How to Throw the Ultimate Galentine’s Day Party (That Your Besties Will Never Forget)

Move over, Valentine’s Day — there’s a new holiday in town, and it’s got better snacks, fewer expectations, and way more glitter.

Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating the women who make your world go round — your brunch crew, your work besties, your college roommates, your sisters-from-another-mister. It’s the one day of the year where friendship takes center stage, and love letters are swapped for inside jokes and endless mimosas.

But here’s the thing: Galentine’s parties have come a long way from waffles and wine. These days, it’s all about creating an experience — a night filled with laughter, creativity, and a little chaos (the fun kind). So, if you’re ready to throw a bash your gals will still be raving about come next February, we’ve got you covered.

From dreamy décor to themed cocktails and games that slay (literally), here’s your guide to throwing the ultimate Galentine’s Day party.

💖 Why Galentine’s Day Is Having a Moment

There’s a reason Galentine’s Day has exploded in popularity. What started as a funny Parks and Recreation episode has become a full-fledged tradition — because women everywhere are realizing that friendship deserves a holiday of its own.

It’s about connection, confidence, and community — something we could all use a little more of. Whether you’re single, coupled, or somewhere in between, Galentine’s is a reminder that love isn’t limited to romance.

Plus, let’s be real — it’s the perfect excuse to dress up, decorate, and indulge without apology. And with the rise of girls’ nights, self-care soirées, and immersive experiences (like all-female murder mystery parties), celebrating friendship has never been so much fun.

🎭 Step 1: Pick a Theme That Sets the Mood

Every epic party starts with a theme — it gives your night direction, your décor purpose, and your guests an excuse to go all-in. Here are a few crowd-favorite Galentine’s Day themes to get your creative wheels turning:

Classic Galentine’s Glam

Think pink everything — from the tablecloths to the cocktails. Add gold accents, confetti, and heart-shaped balloons. Encourage guests to wear their sparkliest fits, and don’t forget a killer playlist (hello, Beyoncé, Lizzo, and Dua Lipa).

Y2K Throwback

The early 2000s are back, baby! Channel your inner Mean Girl or Cheetah Sister with butterfly clips, low-rise jeans, and flip phones as décor. Queue up a nostalgic playlist of Britney, Ashanti, and Destiny’s Child.

Spa & Self-Care Soirée

Swap stilettos for slippers and have a night of pampering. Think face masks, aromatherapy, cozy robes, and mocktails with cucumber slices. It’s the perfect low-key Galentine’s idea for a busy friend group.

Murder & Margaritas

For those who like their parties with a twist of drama, host a murder mystery night! Night of Mystery’s all-female murder mystery games let each guest play a character, follow clues, and uncover a hilarious whodunnit — all while sipping themed cocktails.

You can’t go wrong with favorites like:

• Killing for The Crown — beauty-pageant rivalry meets deadly ambition.
• Happily Never After — fairy tales take a darkly funny turn.
• A Sorority Slaying — campus gossip, secrets, and sabotage.
• Bachelorettes and Bullets — a wild night out that’s to die for.

Each game comes ready to download, complete with character sheets, clues, and decor suggestions — making hosting effortless and unforgettable.

🎀 Step 2: Create Décor That Wows

Once you’ve picked your theme, it’s time to make your space shine. Whether you’re transforming a living room or renting out a local venue, décor is where the magic happens.

Set the Color Scheme: Stick with pinks, reds, blush tones, and metallic accents. If you’re hosting a murder mystery, add black and gold for a little intrigue.

DIY Touches:

• Heart-shaped garlands and streamers
• A “Wall of Compliments” where guests can leave notes for each other
• Fairy lights and candles for a cozy glow
• Photo booth backdrop with themed props (crowns, boas, handcuffs — if you’re going mysterious 😉)

Want to make your space look professionally planned? Download printable extras and decorations from Night of Mystery — they include matching invitations, signage, and clue cards to tie your aesthetic together beautifully.

🍓 Step 3: Serve Food & Drinks That Slay

A Galentine’s Day party menu should feel indulgent, fun, and Instagram-worthy — like something you’d eat in a rom-com montage.

