Watch artist Shantell Martin draw a stream-of-consciousness portrait on stage at #CreateGood
Oct 09, 2017
It’s time for our favorite holiday that celebrates accordingly with chocolate, hearts and the color pink: Galentine's Day! The love between gal pals is undeniable and totally worth celebrating. During this stage of life that we so lovingly call “adulthood,” we rely on our girls to support us through our jobs, the modern and scary world of online dating and any and all quarter-life crises. Let’s face it: We love and need our girlfriends. That’s why a day like Galentine’s Day is quite possibly the best day of the year!
Today we’re teaming up with Studio Ink to show you how to host the most epic Galentine’s Day brunch. We’ve got everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine card writing stations. Studio Ink has an awesome collection of cards that are the perfect mix of sweet, sentimental, funny and cute. It’s not truly Galentine’s Day unless you send your besties Valentines… I mean, Galentines! Alright, let’s dive in.
Galentines are like Valentines, but for the girls! Though you may have a lover in your life, this holiday is all about celebrating your platonic friendships with your girl friends and just having fun with it! The holiday is slated for Feburary 13, the day before Valentine's Day, so you can have all the time to cherish your gal pals. Funnily enough, the day was coined by none other than the iconic Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation.
Your Galentine's Day grub is really up to you and the girls, but the most popular bites include dips and chips, stuffed peppers, veggie skewers, waffles, cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, deviled eggs, bruschettas and charcuterie snacks. Finger foods are always a good way to go for any gathering.
For a Galentine's brunch, you can bring food items like cute snacks, desserts (topped with heart sprinkles, of course), healthy meals, drink mixers or mocktails. You can also bring handmade cards or gifts for each of your friends, and of course you have to bring your love!
First, let’s talk about the food. It’s not brunch without a fabulous array of treats. For our Galentine’s Day brunch, the perfect setup includes: berry parfaits, donut skewers, mini muffins, bellinis and a red velvet waffle bar, displayed under a simple backdrop of letter balloons, paper hearts and tassels.
Decorate your table with a few gold bottles and single flower stems. You don’t want your table to be too cluttered, because you’ll want to also have space for all the card writing you’ll do!
All your Galentine’s Day cards now have a home.
Add some stickers to your mailbox for extra cute flair. You can download these Studio Ink Galentine’s Day stickers here. Just print on sticker paper and cut them out!
You’ve got mail!
I see more mail in the future. <3
Check out how cute these cards are!
I don’t know about you… but all this card writing is getting me hungry. Which brings me to….
These red velvet waffles were a hit when we tested the recipe at the Brit + Co kitchen, and they certainly will be a hit on your Galentine’s Day brunch table.
Make these waffles with your favorite mix or from your go-to cookbook. Place the waffles on a platter along with the glaze and other toppings. We’re using heart-shaped sprinkles, obviously.
Drizzle the glaze on your waffles with a spoon or with a pitcher. No matter how you do that drizz, your waffles will be delicious!
Mmm, delightful!
Okay, I already know I want seconds. What better way to wash down your second (and maybe third) helping of waffles than with a bellini? Check out this downloadable signature recipe here!
Brunch babes!
Check out our email newsletter for more Galentine's Day ideas!
This post has been updated.
The home decor trends for 2025 are in, and they’re all about making your home a direct reflection of you. Whether you live to host others or prefer to keep your space super personal, you truly create the home you want!
The 2025 home decor trends we’re most excited about include: little luxuries, ‘70s vibes, postmodernism, intentional design, color drenching, comfy seats, and biophilic design – and the best part is they can all be found at none other than Anthropologie!
Anthro is packed with adorable (yet practical!) home decor pieces that you can easily infuse into your everyday routine.
Anthropologie
What is life without some little luxuries? 2025 home decor trends are all about embracing what makes you feel good in your space, and if that's this tulip-shaped candle, so be it.
Anthropologie
The '70s are also coming back in 2025, at least in the way of home decor. This rounded-edge dresser gives all the chill vibes – perfect for a bedroom or guest room upgrade!
Anthropologie
Your home should be your personal oasis, and what truly makes that possible is some comfy seating! This gorgeous swivel chair makes the perfect morning coffee chair, reading chair, or chatting with a cocktail in-hand chair.
Anthropologie
Velvet feels so '70s. Bring the decade back with these stunning curtains!
Anthropologie
"Color drenching" is another huge home decor trend for 2025, so don't be shy to embrace all the hues your inner child's craving! These bold throw pillows come in 4 different colors to spark immense amounts of joy.
