how to be the hostess with the mostest - galentine's day edition with the nook girls - valentine's day party for the girls

Who else loves the Galentine's Day trend? The idea of sharing the love with girlfriends warms my heart. And for all of you party lovers, what a great excuse to host a fun get-together. Whether it's a movie night in (or out), a dinner party, a dessert buffet or a brunch, reminding the ladies in your life how much they mean to you is brilliant. I am thrilled to share this gorgeous party by The Nook Girls and hope it provides a little inspiration for your next girl-gathering.

Galentine's Day with The Nook Girls - celebrate Valentine's Day with girlfriends like this gorgeous party with decorated sugar cookies, flowers, garlands and more

Recently, Rachel and Allison put together a styled shoot of their Galentine's Day party where they invited their blogger friends to enjoy cranberry ginger spritzers, strawberry trifles, chocolate covered marshmallows, and Southern Sugar Bakery's adorable cookies. Allison's home was styled and decorated with calligraphy pieces from Bridgett Lynette Designs, home pieces from Anthropologie, and pieces from Rachel and Allison's own collections.

Galentine's Day with The Nook Girls - do Valentine's Day with your girlfriends using this gorgeous blush hued party as inspiration

Rachel and Allison were styled by Melissa de Leon Styling using Anthropologie's latest dresses and jewelry. They also were treated to hair and makeup at their favorite blow dry bar, Parlor Dry Bar in North Raleigh, which was the perfect relaxation after work and before the party. The other beautiful bloggers arrived to the party in their own styled outfits fit for a Valentine's soiree.

The evening was photographed by the very talented and graceful Ally Willix, a fine art wedding photographer based in Raleigh, NC.

Rachel and Allison's purpose and hope for this party was to treat and encourage the blogger community around them with inspiration and community. They often host others in their home, they would love to share with you: how to host an awesome party with limited time and money:

1. Create a Party Committee

So you don’t have time to plan out the entire party, or you're overwhelmed trying to plan a party, or you don’t want to spend a lot of money?? Form a party committee! It’s also way more fun when you plan with others. It is ten times easier to throw a party when you aren't doing it alone. Together we dreamed and brainstormed different ideas until we landed on the best one, split up the food and decor, and set up and cleaned after together. I love having a party committee :). It makes being a host more enjoyable.

2. Make a List

Whether it’s just me or I have a committee, I create a google doc with lists of all the food, drinks, decor, and any other to-do’s so I stay organized and can assign to others in the committee. I also create an inspiration Pinterest board that supports our vision of the party to help us stay on target while we plan. I write a list of items I need, items I already have, and basically anything and everything I need to have/do so I make sure I don’t forget anything! Doing this also helps you to think through what you already have and can use so you don't waste money buying something you already have.

3. Time to Prepare

If you work full-time and don't have much spare time for the party planning, then prepare a little bit each day the week leading up to the party. This makes the party prep much more relaxing and enjoyable, and it will give you plenty of time if you forget something or it isn’t going the way you planned. It’s also important to give yourself some time to remember and prep all the tiny details. I want to have everything, even the coffee ready to brew, before guests come over so I can enjoy being with the guests. This also helps me to not be stressed once people arrive because no one likes a stressed- out host! The host creates the atmosphere, so do whatever you need to enjoy setting up for your party.

4. Enjoy Your Party!

The party has started, so now it’s time to enjoy the party. The more you enjoy the party, the more your guests will also enjoy your party. Remember that hosting isn’t about YOU. It’s really an act of serving others. It is fun to serve and treat other. It brings me so much joy to see the guest having good conversation, enjoying the food, laughing, and staying late. It's about the people more than the food and decor, so focus on being present with you guests and they'll have a great time.

The Nook Girls, Rachel and Allison, are lifestyle bloggers in Raleigh, NC. They enjoy bringing bloggers together in their area to learn from each other and grow together as bloggers and social media influencers.

Follow them on Instagram:

Bloggers and Stylists: @allisoncreagh and @rachiebarnes / Outfit styling: @melissadeleonstyling / Photographer: @allyandbobby / Clothes and home products: @anthro_raleigh / Hair and makeup: @parlornorthraleigh / Cookies: @southernsugarbakery / Invitation and other calligraphy: @bridgettlynette