How to Host a Galentine's Day Brunch Your Friends Will Love

Short answer: To host a Galentine’s Day brunch your friends will love, pick a simple theme with pink or raspberry tones, serve make-ahead dishes like egg bakes and a mimosa bar, and plan one or two light activities like love letters or conversation cards. Set up an easy way for guests to share photos so everyone leaves with memories.

• Choose a manageable guest list of 4-8 people for deeper conversation
• Prep food the day before so you can actually enjoy the party
• Set up a photo corner with a simple backdrop and props
• Plan one low-key activity like writing appreciation notes
• Use a shared photo album so all the pictures end up in one place

Who this is for (and not for)

This guide is for you if:

• You want to celebrate friendships without the Valentine’s Day pressure
• You are hosting 4-12 friends at home or a small venue
• You prefer a relaxed brunch vibe over an elaborate dinner party
• You want practical tips, not Pinterest-perfect expectations

This guide is NOT for you if:

• You are planning a large-scale event or public gathering
• You want a formal, multi-course dinner party
• You need kid-friendly party ideas

What Is Galentine’s Day

Galentine’s Day started as a fictional holiday on Parks and Recreation but has become a real tradition. Celebrated on or around February 13th, it is a day to appreciate your closest friends without romantic pressure.

Brunch is the perfect format. Late morning works for most schedules, costs less than dinner, and the relaxed setting encourages real conversation.

Planning Your Galentine’s Day Brunch

4 to 6 weeks before:

• Pick your date, time, and location
• Choose a color palette (blush pink, raspberry, gold)

2 to 3 weeks before:

• Send invitations and ask about dietary restrictions
• Plan your menu and order décor

1 to 2 days before:

• Shop for groceries and flowers
• Set up your table and photo corner

Keep your guest list at 4-8 for deeper conversation or 10-16 for games and group energy.

Décor, Menu, and Activities

Décor

Keep it simple with two or three elements:

• Table: White tablecloth with a paper runner, mismatched plates, mini candles
• Backdrop: Balloon garland or streamers with a DIY “Besties Brunch” banner
• Photo corner: Simple backdrop with heart-shaped sunglasses and cute signs

Menu

Choose dishes you can prep ahead:

• Savory: Egg bake or frittata, mini quiches, avocado toast bar
• Sweet: Waffle bar with berries, yogurt parfait station
• Drinks: Coffee station, mimosa or mocktail bar

Activities

One or two light activities is enough:

• Love letters: Guests write short notes to each other
• Conversation cards: Prompts like “Favorite memory with a friend”
• DIY flower bar: Guests build small bouquets to take home

Capture the Memories

A Galentine’s Day brunch is full of photo-worthy moments. Designate key shots: a group photo by the backdrop, candid snaps at the table, and detail shots of the food.

Gather Shot is a photo sharing platform for events that makes collecting guest photos simple. Create a shared album, display a QR code near your photo corner, and guests upload directly from their phones. No app download or account required.

Add a small note reminding guests to scan the code and upload their best shots before they leave. For more ideas, see our guide on the best ways to collect event photos from guests .

Frequently asked questions

How many guests should I invite to a Galentine’s Day brunch?

Four to eight guests works best for meaningful conversation. If you want more group energy and games, invite 10-16 people.

What food can I make ahead for brunch?

Egg bakes, frittatas, and mini quiches all reheat well. Prep waffle batter, chop fruit, and set up your mimosa bar the night before.

Do I need elaborate decorations?

No. A simple color palette, a few balloons, and a photo corner make more impact than overdoing every detail.

How do I collect photos from my brunch?

Set up a Gather Shot event and display the QR code near your photo corner. Guests scan and upload from their phones. You get a shared album without chasing people afterward.

What activities work for a small group?

Love letters, conversation cards, or a DIY flower bar keep things light. Avoid anything that feels forced or takes too long.

Make Your Galentine’s Day Brunch Memorable

Every Galentine’s Day brunch looks different, but the feeling should be the same: warmth, laughter, and genuine appreciation for the women in your life. Start with a simple plan, keep the food uncomplicated, and build in moments for real conversation.

Create your free event and start collecting memories from your Galentine’s Day brunch.