Last year I hosted my very first Galentine’s Day brunch for me and five of my girlfriends. Since it’s a holiday practically invented by greeting card companies, I wasn’t about to break the bank. But that didn’t mean it couldn’t feel special and fun! With a little creativity (and a trip to the dollar store), I pulled off a festive gathering that didn’t drain my wallet.
Budget-Friendly Decor: Dollar Store to the Rescue
The dollar store was my best friend for this party, well actually every party I walked in with high hopes and a rough budget and came out with so much more! There was so much decor, but I walked out with heart-shaped napkins, doilies to use as placemats, an “XOXO” banner for the backdrop, heart-shaped bowls, and even ring pops to use at the place settings. Everything was affordable, festive, and just cheesy enough to be charming without feeling over the top or too juvenile.
To add a little glam, I picked up a sparkly champagne-colored table runner for my kitchen island turned dining table. It was neutral enough to let the reds and pinks pop while adding a touch of sparkle. I also grabbed some grocery store flowers and DIY-ed a simple arrangement for the table—nothing fancy, but it made the space feel extra special without costing a fortune.
Prepping Ahead: Stress-Free Hosting
Prepping ahead was hands-down my favorite part—I love the setup! I love to see my vision come together and the process of being creative with what you have. So, the night before, after cleaning and decluttering my apartment, I got everything ready. Since I was hosting a brunch, this was key to saving my morning for food prep. I put up all the decorations the night before and even set the table with florals, plates, and cutlery so I could stress less before guests arrived.
I also prepped some of the food in advance. I had to add a little special touch so I made a homemade pancake mix, but store bought is totally fine! I whipped up the strawberry butter, and pulled out all the dishware I needed for the candy charcuterie and serving dishes. Having everything ready to go made the morning so much smoother and way more enjoyable.
The Menu: Affordable Brunch with a Twist
Brunch is the ultimate budget-friendly meal, and it’s perfect for a Galentine’s Day party. To keep costs low, I asked each friend to bring a bottle of prosecco while I supplied the orange juice. This way, we had plenty of bubbly for mimosas without me footing the entire bill. (Pro tip: Always have one bottle chilled and ready to go before guests arrive!)
For a fun and festive twist, I picked up some cotton candy to top off the champagne flutes. It was a cute and inexpensive way to make the drinks feel extra special.
The food was simple but thoughtful. I found a sheet pan pancake recipe from Jillian Harris, which was a game-changer. It’s easy to make ahead and serves a crowd without much fuss. Plus, I used a cookie cutter to turn the pancakes into heart shapes—adorable and practically free. To elevate things, I whipped up a strawberry butter (using just strawberries, butter, and a little sugar) that everyone loved. Fresh strawberries and bananas rounded out the brunch spread without breaking the bank.
Strawberry Butter Recipe
1 cup butter
½ cup chopped strawberries
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
3 tbsp maple syrup
In a food processor or blender, combine all the ingredients until all the strawberries are combined with the butter and there’s little to no fruit flecks in it. Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
The Dessert Charcuterie Board: Sweet and Cheap
I created a dessert charcuterie board that was as budget-friendly as it was adorable. The goal? Stick to anything pink, red, white, or heart-shaped. Here’s what made the cut:
- Pink foil chocolate hearts
- Strawberry wafer cookies
- Ketchup chips (a Canadian favourite!)
- Pink and red jelly beans
- Red licorice
- Popcorn
- Chocolate Valentine’s Hershey Kisses
Everything was inexpensive and easy to find at the grocery store or dollar store. The mix of sweet and salty gave everyone something to snack on while we hung out after brunch.
The Vibe: Simple, Cozy, and Thoughtful
My apartment already has a cozy vibe, so I didn’t go overboard with decor. The dollar store finds and grocery store flowers were enough to set the mood without cluttering my small space. We spent hours lounging around, laughing, and sipping mimosas, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a memorable gathering.
Party Extras
If you’re looking for a fun activity to add to your Galentine’s Day party, I highly recommend these DIY Wine Charm Kits. They’re a fun take on the charm bracelets, except they also work as a drink charm marker for the party! They’re a cute way to elevate their drinks at the party. Check them out here!
Hosting this Galentine’s Day party was proof that you can throw a fabulous celebration on a budget. With a little planning and a lot of heart, you can make your friends feel loved without draining your bank account. So, if you’re thinking about hosting your own Galentine’s, here’s your reminder: Keep it simple, get creative, and let the good vibes flow. It’ll be just as special (and way more budget-friendly)!
