February 6, 2023 by mosaiconline

Your Guide to Galentine’s Day

By: Madeline Stephens | Staff Writer

If you haven’t made it to Pinterest, don’t worry, I’m bringing it to you.

Valentine’s season is a time for couples to celebrate each other, but that doesn’t mean the singles should feel left out. If you’re anything like me, you love the ambiance of the holiday- the shades of reds and pinks and purples, the hearts, the sweet innocence associated with hand-written letters, boxes of chocolates, heart-shaped Linzer cookies and so much more. If you have some spare time on your hands and wish to make the most of your Valentine’s Day this February particularly with your gal pals, keep on reading.

Sweet-Treat and Savory Charcuterie

If you haven’t heard of, seen or snacked on a charcuterie board, you’re missing out! They are as visually pleasing as they are delectable! These French-inspired pick-at plates are perfect for social settings and can be constructed in numerous creative and unique ways! For a charcuterie night in, each member of the group could supply accompaniments for a singular board or multiple boards, which then could be made together with some kitchen dancing and plenty of Taylor Swift, I’m sure. For a little extra fun, each member could be blindly assigned a particular board to make and arrive at the function with the surprise of their scrumptious spread.

If you need some ideas, obviously Pinterest has you covered, but here are some ideas off the top of my head: sushi board, pancakes and waffles “station,” cut-out cookies to decorate (V-day themed, of course), classic charcuterie, fruit and vegetables with dip, s’mores board, chips and dip, movie theatre mania, build-your-own-taco, breakfast for dinner, and so on. Get creative!

Movie Night for the Misses

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like The Notebook, but why not make a night, or better yet, a whole day out of it? There are millions of other movies available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc., that are similar to the latter but (unfortunately) fly under the radar. A movie marathon is an ideal partner for the aforementioned activity, so sit down with the board(s) and let the tear-shedding commence.

Listed below are some classic romance-filled films bound to make you experience all of the feelings known to man:

Crazy Stupid Love

When Harry Met Sally

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Leap Year

Notting Hill

Sleepless in Seattle

Grease

Forest Gump

Lala Land

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Roman Holiday

Titanic

13 Going on 30

Legally Blonde

Conversation Heart Cake-Bake

Remember the chalky-textured (yet somehow still tasty) heart-shaped pastel candies, prettified by darling expressions? I know you do, so hear me out…what about a conversation heart cake? A life-size version of the nostalgic candies flavored with your choice of vanilla, double chocolate, strawberry, butterscotch, red velvet, I could go on. Get your girls together, grab your aprons, and get to baking! What a VSCO post this will be!

Homemade, Hearty Dinner

What’s better than a night in? Cooking up a heart-healthy, straight-from-the-heart dinner? Are you catching on yet? This Valentine’s Day, instead of a dinner out on the town with the ladies, opt for a cozy evening cooking session.

Rumor has it, TJ Maxx is currently carrying an array of heart-shaped pasta of different colors and shapes, along with several other Valentine’s Day-themed bits and bobs. If pasta isn’t your thing, there’s always pizza, which I’m nearly certain you’ve seen on your social media feed in one way or another. They’re heart-shaped, customizable, and keep up with this inherent Italian theme. What’s more perfect for the occasion? Toss some dough, make sure the pasta is done al dente, of course, and while you’re at it, dance around the kitchen to Taylor’s “Red,” with spatulas in hand.

Love My Gals a Brunch

Who doesn’t love an excuse to get all dolled up in the wee hours of the morning to take a stroll down to your local city’s center? If your town only has one measly coffee shop, make the most of it! Valentine’s Day (or Valentine’s weekend) is quite the perfect occasion to slow down. Why not treat yourself and those whom you hold near and dear while you’re at it? Gather up a Sunday or, this year, a Tuesday brunch crowd and spoil yourselves on a slow morning with all of the sweets and the savories of an eatery around you.