I actually haven't hosted a Galentine's Day Dinner... yet! But I've got ideas...
So many fun thematic elements to work with: Red, pink, white! Roses, lace, ribbons! Hearts! Sweets! Vodka!
You can do anything from a happy hour get-together with a nice charcuterie board and appetizers to a fully dressed table and seated dinner. (I think you know my preference by now...) You could even have your friends over for just dessert.
Decor
Florals
For visual impact, flowers feel like a must. Alvar Aalto vases are beautiful; they do a lot of the work when arranging grocery store flowers!
Silver and glass are also a good idea. Sometimes I'll set an arrangement on a cake stand to add height to the tablescape.
Table Coverings
Tablecloths are great, but I also love to do a doily centerpiece or runner. Or a collection of them under different platters. I think it works for a grazing or a seated table.
Place Settings
If you're doing a seated dinner and you know who's coming, do personalized place settings! A handwritten name card becomes a souvenir.
Staying with the Valentine's theme, I'd include a small gift. It could be a box of chocolates or a handwritten note, just something sweet.
Napkins
Here I am again, reminding you to consider paper cocktail napkins. Do something kitschy! It's nice to use cloth napkins with dinner, but a dinner-sized paper napkin does just as well.
Cocktails
When I'm hosting an intentional get-together, it's charming to do a batch cocktail. Something to offer immediately and serve upon arrival.
Thematically, it would be cute to do Cosmos, or a Margarita with a little beet juice? A Blood Orange Vesper Martini! Something pink.
Caviar Service
It would be great to have caviar. It's one of the most exciting things you can put on a grazing table. Or have that be the only thing you offer until dinner.
You'll need a bed of ice and a pearl spoon, with a side of crème fraîche and Torres potato chips!
Fondue
Speaking of performative dishes... How about Fondue? Chocolate-covered strawberries with a side of homemade whipped cream? How hard could it be!?
Serveware
I'm imagining a classic Italian dinner. Simple pasta or two, a large salad, and some roasted vegetables.
That would mean two medium-sized serving bowls, one large bowl, and a platter. Serving utensils required for each!
Dessert
It seems appropriate to make dessert a big event. Individual chocolate mousse cups would be cute.
Princess Cake if you can bake, ice cream sundaes if you can't.
After Dinner
After dinner, drinks would be a nice touch. Amarro, Dessert Wine, or Espresso. With five dice, a pen you stole from a cool restaurant, and a piece of paper, you can play Yahztee into the night!
