Soulmates Do Exist Guide
Dinner Party Guide: February 2025
One of the only redeeming qualities of February is that you get to celebrate Galentine's Day with your favorite people. (Sorry if your birthday happens to fall in the month—that's really tough) Although it can be hard to schedule an event that brings all your people together, booking a reservation at a restaurant or craft shop is next to impossible if you don't start planning in December. With dinner parties landing in the "in" section of almost everyone's in-and-out lists for 2025, we decided this was the perfect alternative. We have gone ahead and planned an entire dinner party for you to throw this year. Yes, that's right—we thought of everything you need to have the perfect evening in with your buddies! Find every item for a celebrity-level tablescape, the perfect color-schemed outfits, an easy and delicious four-course meal with a signature cocktail, and activities to keep everybody occupied while you put your entire soul into being the host of the year. Cheers and good luck!
The Tablescape
Making the dream tablescape is basically an art form these days, and everyone wants their dinner party table to be the next viral moment. But let's skip the heart confetti and red roses. Think coastal grandmother meets downtown sophistication, where soft pastels and vintage glassware do the heavy lifting. Your table should whisper "I know about Valentine's Day, and I've chosen to acknowledge it exclusively through this perfectly curated pink glass collection." The key is mixing elevated pieces (yes, those sculptural candle holders are essential) with just enough whimsy to show you're not taking yourself too seriously. Load up on flowers that look freshly foraged from some impossibly chic European garden, even though we all know you're getting them delivered. This is your chance to prove that you can throw the kind of dinner party that makes people question why they aren’t a closer friend to you with these kinds of perks!
Urban Stems
Target
Skye McAlpine
World Market
Hawkins
Magnolia
The Outfits
The dress code is non-negotiable, and we'll all pretend it's a casual suggestion while knowing it absolutely isn't. We're orchestrating a color story here, not hosting a free-for-all. Because let's be honest, half the fun of hosting is orchestrating a sartorial narrative that makes everyone feel like the main character in their own romantic storyline. Whether you're newly dating, perpetually skeptical, or floating on cloud nine, we've curated looks that perfectly capture each friend's current relationship with love – without venturing into themed costume territory. From polished neutrals to bold statement pieces, consider this your personal styling guide for ensuring everyone at your dinner party is dressed for whatever the evening might hold!
for The friend in love
just wants to wear white already
This look is for that friend who is helplessly in love and won’t stop showing you her extremely detailed wedding Pinterest boards or using “we” statements. She is ready to walk down the aisle and she will use any event as an excuse to wear a white dress in preparation. Good for them, but also, what do they wear now that they’re in their ~romantic era~? This look is soft, approachable, and just a little bit dreamy. It’s the perfect balance of “I’m in love” and “I still have my own personality.” See the perfect “almost engaged” outfit detailed here!
For the marriage cynic
rebellious in orange but still on theme
Ah, the friend who’s perpetually single and probably has a hotter dating life than anyone in a relationship. They’re always the first to RSVP “no plus-one” and the last to leave the party. This outfit is the perfect way for them to stay on theme without observing the corporate-driven “Hallmark Holiday” by opting out of wearing red or pink and going for a bold orange instead. This look is comprised of an orange one-sleeve top with a statement gold flower embellishment, paired with burgundy corduroy pants that scream “I thrifted this before it was cool.” The matching orange shoes? Iconic. The yellow bag with a lighter attachment? A conversation turner when someone inevitably tries to set them up with one of their boyfriend’s friends or some guy from work. Gold hoops and tortoiseshell glasses tie it all together because of course they’re accessorized to perfection. This isn’t just an outfit; it’s a statement. It says, “I don’t need a significant other to be significant.”
Desigual
TIJN Eyewear
for The friend who has a “date” later
transitionally sexy in mint
This outfit is for the friend who’s been casually dropping hints all day about their “plans” later that night. They are about as subtle as a brick to the face that their plans include getting laid. They can’t wait to tell you all the sexy details that will have you adding couples’ sex toys to your Amazon cart on your phone under the table. We have the perfect outfit for them down to the lingerie. The main event of the outfit is a mint green corset and pants set that’s both so cool and sexy without being over the top. The camel wool trench coat thrown over it? Perfect for making the outfit seem more “low effort.” Let’s not forget about the after-hours portion of the outfit- the sneaky white lingerie. The perfect surprise for whoever the lucky person is that they decided to have a nightcap with that evening!
