13 Essentials for Hosting a Summer Solstice Party

The Best Galentine's Day Ideas For 2025

Add Some Pink With These Taylor Swift Fuzzy Dice

Pink is always a good idea when it comes to Valentine's Day decor, so for any of your Galentine's Day parties this year, DIY these Taylor Swift fuzzy dice inspired by "Cruel Summer"! (via Brit + Co)

Make DIY Galentine's Day Candy Boxes

Have A Bachelor Marathon

Calling all Bachelor fans! Catch up on new episodes from your favorite season by hosting a marathon viewing party. Not a Bachelor fan? Try one of these Netflix originals that are perfect for Galentine's Day. (via Brit + Co)

DIY Galentine's Day Fort

Camp out with your BFFs in this homemade fort that's just as much fun to make as it is to relax in! It's the perfect Galentine's Day idea at home. (via Brit + Co)

Host A Nail Pampering Galentine's Day Party

Pamper yourself and your BFFs with a nail design party! Put out bottles of their favorite polishes and create a fun playlist of your favorite love songs. (via Brit + Co)

Host A Galentine's Day Bake-off

BFFs stand together even when they're single or happily taken. Host a delicious bake-off with your gals to see who can get the most creative in the kitchen! (via Brit + Co)

Make Conversation Heart Care Packages

For friends who live near and far, make these sweet care packages filled with their favorite things. (via Brit + Co)

Host a Galentine's Day Party Game Night

Play Gin Rummy with your favorite gin cocktail, dominoes, charades, whatever floats your game-loving boat! Don't forget the candy charcuterie! (via Brit + Co)

Plan A Girl's Getaway

Here are the happiest cities in the world. Grab your girls and escape winter for an amazing Galentine's Day weekend you'll never forget. (via Brit + Co)

Take a Class Together

Film photography is cool again. One reason to get creative with your gals with a day of fun learning and doing. (via Brit + Co)

Host a Brunch

Our epic Galentine's brunch menu has everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine's card writing stations. Thisgem-inspired brunch is a fun idea, too! (via Brit + Co)

Have A DIY Party With Planters

Get a jump on spring decor with an easy DIY planter party! With a few basic steps, you and your girls can create living wall decor to decorate your space for February and even all the way through the summer months. (via Brit + Co)

Host a Cookie Party

Check out our list of 30 Valentine's Day cookie recipes and start a holiday cookie tradition, G-Day style! (via Brit + Co)

Go On A Road Trip With Your Gals

You don't have to spend your Galentine's Day party inside. If you're not near the beach, you can take a day trip instead. Some ideas include visiting a ski resort, going for a hike, or exploring that small town you've been meaning to hit. (via Brit + Co)

Have A Puppy-Love Play Date

Galentine's Day isn't just for humans. Invite your BFFs and their furry friends over for a puppy-love playdate. If you want to keep things a bit more relaxed, host a movie night and ask your friends to bring their dog beds, too.

Host A Mean Girls Movie Night

Prepare for a cozy night in with your ladies by catching up on one of the most classic flicks (or the newmusical update!). Set the tone for the night with a DIY burn book vase that doubles as a hilarious take-home treat. (via Aww Sam)

Have A Beach Day Picnic

If you live on the coast, host your Galentine's Day gathering at the beach. Make sure you bring your favorite beach bag, a pair of sunglasses, and perhaps some bubbly!

Have A Wine Tasting

You and your girls love your wine, so use the day as an excuse to host your very own rosé tasting party.

Hit The Slopes

An adventurous way to get outdoors and spend time with your ladies is to take advantage of the snow. Go skiing or snowboarding, or build a snow(wo)man. Then enjoy après ski cocktails!

Have A Pool Party

If you live in a warmer climate (or have a heated pool), throw a fun G-Day pool party complete with all of the essentials like vino, floaties, and sunhats.

Host A Parks & Rec Marathon

The best way to celebrate Galentine's Day is by honoring the creator, Leslie Knope, with a Parks and Rec marathon viewing party. Ask your ladies to supply the booze, and you can serve up the snacks and the show — or any of our other favorite feel-good TV shows.