Sweet Treats

• Red Velvet Cupcakes: Top with edible glitter or pink sprinkles.
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: A must. Bonus points for heart-shaped drizzle.
• Sugar Cookie “Love Notes”: Write cheeky sayings on cookies like No Scrubs or Bestie 4Ever.

Savory Snacks

• Mini waffles topped with fried chicken bites and honey drizzle (a Leslie Knope favorite).
• Heart-shaped pizzas with your gals’ favorite toppings.
• A pink charcuterie board with raspberries, prosciutto, brie, and macarons.

Signature Sips

Your drinks should match your vibe:

• The Bloody Cosmo: A cranberry-citrus martini with a splash of drama.
• The Love Potion Spritz: Rosé, soda, strawberries, and a dash of glitter sugar.
• Mocktail Moment: Sparkling pink lemonade with mint and frozen berries.

Label your drinks with playful names like Truth Serum, Heartbreaker Punch, or Motive for Murder.

🎉 Step 4: Plan Activities That Bring the Laughs

Sure, chatting over cocktails is fun, but the best Galentine’s parties include memorable, interactive activities that keep the energy high and everyone laughing.

Compliment Circle

Each guest writes a note for everyone else, highlighting something they adore. It’s sweet, funny, and guaranteed to make someone tear up.

Galentine’s Awards Ceremony

Create homemade awards and hand them out Oscar-style: Drama Queen of the Year, Most Likely to Have a Secret Identity, Queen of the Group Chat.

Rom-Com Trivia or “Guess That Ex”

Play trivia based on iconic rom-com quotes or have everyone submit a funny dating story — then guess who it belongs to.

DIY Craft Bar

Set up a little “Create & Sip” station for painting friendship mugs, decorating tote bags, or crafting friendship bracelets.

The Ultimate Feature Activity: Murder Mystery Party

Now, if you really want your party to stand out — this is the move.

Hosting a mystery party for women turns your Galentine’s gathering into a full-blown theatrical experience. Every guest gets a character, secret objectives, and dramatic moments to play out. Costumes, clues, and laughter take over as your friends uncover who among them committed the “crime.”

The best part? Night of Mystery’s all-female games are downloadable instantly, easy to set up, and come with everything you need to play host — including character guides, invitations, and game instructions.

You don’t need to be a professional party planner to pull it off. You just need a sense of humor, a little flair, and maybe a glass (or two) of champagne.

🎁 Step 5: Add Gifts & Favors They’ll Actually Love

No one leaves a Galentine’s party empty-handed! Send your guests home with a thoughtful (or cheeky) favor to remember the night by.

Cute & Creative Gift Ideas:

• Mini champagne bottles with custom “Partner in Crime” tags
• DIY “Evidence Bags” filled with chocolates or lip gloss
• Friendship bracelets or custom scrunchies
• Personalized candles labeled “Hot Mess Energy” or “Main Character Vibes”
• Polaroid photo in a keepsake frame

If you’re hosting a mystery party, consider giving out themed awards like Best Dressed Detective or Drama Queen of the Night.

📸 Step 6: Capture the Chaos

You’ve spent all this time making your night perfect — don’t forget to document it! Set up a DIY photo booth with good lighting, a cute backdrop, and plenty of props.

Quick Tips:

• Use a ring light for the best selfies.
• Choose a few signature hashtags (#GalentinesGoals or #PartnerInCrime).
• Print out a few shots afterward and tuck them into your guests’ goodie bags as mementos.

Hosting a murder mystery? Capture the reveal moment! It’s always priceless when your quietest friend turns out to be the killer.

🥂 Toast to Friendship, Fun, and Fierce Females

At the end of the night, raise a glass — to your ride-or-dies, your found family, your chaos coordinators, your Galentines.

Whether you’ve spent the evening crafting, laughing, or dramatically solving crimes, the goal is the same: celebrate the incredible women in your life.

And if you’re ready to level up this year’s celebration, make it one to die for — with one of Night of Mystery’s all-female murder mystery games.

Because love comes and goes, but friendship — and a perfectly planned party — never go out of style. 💋