How To: The Perfect Galentine’s Day brunch
Hosting a Galentine’s Day brunch is the perfect occasion to show your incredible tribe of supportive women how much you appreciate and value them in your life.
Something so magical happens when you surround yourself with the important women in your life. It’s like therapy… but with booze, food and waaaaay more laughing.
(Scroll to the bottom to see my latest Galentine’s Day Behind the Scenes)
What IS Galentine’s Day?
It’s a made up holiday (like so many others) and was started by Amy Poehler’s character Leslie Knope on the hit sitcom Parks and Rec. On the show, Galentine’s Day falls on Feb 13th each year and it’s a day that’s all about “ladies celebrating ladies.” What more could you ask for?
Brunch Time!
While there are so many ways to celebrate this holiday, I decided to host a brunch complete with mimosa bar. Girlfriends, breakfast and a little bubbly, seems like a great way to start the day, right?!
As the hostess, it was important that the food was easy, delicious and with as many make a head options as possible. This way I could spend more time enjoying my guests instead of fussing in the kitchen.
First, I let go of the notion that I should make everything from scratch. Seriously, I don’t know where the idea that in order to be a good hostess, you need to make everything from scratch. That’s simply NOT true. Being a good hostess is about creating a space for everyone (including the hostess) to relax, connect and have fun!
The people you invite to your home are not there to critique your food, how clean your house is and whether dessert is homemade. They’ve come to spend time with YOU! So, if that means you buy ready made or easy to assemble foods, then do it! Even the infamous Ina Garten (who I adore) says “store bought is fine.” and I’m not going to argue with that.
If you want the recipes and how-to’s I used for this easy brunch menu, follow any of the items that have links and it’ll bring you right to the recipe. (The honey butter is amazing, and it could NOT be easier!)
Galentine’s Day Brunch Menu:
- egg, spinach and bacon muffins
- mini avocado toasts
- smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese on heart shaped pumpernickel bread
- fruit and yogurt cups
- honey citrus salad with mint
- croissants and marmalade (store bought) with homemade honey butter
- chocolate raspberry cupcakes
- Coffee & tea
- Mimosa bar
As you’ll note, all of these menu items were a combination of store bought and make ahead. All I had to do was assemble it and set it out (buffet style), for when guests arrived.
Tablescape and Decorations
The tablescape was inspired by designer Kate Spade. I love how she uses black and white stripes and bold colours and blooms in her designs.
The foundation for this look was this black and white polka dot material that I used as a tablecloth. Yup, it’s not a real tablecloth, just a bolt of fabric I had in my sewing box– how cool is that? For the centrepiece, I used a black and white striped vase and large, hot hued floral arrangement to bring a pop of colour. For the settings, classic white plates for a modern touch and gold utensils for a hint of shine.
Small Favours
When setting a table, I like to surprise guests with special treats left at their place setting. My way of saying their presence is appreciated. In this case, a bag of specialty popcorn (with flavours like Pop the Champagne, Peach Bellini and Pass the Salt and Tequila) by Canadian company, Eatable made the setting complete. Not to mention the popcorn packaging matched my theme perfectly – all I had to do was add a hot pink bow and tuck in a gift tag!
Want your own Kate Spade inspired gift tags? Download the tags I created for free here.
Mimosa Bar
I made it really easy on myself and ordered a Mimosa Bar kit online that came with the signs, straws, labels – basically everything I needed to transform my bar cart into Mimosa heaven. Need some mimosa recipes? Check out the Joyful Hostess pear and apple version here.
Before the guests appeared, I poured the juices into carafes and put the bubbly on ice. Once the ladies arrived, I poured the first mimosa and let them know they could help themselves for refills. This made for a really laid back and enjoyable brunch …and not just because of the mimosas, but because guests could feel at home.
Joyful Hostess Brunch Hosting Tips
- Set the table the night before.
- Prep the coffee ahead of time and turn it on just before guests arrive (be sure to have sugar, cream, milk etc. ready to go too)
- Put pitchers of water on the table so that guests may help themselves .
- Create a lively atmosphere by having music playing, I used Spotify’s Brunch playlist to help set the mood.
- Light candles 30 mins. before guests arrive – this Paris café candle from Bath & Body Works hit the right note (smells like coffee and vanilla).
- Relax and enjoy yourself. The more relaxed you are, the more chill your guests will be and then everyone (including you) can have a good time!
