How to Host a Sustainable, Plant-Based Galentine’s Day Party (Low-Waste & Fun!)

I know I’m not the only one who sees those adorable Galentine’s get-togethers all over social media — pink glitter, heart-shaped balloons, themed tableware, perfectly curated backdrops, and that beautiful feeling of sisterhood.

And yes… they’re cute.

But what if you could host something just as memorable — without the trash bags full of single-use decorations and impulse party-store purchases?

Your friends have likely been there through heartbreaks, celebrations, career pivots, and everything in between.

What better way to honor them than with a gathering that’s intentional, plant-powered, and low-impact?

Here’s how to throw a plant-based Galentine’s Day party that celebrates friendship — and the planet.

🌸 Sustainable Galentine’s Day Decor Ideas

photo credit: Eli Pluma, Unsplash

Contrary to what social media suggests, your party doesn’t have to be perfectly curated or over-the-top to feel special. In fact, the most meaningful gatherings are often the simplest.

Before running to Target or Five Below for trending decor, try these sustainable swaps:

♻️ Reuse What You Already Have

Do you have a bin of seasonal decor tucked away in a closet or garage? Start there. Pull out anything pink, red, floral, or heart-shaped and repurpose it creatively. You may be surprised how much you already own.

🕯 Add Whimsy with Thrifted Finds

Disposable matching tableware may look cute, but it adds up — financially and environmentally. Instead, thrift plates, glasses, and serving pieces for a mismatched, eclectic look. It’s charming, unique, and far more sustainable.

🧺 Choose Washable Over Disposable

According to the EPA, containers and packaging make up a significant portion of municipal solid waste — much of it from single-use items used once and discarded. Skip plastic tablecloths and paper napkins. Invest in a washable tablecloth and cloth napkins you can use year after year. Opt for timeless prints over trendy patterns for longevity.

🎨 Make It a DIY Moment

Turn decor into an activity. Invite your friends to create next year’s decorations together:

• Paper garlands

• Painted taper candles

• Decorated champagne glasses

• Handmade place cards

Not only does this reduce waste, but every piece becomes a memory.

More Ideas For Your Plant-Based Galentine’s Day Party

photo credit: Cat Crawford, Unsplash

💕 Simple & Fun Galentine’s Activity: Candle Decorating

A candle decorating station is a low-cost, sustainable, and social-media-loved activity.

You’ll need:

• Colorful tea lights

• Taper candles

• Paintbrushes

How it works:

1. Light a tea light until the top layer of wax melts completely.

2. Dip your paintbrush into the melted wax.

3. Paint designs onto the taper candle.

Try hearts, bows, florals, initials, or abstract designs. The candles become keepsakes — and even if they’re eventually burned, the memory stays.

Want to see it in action? Watch this short + fun video.

🧀 Plant-Based Galentine Grazing Board Ideas

Grazing boards are a beautiful, customizable alternative to store-bought platters — and they’re perfect for a plant-based Galentine’s gathering.

Start by thrifting a board or decorative platter, then build from there:

Savory Additions

• Hummus (homemade if possible, or a minimally processed option. Our fave is Ithaca.)

• Crudités like red pepper, celery, cauliflower, cucumbers

• Whole grain or seedy crackers

• Vegan cheeses (homemade or store-bought. Our fave is Darë.)

• Nuts + olives (healthy fats!)

• Herbed vegan butter molded in fun shapes

Sweet Touches

• Fresh berries (strawberries cut into heart shapes are adorable!)

• Medjool dates stuffed with almond butter + cacao nibs

• Dark chocolate squares

• Dairy-free hazelnut spread

• Decorated Oreos (see below)

The key? Color, texture, and variety — without excess packaging or waste.

🍪 DIY Valentine’s Day Oreos (Plant-Based Crowd Pleaser)

Okay, maybe these don't exactly fit into the 'health' category, but it's a holiday and the accidentally vegan Oreos are always a hit.

Here's how to make Oreo's stand out for the holiday:

1. Melt dairy-free white chocolate.

2. Add beet-based red food coloring for a pink hue.

3. Dip each Oreo halfway and place on parchment paper.

4. Finish with sprinkles or pink sugar.

5. Refrigerate until set.

They’re playful, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing. Here's a recipe for inspiration and guidance.

🥂 Simple Pink Mocktails for Your Galentine’s Party

Photo credit: Emily Bernal, Unsplash

You don’t need complicated ingredients or bar tools to create beautiful mocktails. A glass, ice, and a spoon will do.

For extra flair, dip your glass rim in lemon juice and pink sugar.

🍓 Raspberry Lemonade Fizz

• Equal parts raspberry sparkling beverage + squeeze of fresh lemon + lemon slice garnish OR

• Muddled raspberries + splash of lemon juice + soda water

🥥 Strawberry Coconut “Pink Drink”

• 2 tablespoons coconut cream

• Muddled strawberries

• Coconut milk

• Strawberry sparkling water to top

🍊 Blood Orange Botanical

• Juice of 1 blood orange

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tablespoon rose syrup

• Top with sparkling water

Refreshing, festive, and no alcohol required.

💚 Hosting with Heart (and Less Waste)

photo credit: Autumn Martin, Unsplash

Hosting doesn’t have to come with a heavy environmental footprint.

Create sweet sustainable memories by elevating:

• Reusable decor

• Plant-based foods

• DIY experiences

• Thoughtful sourcing

Considering that food waste and single-use packaging make up a substantial portion of landfill material in the U.S., small shifts at gatherings like this can add up quickly.

You create something far more meaningful than a picture-perfect Instagram moment.

The real magic of Galentine’s Day isn’t the glitter — it’s the shared laughter and connection.

And those don’t create waste at all.

Article contribution: Ellie Cox.

Ellie Cox is a first year graduate student in the coordinated program at Georgia State University interested in beverage development and holistic wellness.