Anthropologie
Another pick with immaculate '70s vibes! Dress up your current bedding situation with this cheerful quilt that boasts motifs of bees and flowers.
Anthropologie
Seal the deal with this very retro-esque blanket!
Anthropologie
Biophilic design will continue to grow in popularity in 2025, which is music to any plant or flower lover's ears. Take this as a nice excuse to refresh your vase collection to put all the blooms into play at home.
Anthropologie
Postmodernism is also on the rise to be a major 2025 home decor trend. Embracing organic shapes and earthy colors like the ones on this sleek bar cabinet will set your space right.
Anthropologie
Need more comfy seating inspo? Look no further than this funky velvet piece.
Anthropologie
Drench your bathroom in color to make getting ready for the day a little less drab!
Anthropologie
Intentional design will always be in, but it's one of the main 2025 home decor trends we're most excited about – mostly because it means employing chic pieces that are also practical, like this wall cabinet! It doubles as storage wherever you want to put it, and a true eye-catching decor piece in itself.
Anthropologie
This little luxury would look so sweet on a bedside table or even in a nursery!
Anthropologie
This mirror, too. It totally makes mundane tasks like skincare and makeup way more entertaining!
Anthropologie
These pillows are reminiscent of what you'd see in a '70s conversation pit. Transport your sofa back to the era with all the (faux) fur!
Anthropologie
This Grecian bust pot would be perfect for plants. If biophilic design piques your interest, this piece lets you get fancy with it!
Anthropologie
Grab a few of these colorful frames for an instant mood boost in your space.
Anthropologie
If you want to include some more greenery in your 2025 home decor plans, but don't necessarily have a total green thumb, these fruity candle holders will do the trick!
Anthropologie
This postmodern-inspired mirror instantly makes a statement wherever you place it.
Anthropologie
This "birdcage" chandelier totally has a retro feel to it. Its sculptural nature will definitely draw attention from visitors and guests in the new year!
Subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing home decor finds!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
In honor of International Women's Day (and month!), we're finding ways to celebrate and inspire all of the leading ladies in our life. That's why we've teamed up with Cambria Estate Winery, a female-led and operated winery leading the way toward empowering women in their industry. From sparking meaningful conversation to serving an amazing bottle of wine, we'll help you prep for hosting an outdoor get-together, in-person soirée, or Zoom call that will leave everyone feeling confident, energized, and empowered. Ready?
Good tunes can make or break the mood of a get-together, but there's no need to play DJ all night. The best hosts do a little work up front to make sure they can join in once the good conversation starts! Before you Zoom or have a few pod friends over, set up a shared playlist and ask each of your attendees to add their go-to empowering female artists to the musical line-up. You'll end the night with the knowledge of new songs and feel accomplished knowing that you all contributed to the party. Here's our Female Empowerment Playlist to get the evening started.
With 2023 in full swing, everyone is already itching to see what the year has in store. Your best gals have amazing taste and will know just what to recommend to motivate one another to make a difference. Allow each friend a moment to share about their newest book and make the trades. Bonus points if you have a take-home goodie to give, like this mouth-watering english toffee!
Everybody knows that the best conversations happen over a nice bottle of wine. This get-together is no exception. You'll want to stock up on our go-tos: Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir and Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay. Don't forget to mention to your pals that by sipping, they're also supporting a winery that recognizes and inspires female leaders. Unlike many others in the industry, Cambria Winery is women-owned and operated from top to bottom! Sounds like a win-win.
The hearty flavor of the chicken will pair well with the flavor notes in a red wine, like Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir. See the full recipe in our chicken breast recipe roundup and get ready to impress your guests!
These picnic apps are a modern twist on a classic recipe (move over, paprika!) and will complement a tropically lush white wine, like Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay. You'll score extra kudos for serving a dish that is low-carb too! Get the full recipe here.
When you’re surrounded by smart and interesting women, there’s no need to default to chit-chat about the weather.Help your guests skip the small talk in favor of some more stimulating dialogue by posing a few conversation starters throughout the evening:
What women inspire you and why?
What qualities make a great female leader?
How are we teaching the young girls in our lives to be strong women?
How do you want to make an impact this year?
Leave room to hear each unique perspective by separating into smaller conversations or going around the room in a group setting.
Use the evening as an opportunity to lift up the women in your life for their strengths and courage. After all, your ultimate goal for the night is that everyone will leave feeling appreciated and inspired to continue to grow and lead!
