How to host a wholesome “Galentine’s Day” celebration

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a traditional couple’s celebration. Honour this love-filled holiday with female friendship instead: welcome to Galentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day can sometimes seem like an exclusive celebration for those of us already coupled up in a romantic pairing, but it shouldn’t be. In recent years, the excluding narrative towards singletons on Valentine’s Day, and the view that being in a romantic relationship equals completeness, is thankfully evolving.

Alongside Valentine’s Day, there is “Galentine’s Day”, a wholesome celebration of female friendship that shifts the emphasis of love away from couplehood towards friendship instead. It’s a chance to celebrate with your friends, eat some delicious food, and indulge in all things chocolate! 

What do we mean by “Galentine’s Day”?

Galentine’s Day was first mentioned in the television show Parks and Recreation, in the episode “Galentine’s Day” which aired on the 11th of February, 2010. Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope, declares it to be a holiday that she created to celebrate the friendships of women. According to the show, Leslie celebrates Galentine’s Day by treating her female friends to breakfast, gifts and heartfelt speeches. How lovely!

Since then, the holiday caught on with viewers and fans around the world started celebrating with their own “gal pals”. Galentine’s Day offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and appreciate friendship. From enjoying a tasty brunch with your BFF to exchanging cards and gifts with loved ones, there are plenty of ways to embrace

When is Galentine’s Day?

Although it’s not an official holiday like its romantic counterpart, many people have taken the Parks and Recreation date of the 13th of February for their Galentine’s celebrations. However many singletons, or those who happen to have no Valentine’s plans, might wish to go all out with Galentine’s in place of Valentine’s Day on the 14th, rather than the day before.

How to host a fun Galentine’s Day celebration

Hosting a Galentine’s party is fun for a few reasons. First, it’s an opportunity to gather with friends and celebrate the strong, supportive relationships between women, and it’s also a chance to be creative and plan a fun party — from decor to food to games and activities.

Finally, it’s a great excuse to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company!

Invite your friends

What better way to celebrate a day of friendship than with your nearest and dearest! Whilst some of your friends may be coupled up, they can still attend your Galentine’s Day celebration. You never know, they might even prefer it to spending the day with their dearly beloved.

It’s a great opportunity to spend quality time with your closest friends and make new memories together. Plus, it’s a chance to show your friends how much you appreciate and care about them.

If your friends are in couples, it might be worth getting your Galentine’s invites out early so there are no celebration clashes!

Get some non-romantic chick flicks on the go

Whilst a romantic comedy can sometimes be the cure for all ills, a lot of the chick flicks from the early noughties perpetuate old-fashioned tropes when it comes to romantic relationships.

Now that we are in 2023, there are plenty of non-romantic comedies that centre around female empowerment, singledom, and female friendship. Some non-romantic comedies include Bridesmaids (2011) and Whip It (2010).

No matter your age, a classic movie night is the perfect way to catch up with friends.

Prepare a chocolate fondue

Chocolate fondue is sometimes seen as a romantic treat — so why not reclaim it for Galentine’s? After all, what’s better than dipping fruit, marshmallows, and other nibbles into rich, gooey melted chocolate?

This fun and interactive dessert is a wonderful way for friends to bond and enjoy irresistible, high-cacao chocolate. It’s the ideal accompaniment to your chick flick movie night.

You can opt for white, milk, or dark chocolate. Just make sure you look for bars with a high cocoa butter content — this will ensure a dreamy melted texture. Or why not take a look at our Large Chocolate Dipping Adventure? This kit has all you need to host a delightful fondue with ease. You’ll find four gorgeous chocolate melting pots, ready to pop in the microwave or bain-marie, and a generous array of sweet and savoury snacks.

Why not make it a pyjama party?

Forget the high heels and whip out your favourite slippers — a pyjama party can be a fun and relaxed way to celebrate Galentine’s Day with friends. It allows for a comfortable atmosphere where everyone can unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

Activities such as movie watching, board games, and eating snacks can be enjoyed in the comfort of pyjamas. It also allows for a more low-key celebration compared to going out to a restaurant or bar.

Toast to friendship

There’s no other day more perfect for a little tipple than Galentine’s Day. Make a toast to your friends to show your appreciation of their support. Keep it classic and sophisticated with fresh and fruity Prosecco or a vibrant, full-bodied Red Wine.

Alternatively, why not get creative and come up with your own cocktails? Our indulgent

Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur makes an exquisite base.

If you’d rather toast in chocolate form, our Pink Champagne Truffles are sure to be a hit amongst your gal pals this Galentine’s.

Spread the love with some heartfelt gifts

We’d like to think we know what we’re talking about when it comes to gifts — especially around Valentine’s Day. Whilst gift-giving isn’t essential for Galentine’s Day, it can be a thoughtful way to show your best friends how much you appreciate them. And what’s better for that than chocolate?

We have plenty of chocolate gifts that are perfect for friends. Our A Moment For Yourself gift set is a thoughtful gesture for a friend who could do with a hug. Or if you’re looking for something a little smaller to hand out to several friends, our Strawberry and Cream Macarons are irresistible.

Set up a Secret Cupid gift exchange

Do you want to add an extra twist to your Galentine’s gifts? Try a Secret Cupid exchange. Just like Secret Santa at Christmas, this fun game involves assigning each person in your friendship group a giftee to buy a small present for.

On Galentine’s Day, you can all exchange your gifts and try to work out who your Cupid was. If you want to keep everything fair and affordable, why not set a budget?

Valentine’s and Galentine’s chocolate gifts from Hotel Chocolat

Whatever your plans are this Valentine’s Day, spread the love with Hotel Chocolat. Our gorgeous Valentine’s gifts are sure to be a hit with partners and friends alike. For a generous show of affection, why not try our With Love Sleekster? Thos colourful collection of heart-shaped treats will warm the cockles of any friend or loved one.

For a quirky Galentine’s, why not give our Love Potion chocolate selection to make your girly coven complete? Or for a cuter take on the friendship holiday, our A Dozen Chocolate Little Lovebirds are sure to put a smile on your bestie’s face this Galentine’s Day.