Intentional Galentine’s Day Ideas: More Than Just a Girls' Night

 Setting the Atmosphere for Sisterhood & Celebration

Y’all already know—I am the hostess with the mostest. Flair? Got it. Fabulousness? Absolutely. Throwing unforgettable events? That’s my thing.

For the past few years, I’ve been hosting Galentine’s Day, and let me tell you—it’s something special.

I’ve always understood the concept. When you’re single, Valentine’s Day can feel like whatever, so you get with your homegirls, have a good time, and keep it moving. But honestly? Galentine’s isn’t just for single women. Why shouldn’t we celebrate the women in our lives, no matter our relationship status?

I’ve been blessed to build some amazing sisterhood circles throughout my life. Some friendships last forever, some fade, but deep, meaningful connections have always been important to me. I still have one of my best friends from my teenage years in the mix, and while my circle has evolved, I’ve remained intentional about keeping solid women around me.

We travel together. We celebrate life’s milestones. We show up for each other’s kids. We do life together. And beyond my personal friendships, I love creating spaces where other women can experience that kind of sisterhood too.

That’s why I love hosting Galentine’s Day. It’s not just about drinks and games—it’s about fostering connection, supporting each other, and making sure the women in my life feel seen and valued. This year, I focused on crafting Intentional Galentine’s Day ideas that would create real healing, joy, and sisterhood.

This Year Felt Different

The world is heavy. Life is lifin’. People are struggling—mentally, emotionally, financially. And even outside of my core group, I knew women who were really going through it. I could feel it.

So instead of just throwing a fun girls’ night, I wanted to create something that would bring comfort, healing, and real support.

One of my close friends had been saying she wanted a Waiting to Exhale event. We’ve all seen the trend floating around social media, and I thought, okay, that’s cute. But if I was going to do it, it had to be intentional.

I wasn’t just about to slap some movie posters on the wall, throw on a playlist, and call it a day. Nope. I wanted to dig deeper.

Because at its core, Waiting to Exhale isn’t just a classic film—it’s a story about women navigating heartbreak, life transitions, and personal struggles, while leaning on their sisterhood to come out stronger.

And that’s exactly what I wanted this event to be.

So I went all in, designing a Galentine’s Day experience that wasn’t just about cute aesthetics but about healing, vulnerability, and deep connection.

And let me tell you—it turned into something bigger than I ever expected.

Why Waiting to Exhale?

Released in 1995, Waiting to Exhale follows four Black women—Savannah, Robin, Bernadine, and Gloria—as they navigate love, heartbreak, personal growth, and career struggles, all while leaning on their friendship to carry them through. It’s a movie about resilience, self-discovery, and the power of sisterhood.

Now, when this movie came out, I was just a kid—watching it with wide eyes when I had no business watching it. A lot of the themes went right over my head. I didn’t fully grasp the heartbreak, the betrayals, or the weight of what these women were going through.

But one thing I did understand? The sisterhood.

I saw women standing together, lifting each other up, showing up for each other in their darkest moments.

And that stuck with me.

It reminded me of other sisterhoods I grew up seeing on TV—Living Single, Moesha, A Different World. These weren’t just shows; they were blueprints for what real friendship could look like. Women laughing together, crying together, calling each other out when necessary, and standing up for one another through all walks of life.

That’s the kind of energy I wanted to bring into this Galentine’s Day event. I didn’t just want a typical celebration—I wanted to incorporate Intentional Galentine’s Day ideas that truly embodied sisterhood, healing, and self-reflection.

Usually, when I go on a girls' trip, I try to create this kind of experience—a space where we can let loose, be real, and pour into each other. But it’s been a few years since I’ve been able to do that.

And lately, I’ve been feeling the weight of heavy energy among my sister circle. Not just my core girls, but also other women in my life—those individual friendships outside of the group—who I knew needed some love and support.

So, I decided to reach out. I carefully selected a group of women who I knew would vibe together, women who needed a space to exhale, to release, to just be.

And that’s exactly what we did.

Crafting the Perfect Gathering:

Intentional Galentine’s Day Ideas for Connection & Healing

Setting the Scene: Décor with Purpose

I wanted every part of this event to feel intentional—from the moment my guests walked up to my home.

• Fire Pit Welcome: As soon as the ladies arrived, they were greeted by the glow of a fire pit, much like the final scene in Waiting to Exhale. Originally, we planned to gather around it for a release ritual, but the conversations inside became so powerful that we never made it outside. And honestly? That was fine. The fire still did its job—it set the mood, made everyone feel at ease, and created an atmosphere of warmth and openness.

• Living Room Setup: The main gathering space was decorated with hanging pom-poms in shades of red and pink, creating a fun, festive vibe.

• Dining Room Elegance: The dining area, right off the living room, featured a China cabinet transformed into a drink station 

• Moo Moo Dress Code: The ladies were encouraged to wear moo moos—those house dresses our grandmothers swore by. It was nostalgic, comfortable, and a fun way to unify the group while embracing a carefree, at-home vibe.

• Garland Divider: A delicate garland hung between the living and dining rooms, acting as a decorative transition. My son loved it so much that he was sad to see it go once the party was over!

  
  
  

  

  
  
  

The Power of Storytelling: Framed Memories & Affirmations

I didn’t just want the decor to be pretty—I wanted it to mean something.

• Photo Displays: Throughout the house, I framed and displayed photos of me with my friends over the years—memories from past girls’ trips, birthdays, and moments where we showed up for each other. It was a reminder of why we were all here.

