Heeeeeeeeeey sexy ladyyyyy (said like Psy in Gangam Style, obvs),
ATTENTION STRONG WOMEN OF THE WORLD: YOU NEED A GALENTINE’S DAY BRUNCH
Ya really do.
After writing a blog post about my Valentine’s Day tablescape and dinner menu, I decided to do another post about GALentine’s Day. I learned what Galentine’s Day was from Parks and Recreation, so that’s where I get my knowledge of this and also the importance of whipped cream on waffles. I digress.
In Parks and Rec, Leslie Knope throws an annual Galentine’s Day brunch for all of her ladies. True to form, she then showers them with thoughtful gifts. And while you don’t have to get your gal pals anything for this (completely made up) holiday, you can take the opportunity to throw a special brunch/lunch/dinner. Truth be told, I hate brunch; I think it’s dumb. I have never ordered breakfast food at brunch…which I have been to all of 2 times. To me, it’s lunch o’clock. I asked someone whyyyy oh why brunch is a thing and this person said it’s all about the bottomless booze. Ohhhhhhhh. Well, I don’t indulge in drinky drinks so for me it’s just waiting in line for hours and eating a late LUNCH in which case I inevitably become hangry and by the time brunch is over, I’m ready for dinner. It’s all very confusing. But for you that might not be the case. So I will whet your whistle. Ew. That sounded weird.
I love getting color inspiration from Oh Joy and Studio DIY. They just scream fun and and feminine! So I’ll make another post so you can celebrate with your lady friends in a really colorful and special way. I mean, why WOULDN’T we celebrate the powerful women around us?!? Can you imagine throwing a kick ass LUNCH (ok fine, or brunch) for ya ladies?
Via Style and Cheek // Via 100 Layer Cake
Ugh. SOOOO good. There is nothing I enjoy more than florals paired with black and white patterns. It adds some edge to something overtly feminine and also gives it some fun and playfulness. Isn’t that what we all want as adults? We spend our lives waiting for the next thing we can celebrate lol. So why not celebrate eachother? ESPECIALLY this year. Ooooof.
If I did not live in the North East with all of my best friends in the Mid West, I would definitely be throwing a get together for my ladies outdoors and with a giant table like the ones below. Even better? THERE ARE PILLOWS. I mean reaaaaaally. So casual and great. That’s how I would do it: just a big ol’ table with colorful pillows, a bunch of flowers, some patterned decor and a ton of good food.
Via Inspired by This // Via Camille Styles
Are you inspired yet? Do you want to throw a boozy brunch? Even better, since a lot of you probably have kids, bring your daughters! You might need to lay off the booze, but how fun for your daughters to see you set such a good example by celebrating all the women around you? They will learn the importance of friendship, camaraderie, and good ol’ sticking together. A part of all women and girls, tall and small? That sounds like the most special way to spend an unforgettable afternoon. I smell a tradition coming on. Hint hint.
The Table
For my design, I decided to go with a loose vintage motif and a color palette of repeating blues and pumpkin colors supported by soft feminine pastels. All of the items are from Target, so they are easily accessible to everyone (and affordable too).
Shop my table: Table cloth // H20 pitcher // Booze pitcher // Serving dish // Marble platter // Wood platter // Dessert tray // H20 glass // Booze flute // Napkins // Pearl napkin rings // Gold flatware // DIY flower vase
Place setting: Place mat // Aqua dinner plate // White dessert plate with gold rim
The Menu
For my menu, I went with an array of small dishes and assorted desserts. I wanted to keep it on the healthier side, because that is the key to having a long lunch. Small bites are a great way to please a crowd and encourage seconds and thirds. This is how they do it in other countries, ya know. They just all eat family style with a bunch of different options and their meals last for hours because you can laugh and talk all the while picking at your food. If you make a bunch of easy things, you will look like a rock star without the prep hangover. It’s a win.
I chose to do something that’s kind of brunch themed (yeah, yeah, yeah) and went with ham, cheese, and spinach puffs as the main dish and then accompanied it with a bunch of sides that are easy to make in bulk. Serve it up with some Valentine’s Day themed drinks and assorted desserts and you’re in business!
Small Plates
Via Eat Well 101 // Via Lemon Tree Dwelling // Via Add a Pinch // Via Little Broken
Recipes: Ham, cheese and spinach puffs // Broccoli and cauliflower salad // Strawberry and spinach salad // Greek salad skewers
Drinks & Desserts
Via Damn Delicious // Via The Perennial Style // Via Bake Eat Repeat // Via A Spicy Perspective
Recipes: Blueberry lemonade // Raspberry pink champagne floats // Raspberry cheesecake brownies // Chocolate dipped strawberry pops
DIY
Last thing! Congratulations for making it this far, btw. I know this is getting to be a long post. When I was searching for florals, I came across this DIY that is super easy to make but also SO special for your ladies to take home. Since my table cloth has a beautiful floral pattern in the center, it would be a shame to cover that up. So, I was on the hunt for a way to encorporate natural elements and decided it would be best to paint a mason jar and fill it with a few flowers and then place it at your guest’s place setting. Cute right? Pro tip: if you use chalkboard paint, you can write everyone’s name on their vase. And then your gals can take home beautiful memories and a beautiful floral arrangement made by YOU. You are the hostess with the mostest.
Via Ka Styles
Here’s the mason jar decor tutorial.
I hope you take the time this Valentine’s Day to celebrate yourself, also. You’re fantastic and deserve to feel loved every day of the year. But while there is a sale on candy, you should probably celebrate yourself on February 14th. K?
-K
