I do believe today’s the official “Galentine’s” day. The day to celebrate with your gal pals. It’s no secret, my gal pal’s are one of my most treasured gifts. Just 10 short days ago I came home and realized I did not have one Valentine decoration out, not ONE! I’ve had quite a busy travel schedule lately and my first thought was, O’ well, I’ll just skip it this year (really no one would notice). But later I began to remember just how fun this holiday is, especially for children. I know I’ve emtnioned this before, but decorating those homemade valentine boxes and exchanging valentines use to be so much fun. That’s when the creative light bulb went off and I thought well, why not have a “GALENTINES” party and exchange valentines.
So I got busy and sent out some invites. (I’ll show you how I made mine at the end of this post).
And then for the last week I seriously lost myself in Valentine’s creativity, I felt just like a kid again.
I found the cutest little mini vases I knew would be a perfect touch for the table and just by adding a little heart sticker and gold paint they made a sweet valentine gift as well.
Then I ran right into these mini notebooks that matched the table decorations I had in mind, so they came home as well. After creating a gift tag for each one they made a great place card.
Then it was time to get the Valentines bin out and design a table scape . . . (seriously I just used bits and pieces I already had).
And the table was ready and waiting for my gal pals.
All I needed to do now was make some treats . . .
Like swig cookies (which don’t look all that cute, but Oh, they taste wonderful)
and then by putting them in individual bags with a little tag, they become quite a treat.
How about some homemade chocolates?
And why not add some pink bath salts into canning jars . . .
And little sour candies placed in mini bags . . .
And I couldn’t resist adding my favorite heart candy’s (just put them on a skewer with a little homemade pom on the top and tag).
Now my “Galentine’s” exchange is taking shape.
I just needed to add some yummy appetizers (chocolate dip)
And desserts . . .
As each gal arrived they placed there valentines on the island . . .
(it was looking like so much fun)
We all sat down for a nice dinner at which time I did not capture one photo, why? Well, it was time to simply mingle, and laugh, and reminisce, I guess you could say it was time we just all unplugged and connected with one another.
After all had left and I quietly cleaned up, I gathered my valentine treasures and . . .
I was once again reminded why we have “GALENTINES” because my friends, gal pals are the the people who make us smile, they are the ones who pick us up, they are the ones who help carry our burdens and they are the ones who will love you just for who you are. Love you, all my GALENTINES!
P.S. for those who enjoy seeing how I created my invitations.
I began by creating these and had them printed as 4×6
then I gather some printed paper for layering . . .
I tied them together . . .
and instead of an envelope I placed them inside a gift bag (since I could hand deliver)
Linking up today with Jann, Jo, and Carol for their SYC.
And also the gal’s with Katherines corner for Thursday Favorite Things because throwing a tea party with girl friends is my favorite thing!
You are so right. Gal friends are the best. A woman cannot do without. And you were right to “unplug”. Today I am having 5 gal friends over for the day. So nice. Nothing elaborate like your table, gufts and invitation. All if which is stunning. I will do it the lazy and easy way. I have to for lack of time and creativity haha.
Greetje
G
Greetje, there is no lazy way of having a get together, it’s all in the time you give to one another that counts. It’s obvious you treasure your gal pals as well, look at how much fun you’re always having with them on your shopping sprees. I have no doubt your afternoon was a joyful as ours. As I have experienced first hand, anytime spent with you is joyful and very entertaining. I just hope to be able to meet up again some day.
You always make my shy when you say such things. I think we could do with some more time together but unless you are coming my way… I don’t me coming to Utah that soon…
Greetje
Darling! You are amazing! ????????????
You are so sweet. I need to get our schedules together so you can start coming to these.
You always do such wonderful parties with so much attention to detail.
One of these days I will make it to one of your fab parties.
I’m planning a high tea tomorrow : ) But just for two.
bisous
Suzanne
I noticed on your instagram and Facebook page. Those cupcakes are (were) a work of art. How did it go? And yes, I’m definitely going to get you here for one of these for sure. I have a fun idea up my sleeve for one in May . . . any trip plans?
What a great notion! I love this holiday for children, and as a child I remember it so fondly.
You did such a glorious job on the little touches and festive decor! I wish I would be there!
It is so much fun to immerse yourself in the creative ways, I so agree!
and hats off to sharing it with the girls, who may or may not be in a relationship!
Always a good day to celebrate friendship! 🙂
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/
It truly was a fun way to celebrate this holiday. Thank you for always being so kind Elle, you are the best!
What a fun way to spend some time with girlfriends. I love the idea of a small gift exchange. You’ve outdone yourself!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I love everything you did – food, decorations, invitations – all of it.
Thanks for Sharing Our Cup!
Hey darling, you out did yourself again. Has it really been — — years since you and your brother & sister used to sit at the kitchen and spend countless hours painlessly decorating a shoe box or an oatmeal box and turn it into a marvelous creation to take to school with your valentines for your friends and bring it back home full of treasures in return and now look what this creativity has turned into.