Host An Outdoor Dinner + Movie

Your ladies deserve a get-together that's sure to give each gal the much-needed fun she deserves. Host a movie and dinner for your ladies, outdoors if the weather permits. Step up your party with favors, swag bags, and a night of unlimited drinks.

Have A Karaoke Party

What better way to start off your Galentine's Day shindig than by belting out a few tunes with your favorite ladies? Yep, we didn't think we'd have to tell you twice.

Go on A Hike

Keep up with your health goals with an active day outdoors. It's a great way to bond with your girlfriends and with nature.

Book A Spa Day

What better way to show self love than to book a much-deserved spa day with gal pals. You'll feel refreshed and recharged.

Zoom With Surprise Takeout

Bestie live in another state? Plan an evening Zoom call and send each other dinner delivery for a fun gab session and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift. Oh, what a night!

More Galentine's Day Party Ideas

A pom pom and lantern wall is literally the perfect way to add some texture to any Galentine's Day party! Plus, you can reuse them for upcoming bachelorette parties and baby showers.

Take a simple white table cloth (bonus points if it's paper) and paint "XOXO" across it for a personalized, romantic addition to your table.

Never underestimate the power of gold letter balloons. They're our favorite!

In lieu of flowers, fill some of your favorite vases with all kinds of red and pink candies.

If a pure candy charcuterie board is overwhelming, opt for a mix — supplement chocolate, marshmallows, and strawberries with meat and cheese for a board that's both lunch and dessert.

Mix up your Galentine's Day party mimosa bar by providing different juices and different garnishes that your guests can choose from.

Letter boards are a super easy and super fun way to add spunk to your party. Plus, they don't take up a lot of room, so that's a win-win for us!

Grapefruit juice is the perfect addition to your Galentine's Day party's pink cocktails — or to sparkling water for a low-key mocktail.

Candlesticks, jars, cake trays, oh my! The more dishes, the better as far as we're concerned.

It's easier than ever to find super cute, super sassy napkins. It's a small touch that goes a long way!

Mini bottles of champagne aren't just good for your Galentine's Day party — have everyone write a goal on their bottle, and wait to pop it until that goal is achieved!

Find heart-shaped plates to add extra romance to your tablescape.

Galentine's Day Party Favor Ideas

Miniature potted plants are as cute as can be, and when they're wrapped in pink napkins? To die for.

Cupid would totally approve of these red candy kabobs.

If you have a collection of white bags for your Galentine's Day party favors, go crazy with the designs! Draw hearts, arrows, or write a little note to each of your friends.

Nothing says "I love you" like knowing your friend's favorites — which means you'll knock beauty product gift bags out of the park.

Red lollipops get a fruity upgrade when you wrap their sticks in green tape. Voilà!! The cherry on top of all your Galentine's Day festivities.

Wall envelopes are the perfect place to stash all your candy — or a super artsy Galentine's Day note.

Less is more with a Galentine's Day party favor that lets your BFF know how much she means to you.

A little bit of thoughtful wrapping makes a colorful bouquet even more beautiful than it already is!

Add tiny bows to all your champagne bottles for a true coquette party theme.

Use a pair of scalloped scissors to turn regular gift bags into something even more eye-catching!

Galentine's Day party favors don't *just* have to be candy and cards — celebrate your friends' hobbies with thoughtful gifts, too!

We'll literally never say no to chocolate, especially when it includes flower petals!

Apple Cider Shooter

That caramel vodka you bought on a whim once can finally be put to good use with this spiked apple cider shooter. Whip it up as a shot or a large punch that will last all night long. (via Brit + Co)

Root Beer Float Shooter

This soda shop classic gets an adult upgrade with ROOT, a traditional alcoholic Native American tea. And tea is healthy, right? ;) (via Brit + Co)

Rainbow Shots

Meet your new party trick! All five of these shots come out of one shaker. Prepare to amaze your guests with your bartending skills this NYE. (via Brit + Co)

Champagne Chantilly Shooters

Be sure to add these cake-inspired shooters to your after-holiday to-do list to start 2016 with a little bit of deliciousness. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Champagne Jell-O Shots

Turn your champagne into a shot! If you’re hosting a large party, these are a way more affordable option than a case of champagne. (via Feast + West)

