Celebrate Galentine’s Day
By Cynthia Reeves / Photo by Kate Treick Photography
Whether it’s facials, manicures, massages or a relaxing champagne brunch, treating yourself is even better with your girlfriends. Nowadays, a relatively new substitute for Valentine’s Day is gaining popularity: Galentine’s Day.
“Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, and I love my girlfriends, so I celebrate Galentines’ Day!” said Gulf Breeze’s Truli Hartley.
Over the last few years, Hartley has gathered her friends and everything pink or red and hosted or attended several Galentine’s celebrations with her gal pals.
“We do it at a house or sometimes go out. We do pajamas, or all dress up and go out.”
She said one year the girls all brought a different cheese board to the party to pair with a bottle of bubby. They also like to treat themselves to girl’s night out at favorite restaurants like Grand Marlin.
“No boys allowed!” Hartley laughed.
She likes Galentine’s Day because it can be less pressure than a traditional Valentine’s Day date; she never limits the parties to single friends; married girlfriends may also be invited.
“Look around at Valentine’s Day. Everyone is paired up. When you’re with your best friends it is a happy time, and sometimes more fun,” she said.
GALENTINE’S DAY HISTORY
The unofficial holiday’s origin dates back to a 2010 TV episode. According to Parade.com, Galentine’s Day “was made famous by Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope in the TV series Parks and Recreation.” The fictional character hosted a waffle brunch for her platonic girlfriends on February 13, but waffles are not required, and women celebrate any day of the month.
CELEBRATION IDEAS
Ideas for Galentine’s Day include simple pleasures like an old-school sleepover, a game night or a DIY craft party to wine tastings, road trips, spa days or cruises. Gift exchanges are also fun. Exchange books, chocolates, cookies, recipes or other favorite things. If your squad likes activities, think hiking, biking or paddleboarding together. For out-of-town sisters, consider a virtual cocktail party or send flowers or a Galentine’s Day card. On a budget? Even a phone call counts.
Hartley says it is a nice idea to trade hostesses each year and decorate the space with a romantic flair: pink and red hearts, balloons and flowers. Invite old friends or make new ones. Pampering someone who might otherwise be lonely is the best part
of Galentine’s Day.
