Get tips for hosting a Galentine’s Day favorite things party filled with fun, friendship, and thoughtful gift exchanges in this post with all the details from my last five years of hosting 💕.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for romance—it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate the amazing women in your life!

Hosting a Galentine’s Day “Favorite Things” party is a fun and thoughtful way to connect, laugh, and share little treasures that bring joy.

Whether you’re gathering lifelong friends or making new ones, this party will leave everyone feeling loved and inspired.

I have been hosting this memorable party since 2020 (yes – right before Covid started!!) and have added (and subtracted) things to my party over the years to simplify my preparation and ultimately enjoy the evening with my gal pals :).

And I am here to share everything I have learned through the years with you to make your party the same!

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Balloon Decorations and a Photo Backdrop

The rose gold streamer backdrop kit that I have used for the last few years is surprisingly super easy to use!

However if you don’t want to buy the kit (or it ends up being sold out by the time you read this) – you can just use fishing line along the top of where you will be hanging your backdrop and paper streamers.

Use this link to see some alternative options I found.

Even if you decide to not do streamers as the backdrop – I would definitely recommend the 16 inch Galentines balloons or buying balloons individually to spell out a multitude of words related to friendship and love :).

This set of Galentine’s photo props are another fun thing to have around for all the photos you will likely be taking during your party :).

I also buy the extra large 40 inch XO balloons to hang in my dining room as that extra touch while we are sitting in there eating :).

A Pink Themed Tablescape

While you could use either red or pink for your table decor (I used red the first year I hosted this party – see photos of that here), I am partial to the prettiness of pink on the table :).

Soft Rose Linen Table Runner | Pink Peony Paper Placemats | White Chargers | Pink Linen Napkins | Gold Silverware | White Heart Glasses | Entire Galentine’s Day Decor Collection

A Gift at Each Place Setting

Every year, I have placed a little goodie bag at each of my gal pals’ seats. I have had fun deciding what of my own favorite things to share with each of them :).

Shhhh- but this year it is going to be this hand sanitizer in this sweet heart bag 💕 .

In years past I have given them my favorite lip balm and this stress reduction ring…

Mini candle tin is from my sweet friends Carol and Marilyn from It’s More Than a Home – be sure to take a look at all their seasonal options :).

In years past, I have also made mini bouquets for each place setting but for 2025’s party, I think I will leave this part out…

Dried Pink Flowers | Love ribbon and marble hearts are not available in 2025 ;(

The Menu

If you have read any of my previous posts where I host a decent sized crowd (Thanksgiving, Easter, etc), you know that I don’t change my menus from year to year…

So for this annual party, I like to do the traditional Leslie Gnope Galentine’s Day menu with waffles and plenty of sweet desserts like this amazing JFK Wedding Cake from GoldBelly!

Cake Stand | Heart Bowls | Heart Chocolates

Because I have a few friends in my group that are gluten free or are keeping track of their daily protein intake – last year I decided to also have some precooked tri tip from a local market and these incredible potato stacks (here is the recipe from Williams Sonoma for that fan favorite!).

I make the potato stacks earlier in the day and keep them warm in a casserole slow cooker.

Marble Heart Cheeseboard | Pink Heart Platter | Heart Shaped Candle | Heart Ornaments & Garland | Over the Table Rod | Favorite Coffee Table Books | Large Warming Tray

A Well Stocked Bar

For the last six months (ever since I found her recipe reel that is!), I have been making Brunch with Bab’s champagne Jell-O shots for each of my gatherings ;0.

They are always a huge hit!

I purchased this mini heart cookie cutter to make them into hearts for the party this year :).

And for Christmas 2024, my mother in law gave my husband and I a Bartesian Cocktail Maker.

I’m not going to lie – when I opened the box, I was quite skeptical but on New Year’s Eve when I tasted half the cocktail mixes (don’t even ask how the next day was for me…) – I was impressed!!!

For my 2025 Galentine’s Day party, I purchased the Cupid’s Arrow and Raspberry Ginger Gimlet cocktail capsules and am excited to see what they taste like :).

Favorite Things Gift Exchange

We all have favorite things that are worth sharing with our friends! And what better way to do so than to make a favorite things gift exchange part of your Galentine’s Day party :).

We each bring two IDENTICAL wrapped gifts within the price range of $50-$100 and then do our exchange following the typical “white elephant” gift giving rules:

1. Set a Gift Limit
   • Decide on a spending limit for gifts to keep things fair and fun.
2. Wrap the Gifts Creatively
   • Encourage everyone to bring their gift beautifully wrapped to add to the excitement of unwrapping.
3. Arrange the Gifts in a Pile
   • Place all the gifts in a central area so they’re easy to pick from.
4. Draw Numbers
   • Each participant draws a number to determine the order in which they’ll pick a gift.
5. Choose a Gift or Steal
   • The first player picks a gift and unwraps it.
   • The next player can either “steal” an unwrapped gift or pick a new one to unwrap.
6. Limit Stealing
   • A gift can usually be stolen only 2–3 times before it’s considered “frozen” and can no longer be taken.
7. End When Everyone Has a Gift
   • The game ends when all the gifts have been opened and every participant has a gift.
8. Optional Rule: The First Player Gets the Last Turn
   • To add a fun twist, the first player can take the last turn, giving them the chance to steal any unfrozen gift.

And that pretty much sums up my tips for hosting a Galentine’s Day Favorite Things Party!!

Hosting a Galentine’s Day Favorite Things Party is a heartwarming way to celebrate the amazing women in your life.

With thoughtful planning, laughter, and a few favorite things, you’ll create cherished memories that last long after the party ends. 💕

Please be sure to let me know in the comments below if you have this party and how it went :).

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Have a wonderful day my friend! I hope something makes you smile today ;).