates.
My husband is taking the kids to dinner Saturday night so I can have mom friends over to watch Spice World. Snacks, comfy clothes, nostalgic movie!
The Emily Rapp Black observation made me think of the line Charlotte says to Carrie and the girls in Sex and the City that “maybe we can be each other’s soul mates and then we can let men be just these great, nice guys to have fun with”. It makes me tear up every time no matter how many times I’ve seen it!
I once asked the incredibly wise Kate Baer for advice she’d give someone who’s spouse is a medical resident and she responded: “Don’t live your life waiting for them to come home.” It’s become my mantra. SO valentine’s day is with alllll the kids and moms at my house this year! (Dad’s working!! again!!) I’m having four moms and four kids over on valentine’s day to write love letters to friends and family then go for a walk to the post box to pop them in the mail. Definitely opened all your links for stickers and supplies! I wish it was a galentine’s adult party but the kids will keep it interesting. Food is so much less exciting when you have to consider 5 year olds but I’m thinking bagel bites and chocolate covered strawberries…
Kid charcuterie and adult charcuterie?
What wonderful advice from Kate! And it can apply to anyone with a partner whose partner works a lot. I very clearly remember when I figured this out for myself, and it made life SOOOO much better.
I love girl gatherings! I’ve hosted craft nights for a few years in a row. Typically it’s been mid November and we do easy Christmas crafts. Seems to get everyone in the spirit. This weekend, I’m hosting a vision board party for the first time. Since it’s close to Valentines Day (and I love this “holiday”), I’m turning it into a little Vday celebration. I refuse to call it a Galentines gathering. Am I the only one who does not like this word??? It’s almost up there with most cringeworthy word of all time ( and I can barely write it)–moist! But anyway–long live girlfriend gatherings! They feed my heart and lift me up. xo
I was honestly hoping you were going to even write THAT word out.
Agree. Do not like the word. Have fun!
Moist ? ha ha ha ha ha !
That Julia Child quote. <3
What an incredible idea! I love this! And that chic tin of potato chips will be at my house soon! I just wanted to say, about your recent breakup. I think it was really brave of you to walk away. Even without knowing the specifics, it takes a lot of courage and self-awareness to step out of something that doesn’t feel quite right for you. I’m in my mid-40s, and when I think back on my first marriage—really my first mature relationship, since we met when I was 19—it took me a long time to walk away. If I’m honest, I probably knew a couple of years in that it wasn’t right for me, yet I stayed for sixteen. There wasn’t anything dramatically wrong; he just wasn’t the right person for me. I wish I’d trusted myself sooner. I know this might be a little late, but I really do want to say how much I admire your courage. May we all try to instill the same bravery and confidence in younger people.
meg, this means so much to me. thank you xoxo
We are doing a Galentine’s brunch this years with moms and daughters (and my youngest son will likely sneak in). But after being cooped up indoors for over a week, no one wants to go to someone’s home. So we are doing it at Panera and then will go hang out in the public library across the street.
The simple party I’ve been dying to throw: a white elephant gift exchange but everybody brings their favorite novel! Everyone gets a minute or two to explain why they love their book and answer any questions, and then the game begins!
Can I come?
I LOVE THIS IDEA!!
Host this!! Sounds amazing!
Maybe you could do it on or around Sant Jordi day, April 23, which they celebrate in Barcelona! I haven’t been there for it, but I’ve heard people exchange books and red roses.
Any chance anyone knows where that denim jumpsuit is from?? 👀 So cute!
APC! xoxo
I would! Female friendships are actually the most lacking part of my life. I’m.just.so.tired. My daughter is hosting a Galentine next week.
I hear you, celeste! We’re doing a Big Salad issue soon about making close friends as an adult — with step-by-step, non-tiring, energizing ways to make it happen xoxo
I’m right there with you, Celeste! On the one hand, I feel like I would love to be able to invest more in meaningful female friendships (or even just more superficial fun), but on the other hand, I’m tired and overwhelmed by life much of the time.
I think making “real” friends as an adult is hard because as we grow old ,we sadly become more cynical and lose vulnerability ,which is fair because we might have had experiences in past where we opened our hearts and got hurt bad :( I am learning to me more vulnerable in all my relationships now , its not easy, but with practice ,hopefully I will feel all the feels again <3
Joanna, any chance you could publish that guide here on COJ? It could be your Galentine’s gift to us all. :)
elle, when we publish it, I’ll link to it with a gift link! xoxo
Ditto, kiddo! It’s almost like we need a girlfriend dating app or directory or some central place we could find each other.
We recently moved to a neighborhood with a TON of kids, most of whom are girls. It has been wonderful for my own girls, ages 13 and 10. On the Friday before Valentines Day, they are hosting their first Galentines Day Party for the neighborhood girls, where they will have heart shaped pasta, make Italian soda’s (TikTok cool, apparently), chocolate covered strawberries and make key chains that also hold lip gloss. I love this for them- we live in a small town and while you may know everyone friend groups are solidified pretty early on, this helps break some of those playground barriers.
that sounds delightful, esp the lip gloss keychains!! cool mom indeed 😎
I did this last year! We did a game night, I had lots of valentines decor in my kitchen (where we were playing) and everyone had to bring a candy to share. We filled clear bowls with candy and played games around the table for hours. Everyone got a cute little favor bag to take home with stuff like a mini hand lotion, valentine’s socks, candy, etc. I also put out a spread of Golden Girls stickers for everyone to choose from to take home. It was such a fun night!
One year for Galentine’s, we all shared our “Mount Crushmores,” where we all presented our celebrity crushes. Highlights included Stanley Tucci, RBG and Bandit (yes, Bluey’s dad. And a dog).
hahahaha LOVE this
So freaking amazing!
This is an incredible idea!! Stealing this.
Bandit is HOT. Somehow a fun dad/supportive husband who doesn’t seem to be making some weird self congratulatory performance out of it?
ooh I am going to steal this idea but with a crafty update :D paint a mountain on a project board of sorts and ask friends to bring the pictures of thier crushes to stick on the “mount Crushmore” lol
Bandit. 😍