Blackberry Gin Shooters

This shooter is *almost* too pretty to drink. Plus, we can all pretend that the blackberries are doing you some good. (via Dine and Dish)

Butternut Rum Lifesaver

A shot that tastes like candy is a sweet way to start your year off right. (via A Year of Cocktails)

Tipsy Spritzer Shots

Not every shot needs to be super strong. If you’re looking for something you can enjoy throughout the night, this sweet, bubbly and tart “spritzer” shot is low in alcohol content and big on flavor. (via Holly’s Cheat Day)

Sparkling Jello Jigglers

Swap out champagne for the grape juice in this recipe to make a fancy, adult version of a JELL-O jiggler. Sprinkles and edible gold stars required. (via Bubbly Nation Creations)

Champagne Jello Shots

Awww, Jello Shots are all grown up in this festive recipe. They have a nice flavor that won’t leave you wincing afterwards. (via Broma Bakery)

White Chocolate Champagne Cheesecake Shooters

This shot is delicious enough to be dessert. Top yours with edible glitter sprinkles to get even more festive. (via The First Year)

Cranberry Kamikaze Shots

NYE calls for a fancier drink than a go-to beer or wine. Ring in the new year with cranberry kamikaze shots that look pretty and taste delicious (via Cookin' Canuck)

Banana Split Shooters

This shot requires five ingredients that'll send your taste buds soaring. I mean, what could be better than taking a shot of something that tastes like dessert? (via Tablespoon)

Sparkling Cider Jello Shots (Non-Alcoholic)

If you want to be extra careful not to induce a hangover when you wake up in 2024, your best bet are these sparkling cider jello shots. They're made with unflavored gelatin, distilled water, cider and your choice of berries, cherries, or gummies! (via Something Swanky)

General Guidance: Queen of Pentacles

This week's overarching message comes through the nurturing and abundant Queen of Pentacles. This card embodies the divine feminine, fertility, and a deep connection to the earth and the world around you. It speaks of abundance in all its forms – not just material wealth, but also fulfilling relationships, creative energy, and a sense of groundedness.

However, the Queen of Pentacles also highlights a potential for a busy mind this week. You might find yourself with a flurry of ideas, passionate impulses, and a long to-do list. This can feel exciting, but it could also lead to mental clutter, anxiety, and stress.

Here's how to work with this energy:

• Brain Dump & Organize: The Queen of Pentacles encourages you to get those swirling thoughts out of your head. Dedicate time to brain dumping – writing down every idea, task, or concern. Once it's on paper, you can start to see things more clearly and prioritize. Consider using your calendar to map out what needs your immediate attention.
• Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support if your mental load feels overwhelming. This could be a conversation with your therapist, a trusted friend, partner, or even a colleague to work through any lingering issues. The Queen of Pentacles suggests taking the lead in these conversations with your natural warmth and intuition.
• Redefine Abundance: This card prompts you to consider what abundance truly means to you. Is it more time? Financial ease? Deeper connections? Once you identify your personal definition of abundance, you can become more aware of its presence in your life and actively create space to receive more of it.
• Practice Gratitude & Reception: Abundance often shows up in unexpected ways. Pay attention to the small things – an extra five minutes in your day, a found penny, a heartfelt hug. Acknowledge and appreciate these moments. The universe notices when you're open to receiving. Don't brush past these opportunities; soak them in and express gratitude.
• Balance Excitement & Energy: You might have a lot of exciting ideas brewing, but your energy levels might not always match that enthusiasm. The Queen of Pentacles encourages you to find a balance. It's okay to feel excited and passionate, but also listen to your body's needs.

Ultimately, the Queen of Pentacles this week is about harnessing that vibrant mental energy, grounding it through connection and clarity, and paving the way for new growth and abundance in all areas of your life. Whether you're ready to spring into action or need to take things slow, this card assures you that you have the inner resources to navigate the week with grace and intention.

Managing Your Energy: Eight of Swords & King of Wands

If you're feeling that dip in energy or a sense of being stuck, this pairing offers a powerful message: don't let it stop you.