Will you host an outdoor get-together or Zoom for your fave ladies? Share your International Women's Day plans with us on Twitter by tagging @BritandCo and @CambriaWines.
(Photos via Brittany Griffin/Brit + Co)
This post has been updated from a previous post.
The girls were reading this year — and reading a lot of romance books at that. And while you may think all romance books are some variation of sex and happily-ever-afters, there are way more different types of stories you can read, from "fated mates" to "friends-to-lovers." According to Tempt's co-founder and COO, Anna Baidachnaya says there are actually six very clear trends with the romance books that everyone loved this year, too — and they may shock you! We know romantasy books reigned supreme, but they didn't have all the fun.
Keep scrolling to see which trends won the popularity contest!
Amazon
Baidachnaya says, "2024 was a year of shifting fantasies. At the beginning of the year, women leaned into escapism, and Fated Mates reigned supreme. These stories of love destined by fate offer reassurance and hope, a comforting reminder that some things are meant to be."
Kim Hani may look like human, but she's harboring a secret that has ties to her mythical past. She's reformed because, well, she's full and doesn't need to eat as much as she did. Now she spends her time helping customers at a café where a grumpy god named Seokga frequently visits.
They're forced to work together when a powerful demon starts causing trouble in the town they live in and it seems their plans are destined to fail at first. However, time reveals that some things are bound by fate...even the love they develop for each other.
Amazon
Ricki Wilde and Ezra cross paths after the funeral heiress moves to Harlem to escape the expectations of her family. But the more the latter tries to put distance between them, the more they're drawn together. Eventually, it's revealed that Ezra's been harboring secrets that transcend time and Ricki's at the center of it all.
Amazon
Nora is completely shocked when she realizes her father kept secrets about the way she was conceived — and it weighs heavy on her. She's also managed to do something that's had a lasting impact on her, leaving her to depend on her sister and vice versa.
Though she and her sister have to find a way to save an inn, they realize they're in over their heads for several reasons. One happens to be Ennis "Bear" Freeman. He has low expectations of them until he senses something in Nora that stirs his passion.
It's clear something strong exists between them, but there's more to "Bear" than he's willing to share.
Amazon
"As the year moved forward, we noticed a shift in preferences. By spring, the mystical allure of Werewolves and Shape Shifters captivated audiences. These tales resonate with listeners navigating personal transformations, offering an intriguing mix of wild passion and self-discovery," says Baidachnaya.
Misery Lark decided to leave behind the politics of being a Vampyre coucilman's daughter by living undetected against normal beings. However, she's unable to refuse the call to perform her duty of marrying the Weres' alpha, Lowe Moreland.
He's as uneasy about their union as she is, but the difference is Misery has her eyes on one prize that she intends to reclaim by any means necessary.
Amazon
"A vampire, shapeshifter, mortal, and werewolf walk into a bar" isn't something you've heard before, but Zodiac Rising makes sure to introduce you to them anyway. They're an unlikely team, but none of that matters now that 12 zodiac statues are in the hands of evil.
To protect humanity and the mythical world, they'll have to band together to right the wrongs of history — that's if they can get along for five minutes.
Amazon
Sometimes all you need is a new thirst for life to help you realize how much you've been running on auto pilot. Sloane Parker's in a loveless marriage and has stopped yearning for things until a birthday trip with her best friend Naomi changes everything. They meet a group of mysterious strangers that alter Naomi's reality and show her what she's been missing.
Amazon
"Alongside this, Alpha Males swept listeners off their feet, embodying strength, passion, and stability in uncertain times. These rugged, dominant heroes captured hearts month after month, holding their ground as perennial favorites," adds Baidachnaya.
James Jones goes from not understanding much about himself to learning he's related to the Duke of Seaton in a short amount of time. He starts adjusting to knowing who he is and finds his place in the elite society.
But then there's Sophie Grant and the seemingly bad luck that's followed her based on her dad's decisions. Things seem to change for the better when Josiah Grant, a wealthy man, comes into her life and becomes her husband. Instead of treating her as beneath him, Josiah gives her the tool to run his business.
Years later, James and Sophie meet each other which makes the former's heart go pitter patter. He doesn't care what the rest of society thinks and pursues her with brilliant fervor that generates ton of whispers.
Amazon
Determined not to fail her difficult client Jackson Sinclair, Jamie puts her all into finding him the perfect love match. He may be insanely rich and handsome, but he's insufferable. Still, she concocts the perfect plan of knowing as much about him as possible.
