Love is in the air this Galentine’s Day – and no, not with your romantic partner. We’re talking about the gals. Because honestly, what’s better than a night out with your boyfriend? A gossip-filled, giggle-heavy evening with your best friends.
Celebrating your girlfriends doesn’t need to mean big budgets or over-the-top plans. Hosting at home lets you fully lean into pink palettes, playful themes and personal touches that feel way more meaningful. Whether your group skews cosy, creative or wellness-obsessed, there’s a Galentine’s theme for everyone. Consider this your sign to go all out and celebrate the women you love most.
Love letters and lattes
We all know the best gossip is shared over iced coffee at one of the UAE’s many aesthetic cafés, so why not recreate the vibe at home? Turn your living room into a love-filled coffee spot with a professional-grade machine like the newly launched Ninja Café Luxe as your centrepiece. Add lace table linens, ceramic mugs, red-check accents and, if you’re feeling extra, Canva-designed menus or custom coffee labels.
Bring the girls together over flaky croissants and homemade pink lattes (they don’t need to know the secret ingredient is beetroot). For a Galentine’s twist, set up a love-letter station where guests write notes to each other or their future selves. Seal them in pretty envelopes, decorate with stickers or stamps, and save them for future opening. Finish the afternoon with coffee-themed gift bags like Chamberlain Coffee blends or a swipe of Gisou’s Milky Mocha lip oil.
Romantasy book club
If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to start a book club, this is it. Whether your dream Valentine is Xaden or Rhysand, let Galentine’s be the night your group debates their favourite fictional love interests. The vibe? Dark romance, candlelit and cosy. Style your space with deep burgundies, soft blacks and silk textures (candles everywhere are non-negotiable).
For an interactive element, create a Romantasy-themed Jeopardy and go head-to-head on lore, plot twists, and book boyfriends. Food should be just as indulgent: think chocolate everything. The viral Dubai chocolate strawberry cups are an easy crowd-pleaser – fresh strawberries, lightly toasted kunafa, and molten chocolate layered to perfection. Thoughtful, budget-friendly gifts could include romantic candles or artfully designed Kindle cases.
Pilates princess
If your idea of a perfect hangout includes a good workout, Pilates Princess is the ultimate daytime Galentine’s theme. Dress code is your favourite athletic set, while décor leans baby pink with playful hearts and affirmations. Queue up an at-home Pilates class, roll out the mats and turn it into a feel-good Galentine’s morning.
Instead of wine-glass painting, switch things up with hand-painted water bottles – cute, practical and the perfect take-home gift. Serve strawberry matcha or açai bowls to stay on theme, and finish with matching Pilates socks, like La Brisa’s cherry-print pair. Wellness, but make it fun.
Bridgerton-inspired slumber party
With Bridgerton’s latest season on the horizon, there’s no better excuse for a Regency-era slumber party. Think whimsical, romantic and slightly dramatic: floating floral displays, tea-party details, candles, vintage-inspired glassware and silver accents.
Channel the ton with a round of Sip or Spill (no Lady Whistledown required), or paint candlesticks with delicate florals and bows. Serve finger sandwiches, colourful cakes and flavoured teas to complete the fantasy. For gifts, lean into romance with soft fragrances like PHLUR’s Afterglow or matching cutesy pyjamas from Sisterly Tribe are perfect when paired with these Valentine’s Day themed eye masks from Slip made from 100% slipsilk for a “treat yourself moment”. Get your hands on the full collection, including the Sweetie Queen Pillowcase and Scrunchie Set).
Prefer a day out? Check out Reel Palestine’s screening schedule.