How to Host the Perfect Galentine’s Day Brunch

If you’re new here, you’ve probably noticed by the name of my brand that I love brunch. In fact, my cornerstone post is probably the one I wrote about Why We Brunch: The social Phenomenon of Brunch & Why You Shouldn’t Skip. 

You’re probably already a brunch fan since you landed on this post, but if not that post will convert you ☺️

I LOVE YOU A BRUNCH

You could easily go out to brunch to celebrate your female friendships, but if you’re into hosting and looking for something a little more intimate, planning a Galentine’s Brunch is a perfect way to get your girls together and enjoy some sips and snacks.

p.s. don’t forget to pin this post for later!

welcoming your guests

Before we get to the food or the decor, we have to think about creating a space that welcomes your guests as they enter your home. They’ll need somewhere to settle in, get cozy, make a drink and mix and mingle with new & old friends.

The ideal welcome space is somewhere big enough so everyone has a place to sit or stand and mingle a little bit before sitting down to enjoy the menu.

Adding a dedicated welcome space also helps guests chat and get to know each other if they haven’t met, or catch up if they already know each other.

I would recommend setting up a mimosa bar so that your guests can make themselves a drink as they arrive. If your welcome space already has a bar, you’re in luck, but you can also transform an existing piece of furniture into your bar by setting up drinks, mixers & glasses on a console table or side table.

If you’re working with a super small space, bring in a moveable bar cart for your drink station like this boring utility cart that I transformed into a drop-dead bar cart. I LOVE this bar cart because it has removable shelf inserts that you can decorate to fit any occasion. The pink geometric design is perfect for Galentine’s day.

styling your table

So I actually have a full free guide and a post all about How to Create the Perfect Tablescape — so if you want a little more detail on creating the perfect table, hop over to that post or snag the guide for all my pro tips.

For our Galentine’s Brunch table, we’ll keep it a little more simple:

Choose your Linens

V-day is filled with peppy pink & red decor, which can get super busy, super fast.

I recommend sticking with white or cream linens to give you a neutral canvas, then using pops of pink and red to keep it simple and elegant but still super festive.

Pick a Centerpiece

A floral centerpiece is an obvious choice for a girly Galentine’s vibe, but keep it fresh by choosing a feminine bouquet with a variety of blooms vs going with classic red roses.

This helps your decor feel flirty and feminine instead of full-on romantic.

Choose multiple smaller arrangements if you have a long table and be mindful of height so your guests don’t feel like there is a floral hedge between them limiting conversation.

Place your pinks & reds

Style some pink and red elements to give your table a festive feel. If you want a chic look, use bright hues sparingly and keep them grounded with a neutral.

You can also skip the true hues altogether and opt for blush and maroon combos that look a little more muted, but still super cute and feminine.

Elements to consider might include candles, confetti, heart-shaped decor, napkin rings, etc.

Add pops of gold

Pops of gold are on-trend and help elevate your table to give it a more sophisticated look.

Add gold with flatware, gold-rimmed glasses or dishes, candle sticks or votives, napkin rings, a table runner with gold trim, etc.

planning your menu: SIPS

I love mimosa bars because guests can easily customize their drink to taste.

Offer a variety of juices to give your guests options — besides classic orange juice, grapefruit and guava are perfect pink picks and cranberry can add a pop of red to keep it festive.

Another brunch essential is freshly brewed coffee. I like to serve both dairy and non-dairy creamer options.

You can also feature your favorite local blend — we have an all female-owned roastery in Denver which is my go-to —or pick one that pairs best with your baked goods.

Don’t forget some non-alcoholic beverage choices like infused water, iced tea, club soda, or hot tea for guests choosing not to consume.

planning your menu: SNACKS

Unless you’re just super into baking, assorted baked goods from your favorite bakery are a time-saving win! Cut & style them so that they’re shareable and your guests can try a variety without committing to a large piece.

You’ll also want to serve up some healthier options. Good choices are egg white frittata, an arrangement of fresh fruit, yogurt for parfaits, etc. Healthy options usually give your menu great color as well as balance.

Don’t forget to offer gluten-free , dairy free, etc. options for guests who have dietary restrictions or are trying to avoid certain food groups.

I like to portion things out a little and serve items in grab-and-go sizes so guests can easily add a little of everything to their plate. Being able to have a bite of everything — sweet & savory, healthy & heavy, is one of the best parts of brunch.

I also never skip dessert..even for morning meals. Smaller bites like macarons, mini donuts, cupcakes, etc. work great for brunchy dessert options.