February is the month for love. And what’s more fun than celebrating that love with your favorite gal pals? Enter Galentine’s Game Day - a relaxed, laughter-filled way to honor friendship, connection and a little friendly competition. Forget the pressure of fancy reservations or elaborate menus. This celebration is all about cozy vibes, shared treats and quality time around the table.
Start by setting the scene. Think playful, not precious. A mix of pinks, reds and soft neutrals feels festive without going overboard. Scatter heart-shaped napkins and cue up a feel-good playlist, anything from nostalgic hits to mellow background tunes that won’t compete with conversation. Set out a cheerful spread that encourages guests to sip, snack and mingle at their own pace.
Strawberry Rosé Bellini
Recipe by Ree Drummond at Foodnetwork.com
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 pound frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Chilled sparkling rosé, for serving
Directions:
1. Make a simple syrup: Add the sugar and 1 cup of water to a small saucepan and heat over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Transfer to a container and allow to cool completely in the fridge, about 45 minutes.
2. Add the strawberries and lemon juice to a blender with the cold simple syrup, and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the seeds. Transfer to a pitcher and chill until ready to use.
3. To serve, add about 2 tablespoons of the strawberry purée to a champagne flute or coupe and top off with the chilled rosé.
Candy Heart Bark
Recipe by Lindsay Funston at Delish.com
Ingredients:
6 ounces white chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used Ghirardelli.)
2 ounces pink candy melts or pink food coloring
1/4 teaspoon canola or vegetable oil
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used Ghirardelli.)
Conversation heart candies and pink sprinkles, for decorating
Directions:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
- With a double boiler or microwave, melt white chocolate and candy melts (or food coloring) together. If using a microwave, stir the chocolate every 20 seconds. Once melted and smooth, stir in the oil, then set aside.
- Melt semisweet chocolate the same way you melted white chocolate. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out into a large rectangle using a spoon or rubber spatula. Drizzle white chocolate mixture on top, then use a knife or toothpick to swirl the layers together. Sprinkle top of bark with conversation hearts and sprinkles.
- Refrigerate to set, about 2 hours. Once hardened, break into pieces as large or small as you want to serve.
For drinks, homemade Strawberry Rosé Bellinis set the tone. Light, bubbly and perfectly on theme, they feel celebratory without being fussy. Fresh strawberries blended into a purée add color and sweetness with a splash of sparkling rosé, keeping things bright and refreshing. Serve them in flutes or coupes with a strawberry garnish for an effortless touch of polish.
On the snack front, balance homemade charm with easy favorites. Chocolate Candy Heart Bark is a crowd-pleaser. The melted chocolate swirled with conversation hearts delivers nostalgia with a homemade twist. Pair it with Trader Joe’s Sweet and Salty Snack Mix for those who love contrast, and the Stepping It Up Spicy Snack Mix for guests who crave a little heat. Together, they create a grazing table that hits every craving without requiring hours in the kitchen.
The real star of Galentine’s Game Day, though, is the games. Rummikub is a perfect choice: easy to learn, endlessly engaging and just competitive enough to keep things interesting. Its blend of strategy and luck levels the playing field, making it ideal whether you’re playing with longtime friends or newer additions to the group. As tiles clack and runs come together, conversations flow naturally - equal parts playful trash talk and genuine catch-ups.
For groups who already love mahjong, this game also fits seamlessly into the afternoon. Familiar, social and satisfyingly strategic, mahjong brings its own rhythm to the table, one that encourages lingering, conversation and a shared appreciation for a game many already know and love.
Galentine’s Game Day is ultimately about slowing down and savoring the friendships that carry you through every season. In a month often focused on romantic love, it’s a refreshing reminder that love shows up in many forms - inside jokes, supportive listening and the shared thrill of laying down that final winning tile.