Celebrating Valentine’s Day with Your Girlfriends

February 14th is traditionally marketed for celebrating love and romance, but don’t forget your girlfriends who deserve some attention too. Get inspired with these creative ideas for celebrating Valentine’s Day…Girlfriend Style!

Take a cooking class.  A perfect way to spend some time together with your girlfriends is in the kitchen. The best way to avoid cleaning up the mess after they go home, is to enroll in a cooking class. Find one that is of mutual interest, and create a perfect Crème Brule, master the art of the perfect Bouillabaisse, learn how to pair wine with different courses or make photo-worthy sushi.  Gather your BFF’s together and get cooking!

Host a Pinterest party. In the spirit of the popular site, invite a few friends over to recreate some favorite Valentine’s “pins.” Choose crafts that can be done in an evening, and remember the night will still be enjoyable whether the finished product is a glowing success or a fabulous first try.

Plan a movie marathon. Invite your girlfriends over, supply the popcorn, Twizzlers and fluffy new house shoes (a Valentine’s gift for your girlfriend’s to take home), bundle up on the couch and watch movies. Aim for funny and light-hearted, think Bridesmaids, 27 Dresses or When Harry Met Sally, and spend the evening laughing. My favorite scene from a movie is in Sex in the City, when Carrie is already in bed and Miranda calls, lonely on New Year’s Eve. Carrie gets out of bed, dressed in her pj’s, pearls, sequined beret and heels, and makes her way to her best friend’s house in the snow to be with her BFF.  Everyone should have at least one friend like Carrie!

Add a little culture to V-day.  This Valentine’s Day, grab your friends and get inspired by the local talent. Look for an interesting theater production, go to a book signing, find a literary reading in your city or visit an exhibit at the local art museum. Make sure to plan for appetizers and drinks before, and coffee and dessert afterwards.

Dine in or out. Valentine’s Day eve is one of the worst nights to go out to dinner because of the crowds. If you can’t make it any other night try making reservations at a restaurant that you are familiar with, or go to a neighborhood diner for some comfort food. Dress up, dress down or decide to prepare the same meal at home, and have everyone bring something for the table. The point is to break bread with good friends.

Go to a wine tasting. You can find all sorts of vineyard options within your area. Perhaps not on Valentine’s eve, but make a weekend of it and visit a local winery. Stay in a Bed and Breakfast and go antiquing in a small town. That sounds like tons of Valentine’s fun!

Double date. Not with your spouse or boyfriend, but with a girlfriend that brings another friend no one has met. This is a good way to get to know a new circle of people that may turn into girlfriends for next year’s Valentine’s get together. Spending quality time with your friends is special regardless of the holiday, and meeting a few new people will broaden your opportunity to have fun.

Happy Valentine’s Day!