The Eight of Swords often represents feeling trapped, paralyzed by fear, self-doubt, or overwhelming circumstances. You might feel unsure of which way to turn, worried about failure, or hesitant to even begin something new.

However, the King of Wands arrives as a potent counterpoint, urging you to take charge of your life and just start. This is a card of initiative, passion, and confident action.

Here's how to navigate this potential energy slump:

• Acknowledge, Don't Empower: It's important to acknowledge those feelings of fatigue or being stuck. However, don't let them take over. Recognize them without giving them the power to completely immobilize you.
• Small Steps, Big Impact: The King of Wands reminds you that every journey begins with a single step. You don't need to tackle everything at once. Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable actions. Even a tiny step forward can break the feeling of paralysis.
• Move with Intention: While the Queen of Pentacles highlights mental activity, the Eight of Swords and King of Wands encourage mindful movement. Go a little slower, be more intentional with your actions, and trust your own pace.
• Tune In to Your "Why": Remember the clarity you gained from the Queen of Pentacles. What are your goals? What kind of abundance are you seeking? Connecting with your "why" can provide the motivation to take that first step, even when you don't feel like it.
• Embrace Your Own Way: Don't feel pressured to follow someone else's timeline or approach. The King of Wands encourages you to do things your way. If everyone else is planting tomatoes, but you long for arugula, go for it!
• Rest is Also Action: For some, the "one thing" the King of Wands encourages might be rest. Recognize that slowing down and allowing yourself to recharge is not a sign of being stuck, but rather an act of self-care and a necessary step for future action. Trust your body's wisdom.

This week, be gentle with yourself if your energy feels low. You are not stuck; you are simply being guided to move forward with intention, at your own pace, and in a way that truly aligns with your desires.

Navigating Change: Two of Wands & Queen of Wands

This pairing speaks directly to the idea of change and how to effectively bring it into your life.

The Two of Wands signifies a point of decision and planning. You might be considering different paths or feeling a desire for something new. However, this card emphasizes the importance of knowing your destination. Simply wanting things to be different isn't enough; you need to have a vision of what you want the change to be. Without a clear direction, you can easily fall into the paralysis of the Eight of Swords – knowing you don't want to be where you are, but not knowing where to go.

Enter the powerful Queen of Wands. This is the mystic, magical queen, full of authority, wisdom, and a deep connection to her intuition. She encourages you to tap into your inner knowing and spiritual practices to gain clarity on the changes you desire.

Here's how to navigate the winds of change this week:

• Define Your Desired Outcome: If you're feeling a pull for change, take the time to truly define what you want that change to look and feel like. Don't just focus on what you want to move away from; focus on what you want to move towards.
• Listen to Your Soul's Whispers: The Queen of Wands suggests that the answers you seek lie within. If your head feels cluttered, your soul might be trying to communicate. Create space for that inner voice through practices like meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature.
• Seek Intuitive Guidance: If you're struggling to hear your own intuition, consider seeking support from healers, card readers, astrologers, therapists, or anyone who helps you connect with your inner wisdom. They can help you translate your own energy and gain clarity.
• Connect with Nature: The cards strongly encourage spending time in nature. It's a powerful way to ground yourself, quiet the mental chatter, and connect with your intuition. Simply being present in nature, without distractions, can be incredibly insightful.
• Empowerment, Not Rush: The Queen of Wands empowers you to create the changes you desire, but not in a rushed or forced way. This goes back to the theme of slowing down and being intentional.
• Focus Inward: Stop constantly looking outward for validation or direction. While external perspectives can be helpful, true alignment comes from making decisions based on your own inner truth and desires.
• Apply This to Relationships: If you're experiencing challenges in relationships (especially with Venus retrograde having been in play), moving away from "I don't want this anymore" to "I want our relationship to look and feel like this" can be transformative.

Ultimately, this week's guidance emphasizes the importance of slowing down, connecting with your intuition, and gaining clarity on your desires before taking action. By balancing your mental energy with your inner wisdom and trusting your own pace, you can navigate any potential energy dips and create meaningful change in your life. Remember to nurture both the doing and the being aspects of yourself to find your unique state of alignment.

Watch your full weekly tarot reading for April 8-13, 2025 here!