Up until this year, I’ve never celebrated Galentine’s Day. If you’re not familiar with what Galentine’s Day is, it’s an opportunity to celebrate with your friends when Valentine dates are scarce. Galentine’s Day is a holiday Leslie Knope off of “Parks and Rec” created that occurs every year on Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. Basically, it’s like Valentine’s Day, only instead of celebrating the love you have for your significant other, you spend it with your best girlfriends.

Because I can’t resist a good list, here’s my plan to throw a rockin’ Galentine’s Day party without breaking the bank — or my heart.

1. Invites: Usually invites will come in a mass text message. However, the idea of something a little more formal and not that expensive just catches my eye. You could send an Evite. They’re online, customizable and most importantly free invites you can send to your girlfriends.
2. Decorations: You could add a welcome wreath, candles, a tablecloth and balloons to liven up the place.
3. Drinks: Drinks can vary depending on your age. However, if you happen to be over 21, there are many cute drinks you can have to spice up the night. Get creative, or even try a virgin drink if you’d like.
4. Breakfast Foods: I always opt for a potluck when it comes to parties like these. Have your girlfriends all bring a dish over, and you’re good to go. Plus, who doesn’t like breakfast for dinner?
5. Playlist: This is the portion I’m never prepared for. Free Pandora with awkward commercials for a McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish? That’s me. Pandora really is just fine, but you have several other options, like Spotify, which lets you create your own playlist or pick a pre-generated one.
6. Gal-activities: Just hit up Pinterest for this one, and you will find tons of ideas.
7. Party Favors: Although Leslie Knope crocheted flower pens, wrote personal essays and slapped together mosaics of her friend’s faces, you can keep it simple.

Some VSU gals have a lot to say about this popular holiday.

Sonia Velazio, a freshman business major said, “I personally love Galentine’s because I get to hang with my girl gang and pretty much get to be each other’s Valentines.”

Haley Garrett, a sophomore biology major said, “I think Galentine’s Day is the best holiday. I get to hang out with my best friends from softball for one day and my boyfriend the next. What could be better than that?”

In the end, just know the day is all about your gal pals and breakfast foods. Whip yourself up some waffles and cuddle up to some warm romantic comedies. Personally, I think it sounds great, and I can’t wait to celebrate it. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, grab some girlfriends and try it out!

Story by Savannah Oliver, staff writer. Photo courtesy of Hailee Hathcock.

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