All about Galentine’s Day

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Bethany Day
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Bloom and Buzz Contributor

When Monet said, “I must have flowers, always and always”, I’m convinced he meant peonies and honestly? Same. When I’m not lusting after their perfect petals or saving a bouquet from a too sunny windowsill, you’ll find me at home raising the next generation of flower lovers (think sticky hands and zero vase etiquette).

When Monet said, “I must have flowers, always and always”, I’m convinced he meant peonies and honestly? Same. When I’m not lusting after their perfect petals or saving a bouquet from a too sunny windowsill, you’ll find me at home raising the next generation of flower lovers (think sticky hands and zero vase etiquette).

You’ve heard of Valentine’s Day, but have you heard of Galentine’s Day? It’s the day before cupid’s big to-do and it’s all about celebrating the wonderful women in your life. We know there are plenty of suspect celebration days (we’re looking at you National Beer Can Appreciation Day) but Galentine’s is one we’re more than happy to get behind. We’re all for appreciating the magic of female friendships.

In fact, we love it so much we’ve put together this handy guide to Galentine’s, covering where it came from, what it’s all about, and brilliant blooms for appreciating your gals.

Galentine’s Day Meaning

In the words of Leslie Knope, originator of the holiday (more on that below), it’s about “ladies celebrating ladies”. It’s a day to show your appreciation for your female friends and family who keep you going. The ones who stick with you through thick and thin and always have your back. And more than that it’s a day to celebrate the power of female friendships and relationships. Let’s hear it for the girls.

Where did Galentine’s Day come from?

Galentine’s Day was created in 2010 by fictional government worker Leslie Knope, star of brilliant American sitcom Parks and Recreation. In the show Leslie is a fierce, bright, hilarious beacon of optimism, a hard-working employee of the ‘parks and rec’ team responsible for the green spaces and community activities in her town. Her favourite activities include eating breakfest, helping local residents, and enthusing about her best friend Anne Perkins (who is a ‘poetic noble land-mermaid’, ‘beautiful, glowing sun goddess’ and ‘chestnut-haired sunfish’, according to Leslie).

In the episode “Galentine’s Day” Leslie takes her pals to lunch, explaining “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style”. We like the sound of that.

Galentine’s Gifts

An excuse to spoil our best gals? Yes please! We’ve rounded up to Galentine’s gift ideas to help you show love to the brilliant ladies in your life.

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Gorgeous blooms

Of course this must be first on the list! A bespoke bouquet is a beautiful way of celebrating, but more importantly it’s deeply personal. A florist can use her favourite colours or flowers to make something totally bespoke that reflect her, and your relationship. If you want to book a delivery, it’s right this way. 

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Pictures and mementos

We take a lot of snaps now but it’s so rare we print them. Galentine’s is a great chance to do that, get your fave pic framed or make a little album of memories of you both – then you can spend more evenings rambling down memory lane.

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Snacks

Girls need snacks. Fact. Use Galentine’s to assemble some gourmet goodies for your best pals, and then you can all feast together. Psst, did you know we do free delivery on hampers?

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Time together

Probably the best gift you could give is your time. Everyone’s lives are busy but taking the time to spend with the people that matter most is so important and they’ll really appreciate you making them number one on the priority list. Go for dinner, or a walk, or just for a coffee, or splash out on a class or activity together like paint and sip.

The Best Flowers for Galentine’s

There are some magnificent blooms signifying friendship and admiration, just right to include in a Galentine’s bouquet (remember you can add requests for the florist when you order).

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Yellow roses

A yellow rose is the traditional symbol of friendship and joy. It’s a classic beauty, we love its gentle buttery glow and velvety petals.

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Alstroemeria

Signifying friendship but also prosperity and wealth, these blooms are especially long-lasting so might be a good choice for an enduring friend.

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Hydrangeas

A flower of gratitude and sincere feelings, the hydrangea is one of the best blooms for showing your heartfelt appreciation for a friend.

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Pink roses

This delicate bloom signifies happiness and joy but also gratitude and admiration, making them an excellent choice for saying thanks to a gal pal who’s gone above and beyond.

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Freesias

Delicate beauties, freesias are often used to show thoughtfulness. Send them to a pal who always gets you the perfect present or knows exactly how to cheer you up.

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Stocks

These pretty bursts of colour are symbols of beauty and a happy life, but also signify bonds of affection making them an ideal choice for a close friend.

Who do we celebrate on Galentine’s?

Before we let you race off and shower your special women with love, we want to give a final shout out to the women who make Interflora brilliant. The majority of the florists in our network are women – talented, diligent, empathetic high street heroes who craft magic every day. They support communities, run businesses, and are generally exceptional people. They deserve celebrating on Galentine’s Day, and every day. Let’s here it for them – who run the world?

Celebrate female friendships

Ready to celebrate the poetic noble land-mermaids in your life?