How to Host a "Date-in-a-Box" Exchange - A Galentine's Day Party

Want to host a fun Galentine's Day Party? How about a Date-in-a-box exchange? Keep reading for all the festive ideas including simple food, decor, and date ideas!

this awesome idea!

Host a Galentine's Party to Brighten The Winter

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I have been feeling the urge to be creative, as in "I need something fun to plan to get me through these winter months". I totally get the winter blues...but working on Valentine's Day projects helps add some color to our gray winter.

So a Valentine's party it was. Actually, a pre-Valentine's Day party because it was still January. But no one seemed to mind.

In fact, since December is usually so busy with cookie exchange parties and family Christmas traditions, hosting a pre-Valentine's Day party in January might just need to become a yearly tradition.

Everyone had a blast eating, chatting (uninterrupted mind you because our kids were in bed!), and exchanging Dates-in-a-box. I'll explain more of that below.

I loved coming away with a whole lot of new date ideas, and I can't wait to use our date box soon. I mean, planning and preparing for a date does take a lot of time, especially getting ready for it, which includes shaving the whole body (check out Safety Razor Eco or similar products to get smooth soft skin quickly), makeup, and choosing the right outfit to pull it off well. Not to forget, deciding on the venue and organizing everything takes a whole lot of effort. So, this Dates-in-a-box idea could save a lot of time since we can just choose the activity out of it and make it into the date.

I think this may have just been the first of many girls parties. And I'll never complain about having a party to plan. All you need to do, would be to get your place cleaned - sheets sparkly (this link from The Laundress might help you find the right service provider for all your cleaning woes), have some wine and cupcakes on the table - and you are all good to go!

Here's a few lot of photos because I just was having too much fun with all the pinks and whites.

Galentine's Day Party Details

The Invitations

Ok...first the invitations. I whipped up these printable invitations, which you can download free here.

I included the date, instructions to bring a date-in-a-box (or bag) ... basically everything you need for a date. Real invitations are not always practical, but if you have time, giving a handmade invitation can set a good tone for your party and get your guests excited!

I printed off the invitations, put them inside some mini kraft paper bags and sprinkled in some Valentine's M&Ms.

Galentine's Day Party Decorations

Since I love throwing parties, but hate spending a lot of money on decorations that will probably end up in the trash, I'm always trying to think of cheap ways to make a big statement!

Even otherwise I like looking for thrifty ways to style up the home; one can never have too much home decor advice, can they? So I keep browsing blogs and reading up suggested articles like tips for Los Angeles decor that'll help me pep up the house a little bit now and then.

While I was browsing the dollar store, I came across a package of giant heart doilies. I didn't know when I bought them how I would use them exactly, but I knew I'd come up with something.

Tip: Don't be afraid to pick up cheap decoration items when you find it, even if you aren't sure how you'll use it. The ideas will come!

And a giant doily backdrop it was!

You, too, can create a super simple party backdrop by using large heart doilies from the dollar store. I used some gift-wrap tape (that won't rip my paint) to attach the hearts to the wall. Easy peasy! You can make a big statement for $1. Hip Hip Hooray!

Cheap Dozen of Roses

The perks of planning a Valentine's Day party in January is that grocery stores haven't jacked up their prices on roses yet. I got an entire dozen for under $10 at Smith's/Kroger. The dozen doubled as a fun centerpiece and a party favor for all the ladies!

Simple Food Ideas

I had 2 little ones at home (and pregnant with my 3rd), so my energy to create tons of delicious Valentine's Day party foods was non-existent. Instead, I opted to serve red, pink, and white foods. And there are no shortage of those!

Here's a few ideas:

Red Velvet Cupcakes

I made these red velvet cupcakes from a box and spread some homemade cream-cheese frosting on top.

Valentine's Sugar Cookie Bar

I made a big batch of Valentines Sugar cookies (our freezer-friendly recipe here ). And then I set out a few toppings so that my friends could decorate their own with frosting, festive candies, and sprinkles.

And...you'll notice the doily on my cake stand...the decorations that keep on giving. 🙂

Don't forget the sprinkles!

Easy Bruschetta

Our party started after kiddos were in bed, so I didn't need to serve a full dinner, but I did want to have a savory option since there was plenty of sugar on the food table. I made this yummy easy Bruschetta from Our Best Bites .

Other Simple Treats

And don't underestimate what popcorn, Valentine's Day M&Ms, and gummy cinnamon lips can do for your galentine's day party dessert spread.

Set out some pink straws (these come in a giant and cheap bag from IKEA) and drinks. If you want, consider getting other indulgences, too (if say, you prefer cannabis over alcohol), so that your guests have enough options to explore for the party. If someone likes chilling with a blunt or an edible, just visit this website and make sure you stock up!

And one other note: I didn't have the budget to buy a new Valentine's Day tablecloth, so I used a white one I already had and then bought one yard of fabric to use as a runner. It was a cheap way to add some color!

"Date in a Box" Exchange!

Besides eating from this festive spread of course, we did a "Date in a Box" exchange.

Here's how we did it:

On the invitations, I told everyone to bring a Date-in-a-Box under $10. They needed to include everything for a date in the box or bag with instructions.

We placed all of our date boxes in the center of the room.

When it was time to exchange, I drew a name out of a bowl. Whoever was selected, got to choose a date. They opened it up and the person who brought it could explain the date.

When the next name was drawn out, they could choose a date from the center of one that had been opened.

Date Ideas

• I gave an Around-The-World Date! You can get all the details and printables right here.

• Indoor s'more kit with indoor flame, stick and ingredients
• Movie night- redbox codes and treats
• Candlelight dinner- candles, candlesticks and an easy meal
• Game night

Let me know if you plan a Date-in-a-Box Exchange! And leave a comment if you have any more questions!