Valentine’s Day? Cute ish. Galentine’s Day? Iconic. There’s something undeniably soul warming about gathering your best friends, pouring a great wine, and celebrating your friendship with a dinner that actually feels special. Whether you're going for pizza, vintage champagne and a retro romcom kinda mood or cooking something fancy, with a stunning table setting and gift bags, we've got everything you need to get it right.

Step One: The Atmosphere

Firstly, let's get the mood right. Because this night is all about the energy, and you, my friend, are in control of that.

The Playlist: Your music sets the tone. Start with jazz and soul classics as everyone arrives and as the drinks flow, move into chilled R&B or old-school pop anthems. (Think Etta James → Frank Ocean → Beyoncé’s self-titled album → “Gimme More” by Britney.)

Lighting: Overhead lights? Absolutely not. If you don’t have dimmers, switch to lamps, fairy lights, or lots of candles for a warm, intimate glow.

Instagram Moments: If you don't have a great view from your balcony or windows, or if you have friends that love a TikTok trend then set up a little photo corner with a nice backdrop (soft fabric draped across the wall works nicely, a flower arrangement, or a well-lit mirror selfie spot). Polaroids? Definitely a good idea for a vintage feel.

Step Two: The Menu

We're all about impress without the stress. A good dinner party menu is one that feels fancy but secretly takes zero effort. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the kitchen all night while your friends are sipping cocktails without you.

Here’s how to curate the perfect menu:

Start with a Welcome Cocktail
Something light, fun, and that doesn’t require a full bar setup. We love all of these because they're super simple to make before your guests arrive and also simple enough to make when they want a top up.

  • Rosé Spritz – Sparkling rosé, elderflower liqueur, soda, and a sprig of rosemary
  • Pomegranate French 75 – Gin, lemon juice, pomegranate juice, and champagne
  • Aperol Sparkle – Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of grapefruit

The Starters - Easy to serve at the table or during drinks if you want more of a casual mood.

  • Whipped ricotta with honey, truffle oil, and sourdough
  • Burrata with cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze
  • A beautifully presented grazing board with cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruit

The Mains – Comforting but not complicated:

Dessert – Does this need any explanation?

  • Chocolate Lava Cakes – Make the batter ahead of time and just bake when ready
  • Pistachio & Rosewater Pavlova – Light, delicate, and very on theme
  • Ice Cream Sundaes – Get high-quality vanilla gelato, drizzle it with honey, sprinkle crushed nuts, and add edible rose petals

Step Three: The Table

The food might be delicious, but we love a well thought out table. It instantly makes the night feel more special, even if you’re just serving pasta (which, by the way, is always a good idea). Here’s how to make your table chef’s kiss without breaking a sweat:

Glassware Matters: Even if it’s just water, serve it in a beautiful glass. Mix and match if you must, but no plastic cups, pleeeease. A coupe glass for cocktails? Very old-money chic.

Decoration: Fresh flowers are always a winner, but use just one colour and type for a more chic look and keep them low so everyone can chat across the table. Or if you don't want flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables also make for a more artsy decoration.

Mood Lighting: Soft lighting around the tables is non-negotiable. A mix of pillar and tapered candles in warm tones will instantly give that soft, romantic glow. Bonus points for candle holders in gold, marble, or glass. Or battery operated fairy lights woven around the candles or fruit display make for a pretty twinkling effect.

Plates & Linens: Ditch the paper napkins. Opt for linen napkins, a chic charger plate, and elegant dishware. Even if they’re mismatched, as long as they look intentional, it works.

If You're More Low Key

If you’re feeling less Michelin-starred dinner party and more effortlessly chic but actually very chill, then a pizza, champagne, and rom-com night is the ultimate low-key Galentine’s vibe. Because let’s be honest, sometimes, all you need is good food, good company, and a movie you’ve already seen 17 times but still love.

How to Make It Feel Chic (Without Actually Doing Too Much)

The Mood: Dim the lights, light a bougie candle (or three), and throw a plush blanket on the sofa for peak coziness. If you want to make it feel just a little put together, scatter some additional candles around the room.

The Pizza: Skip the frozen aisle and go for elevated at-home pizza, burrata, truffle oil, honey-drizzled pepperoni, or a classic margarita with really good-quality ingredients. Set up space for your friends to make their own pizzas as part of the evening or, if you’re really committing to the lazy luxury theme, just order in from your favorite spot.

The Champagne: A glass of something sparkling makes the day better if you ask us. We love a Ruinart or a really great quality prosecco. Not a champagne girl? Swap it for Whispering Angel rosé, a crisp white, or a negroni sbagliato (yep, still relevant).

The Rom-Com: The hardest decision of the night. Do we go nostalgic? (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Legally Blonde) Or full chaotic, modern classic? (Anyone But You, Crazy Stupid Love). If you can’t decide, let everyone write a movie down and pick out of a hat, because friendly chaos is part of the fun.

The Extras: Face masks, fluffy socks, a surprise dessert (Molten chocolate cake? Gelato? Something dipped in Nutella?). Just enough effort to feel cute, but not enough that it becomes a full-on project.

The Vibe? Low-maintenance luxury. The kind of night where you’re relaxed, well-fed, and a little bit tipsy by the time the credits roll. Basically, peak Galentine’s.

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