A couple of weeks ago, I gathered some of my girlfriends for a night of spa treatments, girl talk, snacks, and wine. Check out all the details of how I transformed my living room into an at-home oasis (on a small budget), including tips for hosting your own relaxing get-together. Valentine's Day is right around the corner and the perfect excuse to get your gals together for a galentine's spa night and catch up over chocolate-covered strawberries and aromatherapy candles.
How to Host a Galentine's Spa Night
Ambiance & Decor
I told everyone to come comfy in robes or loungewear then set the mood by lighting a few stress relief candles, spraying my homemade aromatherapy linen spray in the air, and putting together a couple of easy arrangements made with eucalyptus, greenery, spray roses, and carnations. These types of flowers and my own vases made for beautiful yet very cost-effective arrangements. (You can find more of my hacks for inexpensive flower arrangements here.) The last piece of the puzzle was mood music. Go for whatever will put you and your friends at ease--whether that be traditional zen instrumentals or old-school R&B. We unwound to a mix of Michael, Janet, Miguel, Badu, and more. You can find the Spotify playlist here.
Tip:Use what you have on-hand to help manage spending on decor. I transformed my bar cart into the food station, used existing vases for the floral arrangements, and my coffee table tray to house our spa treatment products and tools. If the setup looks familiar, I also used this tray to create an indoor s'mores bar at my last Christmas party. 🙂
At-Home Spa Treatments
Treatments are pretty personal so take into account any allergies or sensitivities your guests may have when planning. We had fun gathering around the coffee table with the following treatments that most anyone can enjoy. I've also included a few of our favorite products below.
- Hydrating, Moisturizing, and Brightening sheet masks (the brightening one was most popular)
- Hand scrubs (After scrubbing, we rinsed our hands in a bowl filled with warm water and rose petals. You can do this in your sink if you don't have a large enough bowl.)
- Mani/pedis with assorted polishes, cuticle oil, cream, hand lotion, and mini nail kits. Each gal got to take their kit home at the end of the night.
- Cucumber slices for our eyes*
Tip: Be sure to have blankets and plenty of fresh towels on hand.
Appetizing Menu
Valentine's Day themed sweet snacks and sips are perfect for maintaining freshly-painted nails and getting conversation flowing. Our group doesn't need any encouragement but a bottle of wine never hurt a situation. Whether or not you plan to drink alcohol, serving your beverages in champagne flutes (this set is under $10!) with v-day themed straws is a fun touch.
- Almond, strawberry, lavender, and rose macarons
- Fresh Fruit
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
- Infused Spa Water (grapefruit, cucumber, and mint)
- Protea Chenin Blanc (more of my favorite budget-friendly wine picks here)
Tip: To cut down on party preparation stress, stick to a simple menu. I picked up the most difficult item (macarons, of course) from a local bakery.
I hope this is helpful in planning an at-home galentine's spa night of your own. How do you plan to celebrate next week? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
*Cucumber slices are a spa night staple and aren't just for show--they have a crazy number of benefits. Don't believe me? Ask this guy!
Joy says
I’m giving myself a spa day and your post is inspiring. I’m a massage therapist so I’m very familiar with the attention to detail it takes to set the mood. Your photos and beautiful colors are gorgeous. I wouldn’t have thought of the macarons. Perfect touch.Looks like a fun group of ladies. Thank you for your post.
Jazz says
So glad to hear that, Joy! Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoy your spa day.
Ashley says
This is awesome! I love all the fun pictures!
I think I need to do this with some friends!
Dena says
What a great idea! My friends and I are having a Galentine's Party this week and all of these tips will help so much! Thanks! 🙂
Brenda Burns says
This night looks like so much fun! My girls usually go out, but staying in looks like so much more fun!
Erin R Creeks says
Where's my invite? Lol! This was such a gorgeous display Jazz and I swear by those Aromatherapy candles from Bath and Body Works. I'll have to try that Shea Moisture scrub. Thanks for the recommendations. Loved this post!
Cheryl Moses says
The setting is gorgeous! The food and everything looks amazing. Looks like a really great time. x
Cindy Dilworth says
I love all your posts! Thank you for the great ideas. I need to do this one day with my girls. Happy Valentine's Day!
Shauna says
I love this and love all of the details! I have been thinking about hosting a girls night soon, thank you for the inspiration!
Skye says
This looks like SO much fun! I love macarons too so I'm with you on grabbing those on the way to the party! Love it!
Bree says
How fun!! This is such a good idea. Night in with the girls - yes please!
Mariah says
You nailed every detail! This looks so fun and would also be a great baby or bridal shower theme!
Mariah
http://www.likehoneyblog.com
Sharon says
I've seen lots of ideas for food but this Spa Night takes it to another level and I love it! Desserts and pampering is just what a Galentine's Day needs.
Ola says
This is the second time I'm hearing about a Galentine party. I've never heard of this before. You did an qwesome job getting things set up for your friends. the photos are outstanding!
Victoria Andrews says
Great post! Very informative and creative!!
Emily Fata, www.EmulatingEmily.com says
Usually my friends and I go out for Galentine's a few days before/after Valentine's Day and exchange bags of candy, but I think we should try a spa night one of these days! It looks like such a great idea. 🙂