I remember back when I was a whole lot more bitter and single, Valentine’s Day was better known as Singles Awareness Day to me, but I really wish I’d heard of Galentine’s Day back then instead. It’s a whole day based around loving on your friends – the ones who really make your world go round no matter what! This year I got together with some of my favorite Gals and we created a day about not only celebrating your friendships but also yourself, with a cocktail in hand and some yummy food by your side [of course].

I met Emily of Tasteful Tatters a few years back at one of my close friend’s [Ahren, our hype girl for the shoot] birthday parties and we instantly clicked and have been creatively collaborating since. Emily is one of those people who wants all of her friends to be friends. It’s truly beautiful to see all of the connections being made! Emily brought on Kasey Dreier, who is basically a inspirational magic maker. I could tell when I met Kasey, that she is a badass, positive woman, who wants to help other women succeed.

She created a Valentine template for all of the gals to fill out and write to themselves during our Galentines get-together. Check it out here. It is definitely a fun way to practice a little self love!

How to have the best day with your Galentines, the cocktails

You can’t have a get-together without some sort of beverages and snacks! Think refreshing cocktails, and sweet and savory bites. We’ve got 4 cocktails crafted by Emilee and 2 local Los Angeles businesses I’ve dubbed as my favorite places to order food for parties and get-togethers [no matter how big or small]! Note: mix up all of the cocktails in a shaker with ice

The Cardamom Rose

Place ice into a shaker. Measure out gin, rose water, grapefruit juice and bitters in the shaker. Shake. Pour into glass of your choice. Top off with Prosecco. Garnish with mini roses.

XOXO

Place ice into a shaker. Measure out gin, elderflower syrup, rose water and mint leaves in the shaker. Shake. Pour into glass of your choice. Top off with Prosecco. Garnish with chamomile flowers and mint.

The Galentine

Muddle a couple strawberries. Place ice and muddled strawberries into a shaker. Measure out vodka, strawberry rhubarb sparkling lemonade, pink lemonade and lemon juice into the shaker. Shake. Pour into glass of your choice. Garnish with chamomile flowers and strawberry slices.

Your Bestie

Place ice into a shaker. Measure out bourbon, lemon juice & grapefruit juice in a shaker. Shake. Pour into glass of your choice. Top off with ginger beer. Garnish with a grapefruit peel twist.

How to have the best day with your Galentines, the sweets

All of the sweets were made by one of my favorite local bake shops – My Delight Cupcakery. I’ve found their deliciousness easily outweighs their cuteness, which is really saying something because seriously how cute is everything?!

How to have the best day with your Galentines, the savory

The crudités platter [with homemade hummus] was handcrafted by the lovely gals over at Sorella Collective, who I have been loyally following for awhile now because they’re seriously so damn talented. They also create various other platters, like cheese & charcuterie and fruit & cheese!

Now grab all your closest gal pals!

Did anyone notice my wardrobe change? Can’t have a successful Galentines day without plenty of clothing options. 😉

How to have the best day with your Galentines, the Dream Team

Concept & Styling: Tasteful Tatters // Photography: Simply Adri // Food Styling: myself // Boss Babe & Valentine Letter: bask + being // Sweets: My Delight Cupcakery // Crudite Platter: Sorella Collective // Venue: Biz Babez // Cheerleader & Hype girl: Ahren Samuel

Looking for more Galentine’s Day inspiration?