Entertaining Ideas for a Perfect ‘Galentine’s’ Day

Throwing a party for Galentine’s Day — a holiday popularized by the TV comedy Parks and Recreation — is a fabulous way to celebrate friendship around Valentine’s Day. This year consider making your celebration a dessert- and craft-filled gathering at home. By combining some DIY details with Grandmother’s vintage china, lifestyle blogger Jamie Wong and I set up a tea-party-themed soiree for our closest girlfriends. Jamie also demonstrates an easy way to make a pompom — all you need is yarn and a kitchen utensil.

Key ingredients for the perfect party:
• Make-it-yourself tea bar
• Small bites, such as fresh fruit, scones or pastries
• Fresh flowers
• Vintage china


Start by setting out all your potential party decor on the table. Once you see what you have, you can choose a theme (ours was white with pastel colors and pompoms) and remove anything that doesn’t fit.

Fill in with other items from your living room or bedroom until you have a nice mix.


Next look for ways to repurpose kitchen items just for the day. Here we used cake stands to hold the sugar, creamer and tea bags instead of the expected cakes or cupcakes. A milk pitcher from Ikea holds fresh flowers.

The Easiest, Most Versatile Cake Stand You’ll Ever Make


Grandma’s china cabinet is a great source for vintage china, but if that’s not available, check out consignment stores. Can’t find a complete set? Mix and match cups and plates for an eclectic touch.


Pick up diminutive sweets from your local grocery store — the smaller, the better! Be aware of any food allergies (such as nuts) or sensitivities (such as to gluten) your guests may have. Include both caffeinated and decaffeinated teas.


Add interest to the table by creating different heights among the serving pieces, such as by stacking two cake stands to balance out smaller teacups and decor. Place treats on either side of the table so that two people can serve themselves at the same time.


String garlands or lights above the table to complete the look. Then create a playlist of your favorite songs for background music, and you’re ready for the party.





Once the party has started, have extra hot water readily available for the teapot.


Keep extra food nearby as well so you can easily replenish the treats.


To make the pompoms, you’ll need a pair of scissors, a large wooden fork or serving utensil, and some yarn.


1. Wrap the yarn horizontally around the middle of the fork. The more yarn you add, the fluffier your pompom will be.

2. Once you’ve added your desired amount of yarn, cut the end even with the edge of the fork.

3. Using additional yarn from your skein, tie a tight knot around the middle of the wrapped yarn. Leave the end long for now.


4. Pull the wrapped yarn off the utensil.


5. Cut through all the loops of yarn on each side of the knot. Fluff the pompom, then trim any pieces that are sticking out.

6. Trim the end of the knot to the pompom’s length or leave it long to use for hanging the pompom.

Experiment with different utensils as a base for varying sizes of pompoms.

Handmade Home: The Paper Pompom


Finally, when you’re planning to celebrate friendships, don’t forget to invite your furry friends as well.

Your turn: How are you going to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? Share your photos below!

More:
Tickle Your Valentine Table’s Fancy With Neon Pink
Send Your Sweetie Some Love — Houzz Style

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