Every year the “day of love” comes during the cold, snowy month of February. The idea of having a love filled day in the middle of winter can be exciting, but according to Dr. Deborah Serani, holidays such as Valentine’s Day can inspire feelings of sadness if one associates the day with negative experiences or feelings. In short, it can lead people to feeling blue if they don’t have colorful plans to look forward to. Understandable. Who wants to watch endless Instagram photos of fun and romantic dates if your plans are Netflix and chill at home – alone.
But it doesn’t have to be such a high-pressured day. For the past 6 years, I have thrown a Valentine’s Day themed party for all my girl friends. We do crafts, eat snacks and play romcoms in the background. The tradition started when a few friends and I found ourselves single on Valentine’s Day, but wanted to celebrate anyway. Here are a few ideas on how to celebrate Galentine’s Day with your besties!
Galentine’s Day Party
Host a party for girlfriends – Go as big or as small as you want. Every year I have hosted my Valentine’s Day party, I try and make it look extra festive. I decorate with heart shaped everything. I decorate the house, but also make heart shaped food. Heart shaped chocolate chip cookies are always a hit. Homemade cupcakes covered in red and pink icing are also super popular. I mean seriously, there is no better excuse to have an all pink party?
Let There Be Wine
Wine tours with girlfriends can be quite amusing. Have your girlfriends share a limo or a tour bus (depending on how many gals join in on the festivities) in Niagara on the Lake and visit the many different wineries. As everyone shares more samples, the bus ride gets more and more entertaining. Especially if you can get the driver to play your favorite playlist. Check out some options here. Wine and your besties, doesn’t that sound perfect?
Cooking Class
In Toronto, there are a variety of cooking classes that aim to offer more than just culinary instructions. For example, Dish cooking studio aims to connect people through food. The venue has a bar where you can grab a drink while learning new skills in the kitchen. These classes are extremely popular and offer new menus each night. They are often sold out weeks in advance. But can be a great bonding experience. Grab your girls and get ready to eat.
Karaoke Night
Whether you decide to have this at home or out on the town, karaoke allows everyone to let loose and sing their favorite songs. As a 90s girl, we hear lots of Spice Girls at our “in-house” karaoke nights. Regardless of whether we plan to have a karaoke night or not, my friends and I usually end up breaking into song.
Brunch
Waking up in the morning and meeting a few of my best girlfriends is one of the best ways to start the day. I love going to trendy hot spots downtown. Some will even have Valentine’s Day Specials! However, one of my all-time favorite brunch places is Spencer’s on the Waterfront in Burlington. Not only is the brunch buffet top notch, but the drinks are unlimited and all inclusive. Try it.
Regardless of which idea you end up using, enjoy your day. If you are lucky enough to have one person you love, whether it is a bestie or a lover, consider yourself very lucky. If you’re loving the idea of galentine’s day and looking for some quick getaways with the girls check out my post here.