• Movie Stills & Quotes: In between the personal pictures, I added stills from Waiting to Exhale and framed motivational quotes about sisterhood, healing, and self-love. The ladies could take home any picture or quote that spoke to them, turning the decor into a meaningful party favor.

A close-up of the heart of the night—our elegant China Cabinet Drink Station. Vintage crystal glasses, scattered rose petals, and framed memories set the scene for an evening of toasts, laughter, and sisterhood. Every sip was a moment to celebrate the bonds that make life sweeter.

Creative & Stress-Free Food: Intentional Galentine’s Day Ideas for a DIY Feast

One thing I’ve learned from hosting over the years? Food can be one of the most overwhelming parts of planning an event. Cooking for a group while also managing décor, entertainment, and ambiance? Whew. So, this year, I decided to switch things up and let my guests get creative with the menu.

The Idea:

Instead of doing all the cooking myself, I asked each guest to bring a themed board—their own spin on a charcuterie-style setup. It added variety to the menu, made things interactive, and, most importantly, took the pressure off me as the host.

The Execution:

Each guest picked a theme in advance to make sure we didn’t have duplicates. The creativity blew me away! Here are some of the standout boards:

• Seafood Lovers Board – Shrimp, crab legs, smoked salmon, and cocktail sauce.

• Taco Board – Mini taco shells, seasoned meats, toppings, and dips.

• Spicy & Cheesy Board – Everything with a little kick! Spicy dips, jalapeño poppers, and hot Cheetos.

• Egg Roll Board – A mix of classic, Philly cheesesteak, and even dessert egg rolls.

• Fruit & Chocolate Board – A spread of fresh fruit, chocolate fondue, and toppings.

• Dessert Board – Cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and sweet treats.

• Wine & Cheese Board – Various cheeses, crackers, cured meats, and a selection of wines.

• Loaded Baked Potato Board (my contribution) – Baked potatoes with a spread of toppings so guests could build their own.

  
  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  
  

The Experience:

Not only did this make the food situation stress-free, but it also became part of the night’s entertainment. Each guest presented their board, explaining why they chose their theme. Some got super fancy with decorations, while others made their boards interactive.

Plus, it gave us a chance to snack throughout the night without the formal structure of a sit-down meal.

Intentional Galentine’s Day Ideas:

Games, Journals & Affirmation Jars That Inspire Sisterhood

The Rap Session: A 90s-Style Heart-to-Heart

One thing about my generation? We can be stubborn. We’ll ask for advice over and over again, knowing deep down we won’t take it. That’s why I didn’t want to lead the conversations myself—I wanted to sit back and be in it.

So, I called in my Aunt Michelle. She’s an OG. Wise. Lived through things we haven’t. And she knows how to break down life in a way that makes you listen.

• I created a list of deep, thought-provoking questions designed to spark vulnerability.

• Aunt Michelle led the discussion, sharing her own wisdom and lived experiences.

• What started as an icebreaker quickly became a powerful, emotional conversation. Before we knew it, two and a half hours had passed, and we hadn’t even made it outside for the fire pit ritual.

  
  

Journals: A Keepsake of Encouragement

Midway through the evening, I passed out personalized journals and bling pens for each guest.

• Each woman wrote her name on the first page.

• Throughout the night, we passed them around, writing encouraging notes inside.

• By the end of the evening, everyone had a journal full of uplifting messages from the women in the room—words they could go back to whenever they needed a reminder of their worth.

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Even days later, my friends were still texting me about their journals, saying they had cried reading through the messages.

Affirmation Jars: A Month of Encouragement

This was the most personal gift I gave my guests.

• Each woman received a custom-made affirmation jar filled with 30 handwritten affirmations tailored just for them.

• I prayed before writing each set, making sure the words they’d pull out every morning for the next month were exactly what they needed.

• To make them even more special, I decorated the jars to fit each woman’s personality—using ribbons, pearls, costume jewelry, and LED lights inside to give a soft glow, like little fireflies.

The ladies LOVED them. Some of them text me every day telling me what affirmation they pulled, and how it was exactly what they needed to hear.

The Aftermath: A Night That Lasted Beyond the Evening

Even after everyone left, the impact of the night kept going.

• The Next Day: The group chat was on fire. The ladies were still talking about the conversations, the affirmations, and how they felt lighter—like they had finally let go of things they had been holding onto.

  
  

• Days Later: My phone was still buzzing with messages about the journals and affirmations. Some had even started sharing their affirmations with other friends who needed encouragement.

  
  

• The Takeaway: This wasn’t just a party. It was healing. It was necessary. And it reminded me why I put so much love and intention into every event I host.

  
  
  

  

  

  
  
  

Closing Thoughts

This Galentine’s Day was more than just a celebration—it was a reminder of the power of sisterhood, the beauty of vulnerability, and the importance of creating intentional spaces for women to exhale, release, and recharge.

I wanted the women in my life to feel loved, to feel seen, and to leave knowing they are never alone.

And based on their messages? Mission accomplished.

This is what intentional sisterhood looks like—laughter, love, and affirmations that pour into the soul. From personalized affirmation jars to encouragement journals, every detail of this Galentine’s celebration was designed to uplift, inspire, and remind each woman of her worth. This wasn’t just a gathering; it was a moment to exhale.

💬 Now, I want to hear from YOU! 💬

Sis, if you’re thinking about hosting your own Intentional Galentine’s Day, what’s one idea from this event that you’d love to incorporate? Or do you already have a Galentine’s tradition that brings your girls together? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how you celebrate sisterhood!

And if this post gave you some inspo for your next girls’ gathering, do me a favor—share it with your tribe! Let’s spread the love, the healing, and the joy of women pouring into each other.