Galentine’s Night with Intention
BY : CAROLINE SCHNEIDER
Intentional girl’s nights are some of my favorite nights and always leave me feeling encouraged. Going on a date with your man is great, and I’m certainly all about that, but I also know the value of gathering around the table with other women. I know life is busy and it’s not always easy to make nights like this happen, but I want to encourage you to try. Time and time again, I am reminded we were created for connection and I never regret prioritizing relationships over a night to myself.
A perfect time to gather with your friends this month is for Valentine’s Day to have a “galentine’s night”. Try and make this one a little more intentional and special to love on your people. Here are some tips I came up with:
Small & intentional – I always find it easier to connect if I am in a smaller group. I’m also an introvert so not everyone will agree, but I do think there is something to be said about all being able to sit around one table. If your goal is to be more intentional, I think keeping the number small is a great place to start.
Set a cozy table – Women love pretty spaces. You can set a pretty table that is cozy and inviting while also keeping it simple. Adding candlesticks, florals, and glass dishes are a great way to do this.
Add a touch of personal – When someone takes the time to write me a personalized note or letter, I always feel so loved and seen. You can do this and have it at each person’s seat at the table – it will make your friends feel so special. You could also get creative and go to your local used bookstore and get them each a book you think they would like or grab their favorite treat as well.
Potluck + family style – Take some of the pressure off yourself and make it a potluck. Choose a theme and have everyone bring a dish. Serve the food family style around the table. During dinner, create deeper conversation by asking questions about each other’s lives. If this doesn’t come naturally for you, I give some great examples in my guide to deeper community which you can download right here : https://static.showit.co/file/XsB_-B4AQd-P7Wpg5flH3A/177280/a_guide_to_deeper_community.pdf. This is also a great resource if you are struggling to find intentional friendships and need a little encouragement.
Affirm & encourage – After dinner, make some decaf, hot tea, or serve wine and go around and take turns sharing things you love about each friend, have seen them grow in the last year, or an area of their life that has encouraged you. Again, this may not be the norm at your usual friend gatherings but how cool would it be if it became more normal? Anytime I am affirmed by my friends, it’s like a tight hug that I usually desperately need. Never underestimate the power of your uplifting words.
One thing to add in after dinner is a yummy treat! My friends love it when I make stovetop honey popcorn when we gather. This became a specialty of mine when I lived in Uganda and is still a request years later. We like to enjoy it over conversation or a game after dinner. I threw in the recipe below so you all can try it too! It’s real simple but real good 🙂
If you gather for a Galentine’s night, I’d love to hear about it! Tag us on Instagram @freedandflourishingco or send us a DM and let us know how it went. I hope you know how deeply loved you are, and I wish I could gather around the table with each of you and tell you that. Intentional evenings are so valuable, and I’m excited to see how you continue to flourish in deeper community.
xo,
Caroline