Things go horribly wrong when Jackson catches her and she's forced to be monitored in a way for a month. But when Jamie starts to see Jackson for who he is, it gets harder to ignore how perfect they are for each other.
Amazon
After being captured by Talon, Calista can't tell whether she should like or despise him. He's not completely evil, as there's more to him than he likes to show. Still, he's the reason for her suffering so she makes a pact with her dragon Inferno: get rid of the Death King.
When she takes up refuge with her uncle and Queen Eldinar, she signs her fate and the Death King comes to collect — except his appearance makes her realize just how much trouble she's in.
Amazon
Baidachnaya says, "Toward the end of the year, modern and relatable themes took the spotlight. Enemies to Lovers, with its tension and emotional payoff, emerged as a late-year darling, showing how rivalry can transform into irresistible romance."
Liv Jones is a librarian who has huge dreams of become an romance author, but you kind of need inspiration for that. Her problem is that she doesn't have any until her brother's best friend comes to visit. Aiden Rivers is the last person she wants to be around, but what's more frustrating is how attractive he is. Ironically, he gives her all the inspiration she needs to turn her book goals into reality.
But, she can't possibly be that inspired by him, right?
Amazon
Aubree Rowley's got a lot of baggage that doesn't make her the world's friendliest woman. It's surprising when she agrees to marry Wyatt Preston even though they can't stand each other. But, there's something in it for them.
This marriage grants Aubree farm land he's on while Wyatt will be able to snag the family cabin that's been promised to him.
They put on a show to make people believe they're in love, but they fall in love for real.
Amazon
Emmy Harper's known for her amazing writing skills in Hollywood, but that doesn't meant she gets it right every time. Because she took so long to settle on a main character, she's been tasked to be the center of Right on Cue.
To add to her irritation, she has to work with the annoying Grayson West. He's the perfect person to cast and Emmy knows this. He's so perfect that she wonders what it would be like if they took their relationship beyond a movie set.
Amazon
Everly Townstead knows she shouldn't be thinking about her brother's rich best friend (Cash Stafford), especially knowing his family wants to stake their claim in. Yet, their 'marriage' trucks along despite her best attempts to pretend she doesn't feel anything for.
Amazon
Simi Chopra and her crew full of thieves did the unthinkable by stealing a diamond necklace, but they had the help of Jack Danger. Their problem? They get a little to cash happy and spend their shares of money.
As it turns out, the necklace they stole belonged to the mafia and they want it back ASAP. So, Simi and everyone rush to retrieve the diamond necklace from a rival. She'll also have to try to stay focused even though she can't stop looking at Jack.
Amazon
Ford Grant went from being a successful billionaire to parenting a moody pre-teen, much to his dismay. To make matters worse, his best friend's sister is back.
Rosie Belmont has danger written all over her and dares to ask Ford for a job at his company. Even though he tries to ignore her, it gets harder each day until they decide to cross the lines with no care about repercussions.
Which romance trends did you love this year? Let us know on Facebook!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Colleen Hoover stans, listen up! While the announcement that Anne Hathaway would lead CoHo's Verity movie broke the Brit + Co group chat, it has nothing on the announcement that was made today: she'll be joined by the one and only Dakota Johnson. And we freaked out. Dakota is a master at intrigue and suspense, and I can't think of anyone else who'd be able to draw us into the story like she will.
Verity follows it-girl author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway) and her husband Jeremy, who hire Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson) to finish the remaining books in Verity's series. But as Lowen starts to take a closer look at their lives, she comes to the horrifying realization that not all is as it seems. While It Ends With Us is Colleen Hoover's most popular and widely-known title, Verity is regarded as one of the wildest — and I'm sure the movie is going to be the same.
John Nacion/Getty Images
The Princess Diaries' Anne Hathaway leads the new movie as Verity Crawford, author, wife, and (apparently) secret keeper.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
Dakota Johnson stars as Lowen Ashleigh, a down-on-her-luck writer who's confident working for Verity is her big break.
The actress is also starring in Celine Song's upcoming rom-com Materialists, and told Brit + Co just how much she loved working with "big idiots" Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
We'll also see Trap's Josh Hartnett as Jeremy Crawford, Verity's husband.
The Verity movie isn't the only Colleen Hoover book adaptation in the works! Read up on the latest news on Regretting You, starring Allison Williams and McKenna Grace.