Cue Cyndi Lauper—it’s the unofficial holiday of gal pals everywhere. For most of us, Galentine’s Day (or Galentine’s weekend) typically involves pretty tablescapes, pink cocktails, and a few too many calorie-filled treats. Whether you’re single, taken, or just down to be super basic on Instagram, this is the best time to pay a sweet tribute to your inner circle.
This year, DuJour looked to fashion model, boss babe, and galentine guru Karlie Kloss for a few celebratory pointers. From her go-to restaurant spots in New York City to her favorite personal touches, Kloss shares her top tips for a memorable experience, below.
@bourgeonflowers
Meet at your go-to neighborhood spot.
My friends and I have turned Galentine’s Day into an annual tradition. We use it as a day to celebrate the beloved women and friends in our life, support each other’s projects, and most importantly have fun!
To make it feel like a special yet intimate occasion, my biggest tip is to find a cozy, neighborhood restaurant. American Express’ Shop Small Map is a really helpful tool to find a local, unique and convenient spot. Last year I hosted at Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria in NoHo, but some of my other go-to neighborhood spots for girls night include Lovely Day on Elizabeth Street and Two Hands in Tribeca—which is also run by an amazing female chef from Australia!
Create an engaging experience.
One of my favorite parts of putting together a Galentine’s Day event is getting creative with decorations and creating little experiences that are incorporated into the night, so guests aren’t just catching up with one another, but actually creating and sharing memories. Last year, we invited astrologers to come to our dinner and read everyone’s birth charts, and had temporary tattoo and piercing stations. We also made sure there were a few Polaroid cameras around so everyone could go home with a few mementos from the night.
@bigntoasty
Add a personal touch.
One way to put your stamp on an event is to bring in your favorite dessert. For me, that’s often the vegan treats at Little Cupcake Bakeshop in SoHo. All my friends know how obsessed I am!
A great playlist is crucial for the vibes, even just to play in the background.
Wrangle the entire squad.
If I’m bringing together different groups of people who may not all know each other, sometimes we break the ice by posing one question to the entire group. Rather than a bunch of side chats with the people you’re immediately sitting next to, I love when everyone is engaging in the conversation, in a way that still feels intimate.
