Today I am partnering with Basic Invite, a full-service stationary company that makes gorgeous paper goods for any event or party. Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51

I love any holiday that is an excuse to be a little girly! My husband and I don’t really have any set traditions surrounding Valentines Day, we usually just go out to dinner or cook together at home- which I love.

Almost as much as I enjoy Valentines Day with John, I love getting together with some girlfriends for a Galentines celebration!

Here are some fun Galentines Party ideas to invite your besties over for a night of cocktails, yummy bites, fun music and good conversation:

Start with the invitations

Truly there’s no better way to prime your guests with excitement than an invitation sent in the mail. I love the tradition and intentionality that comes with sending letters, and it’s a sweet way to get your friends in the spirit of the party long before it begins.

I am using Basic Invite for my Galentines Party invites! Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design, you can change the color of each element on the card. With over 180 colors to choose from, you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it.

Not only do they have tons of Valentines Day and other holiday invitations, but their Wedding Stationary is where they really shine. Take a look at their wedding place cards and wedding program options!

Here’s a little invitation etiquette: Send out your party invitations 3-6 weeks in advance! You want your friends to be able to plan around your party, but not too much time to where they’ll forget.

Plan a menu

Let’s start with Cocktails!

Y’all know I love to have a cocktail option waiting for when friends arrive. I’ll be making a very easy one, “Raspberry Royale”

Recipe (per cocktail):

1 tsp Chambord (raspberry liquor)

1 oz vodka

3 Raspberries

Top with chilled Champagne

Tip1 : Wait until just before they arrive to pour champagne, that way they stay ice cold!

Tip 2: Put opened champagne in bucket with ice so refills are just as good

Tip 3: Put a little bit of edible glitter in the glasses to make them really sparkle!

Light Bites

I make sure when I host any party that I am doing as many things that make my life easy. When it comes to food for a party, it really depends on how much time I’m able to put towards planning if I end up doing a lot of it myself. As much as I love to cook, sometimes grabbing everything from the store is the move!

For a Galentines party, no one should expect to be fed a full meal. This is a finger food situation, unless otherwise stated on the invitation! Think: hang out on the couch with a rom com on TV, Taylor Swift playing in the background, and lots of clinking of glasses.

Here are some of my favorite options for a Galentines Menu:

Cheeseboard (here’s a full blog post on how to create a great cheeseboard)

Spinach + artichoke dip (Store bought)

Petit Fours (store bought – I love to get mine from Publix or Fresh Market)

Puppy Chow with pink + red m&ms (here’s my go-to recipe)

Finger Sandwiches in heart shapes

Break and bake cookies or homemade cookies!

Creating the Galentines Day Vibe

Music! From a cocktail party playlist or jazz music to strictly 90s breakup songs for laughs, music is one of the best ways to make your guests instantly feel at home and ready for the fun.

Like I mentioned above, planning ahead with sending invitations and getting a cocktail prepared for their arrival makes all the difference.

Are you a game person? Plan on a fun and easy activity for your friends to do between visiting. And of course this helps connect the gals who may not know each other as well.

Create a beautiful space. Whether you’re sitting down at a table for cocktails and charcuterie, or want to set up the kitchen counters with the food to make it more casual, there are so many inexpensive and beautiful ways to add some flare. I rounded up some things to snag on Amazon!

Happy Valentine’s / Galentines Day!

Don’t forget! Right now Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51