Favorite Things Galentine’s Party
During the holidays, favorite things parties are very common. But because the season is SO busy, I have found it to be much more fun to host a favorite things party during the Valentine’s season.
I’m answering my readers’ most common question on how to host a favorite things Galentine’s party.
Who to invite?
I invite friends from all different circles – work friends, neighbors, my kids’ friends’ parents. I sent out an invitation close to a month before the party using evite. Because of the Galentine’s theme, I encouraged everyone to wear pinks, reds and whites and everyone brought gifts wrapped in Valentine’s paper/bags.
Do you serve dinner?
Yes, I love to serve dinner and dessert. The past two years I have served soup, salad and bread + a cake for dessert.
This year I made lasagna soup (huge hit!), salad and freshly baked Wildgrain bread (the best artisan bread sent right to your door).
I set the table using paper placemats from Hester & Cook and my wood chargers from Target. I think my wood chargers are my favorite entertaining investment I’ve made in recent years. They just make the table feel prettier and more together.
How does it work?
Everyone brings three gifts valued at $20-$25. These are all the same gift and are the same. Some people bring a few small gifts (like their favorite pampering items or their favorite things in their purse), but most bring one thing.
At the party, everyone writes their name on slips of paper (three slips per person) then everyone draws three names. The names you pick are the gifts you get.
We then go around in a circle, a person says a name they have and then that person distributes the gifts to the three people who drew their name. Everyone opens the gifts at the same time.
Do you steal gfts?
A way to add a bit of fun is to do a steal round. For this round, we roll a dice. If you roll a 6, you can swap a gift if you want to. A gift can be swapped three times before it’s no longer available.
What did people bring?
We had so many fun and thoughtful gifts. Here are some of the gifts:
- A nice candle
- Geometry towels (use code JessicaT15 for 15% off)
- This makeup bag (this was the most stolen)
- A tabletop fire pit (this was the second most stolen)
- What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking
- Magnolia Table + a Platter
- Candle warmer
- Fresh flowers in a vase
- Cotopaxi packing cube
- Purse essentials, including lip gloss, lotion, candy and a bag charm
Everyone had such a nice time. I think this is the perfect opportunity to gather together. We are so busy, yet so lonely. It doesn’t have to be fancy to be special.