Relationships
How to have a non-cheesy, non-depressing Galentine's Day
Photography: Reid Lambshead | Story: Style at Home—A Floral and Glamorous Spin on Holiday Decor
Relationships
How to have a non-cheesy, non-depressing Galentine's Day
Three ways to celebrate the sisterhood in style
The sentiment behind Galentine's Day is admirable: Held on February 13th, it's a celebration of friendship between you and your closest, well, single gal pals. What it often turns into, however, is a slightly depressing commemoration of your collective singleness, often with lots of tequila and ex-bashing.
This year, let's rescue Galentine's from the Sad Place and re-invent it as the joyful, empowering day it was always meant to be. Tip #1: Start by inviting all your friends, male, female, single, partnered-up, it's complicated...it'll keep the focus away from not having a date for Valentine's, and more on enjoying the life you do have. And this year, that doesn't include an over-priced restaurant meal.
1. A Piercing Party
Important clarification: We're not advocating any kind of amateur home-piercing, Grease needle-and-an-ice-cube style. What would be fun—especially if you've been eyeing up the multi-piercing trend—would be to take a gaggle of your BFFs to a piercing parlour for some (pre-meditated, carefully considered) piercing. Those not partaking are crucial for moral support.
GET: Along with hearts and flowers, Valentine's Day is most commonly associated with the giving of jewellery. Our favourite brand to self-gift is Toronto-based Mejuri. If you're looking for something to adorn that new third hole, treat your earlobe to low key sparkle of their topaz bar stud.
Topaz Bar Studs, $115, mejuri.com.
EAT: Aprè s-pierce, celebrate the new look (and the bravery) with elevated comfort good—we're talking champagne and Lobster Mac 'N' Cheese, followed by Double Chocolate Pie.
Photography: Maya Visnyei
DO: Look: Your ears may be a tad tender. That's why the perfect end to this Galentine's Day involves taking it easy on someone's sofa doing an old school romcom binge. Our suggested playlist: 13 Going On 30, Mystic Pizza, Hope Floats.
2. Get Crafty
We're big advocates of the power of some art-therapy / working with your hands in general. Gather your best guys and gals around the kitchen table for a chilled afternoon of making stuff. Conversation will flow and trust, you'll actually have something to show for your time spent—unlike your last five Tinder dates.
GET: Crafting can be messy work. Consider outfitting your guests in these cute aprons in a neutral hue. Not only will their outfits remain pristine, they'll have a fun souvenir from their best Galentine's everrr.
Livinia apron, $36 US, anthropologie.com.
EAT: Prepare a few platters of finger foods ready to set in the middle of the craft table. We recommend our Spinach Artichoke Asiago Dip with pita chips for something salty and our Reverse Chocolate Chunk Cookies for sweet.
Photography: Maya Visnyei
DO: Try your hand at embroidery with this DIY pear tea towel or if you're looking for something easier, create flower arrangements. Your project can be as complicated (or not) as you desire. (And if nothing else, the group attempts will make for some great #PinterestFail fodder). It could even be as simple as buying some canvases and paint from the art supply store. For a real Valentine's level up consider a life model.
Photography: Reid Lambshead | Story: Style at Home—A Floral and Glamorous Spin on Holiday Decor
3. BYO brunch—for dinner
Sometimes you just don't need to reinvent the wheel. Everybody loves brunch for a reason—but since Galentine's Day falls on a Wednesday this year, turn it into a brunch-for-dinner party. Pro-tip: Make it a potluck so you don't have to get up at 6 AM to whip up hollandaise sauce for 15 people.
GET: Half the fun of hosting is getting the table ready. Inject a bit of playfulness into a drab February day with these pastel side plates and a generous bouquet of fresh flowers to match. (Just not roses, please).
Pastel speckle salad plates, $44 for 4, westelm.com.
EAT: As host, your job is to be on drink duty and a main. Mix up a big batch of this Clementine Moscow Mule and Squash Waffles With Candied Bacon. Not only are these crowd pleasers, but they have a dinner-appropriate feel to them.
Photography: Maya Visnyei
DO: Make a playlist of chilled out classics to set the mood for a lazy, leisurely eating-and-convo sesh. And yes, “Easy Like Sunday Morning” is non-negotiable.
Victrola '80s Bluetooth Boombox, $159, urbanoutfitters.com.
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