For the friend who’s going to meet the one this year
optimistic in pink
This style guide is for the friend who’s manifesting love like it’s their full-time job. You know the one—they’ve got their vision board ready, their astrology app open, and are constantly dreaming up different ways to orchestrate a “meet cute.” They will fall in love this year and begin to carry out the meticulously detailed steps of their five-year plan. The perfect outfit for them is pure romance-core in a pink cropped embroidered sequin tee that sparkles just enough to catch someone’s eye across a crowded room. Paired with high-waisted satin cargo pants in the same blush tone. The ivory short puffer robe jacket thrown over the top? Genius. It’s cozy but chic like they’re ready for a last-minute date or a spontaneous rendezvous with the person they have been pining over for years. The pink ballet flats add a touch of “I’m effortlessly adorable”, with pink and silver flower earrings with pearls for a touch of whimsy, and an ivory bag that ties the whole look together. It’s the kind of outfit that convinces you they are about to embark on the greatest love story ever told!
for The friend group boyfriend
just happy to be there in burgundy
This is a look for the guy who has become the group’s boyfriend to the point where sometimes you have to remind yourself that he won’t be around to fix your faulty A/C in your apartment forever. He’s the kind of person who’s cool enough to hang but not so cool that he’s trying to steal the spotlight. His perfect outfit for the dress code includes a burgundy knit sweater that allows him to dress up a little without going over the top layered over a crisp white long-sleeve tee for that effortless layered look. The light grey looser jeans? Perfect for that effortlessly cool aesthetic. And let’s not skip the Salomon sneakers that show he is in tune enough with current trends that he won't get lost when the conversation turns to niche pop culture moments. The grey puffer jacket and burgundy baseball hat are the perfect additions to add to his laid-back aura. So, if your friend’s boyfriend actually does show up in this fit, he’s doing it right. He’s on theme but also letting the rest of you be the main attractions.
for The Hostess
center of attention in red
This outfit is for the hostess because they deserve to look like the cherry on top of the cake that they special ordered weeks in advance from the closest artisan bakery. They can look fabulous even as they are scrambling to ensure wine glasses stay filled, the food doesn’t burn the building down, and the conversation never lulls. We are picturing a red cropped knit cardigan that’s light enough to keep her from overheating in the kitchen while simultaneously living out her Upper East Side penthouse fantasies. Paired with a matching red balloon skirt and cherry earrings that bring a playful energy, especially as the evening gets to the games portion. On her feet? Red kitten heels—while they may be walking around in your pilates grip socks pre-guest arrival, as soon as that door opens they are doing a Cinderella speed quick change into some proper and gorgeous footwear as if they have been running the kitchen in heels this whole time. And let’s not forget the heart-detailed apron so they can be as cute as Rachel working in the cafe on Friends, while the gold pony cuff adds a little flair to her necessary updo. So, if you’re hosting a Galentine’s dinner party, this is your look!
Lelet NY
Frankies Bikinis
Anthropologie
The recipes
Let’s be real: Galentine’s is the one night a year where you can fully lean into the chaos of friendship by drinking too many cocktails and eating way too much cheese. This year, skip the overdone clichés and go for a menu that’s actually fun to make and even more fun to eat. Start with a Red Velvet Espresso Martini—because we could also use a healthy dose of more caffeine and some alcohol after a long work day. Next, serve a charcuterie board that has a little bit of something for everybody to snack on as they try to get through the beginning of the party small talk. For the first half of the main event, go with a people-pleaser, heart-shaped pizza (yes, it’s cute, but it’s also pizza, so it wins either way). For the second entrée get a little fancier with some heart ravioli, yes we are really leaning into the heart theme here. Finish it all off with mini fruit tarts—because you always need a sweet treat and they colors match the theme perfectly. Cheers xx
for The Drinks
red velvet espresso martini / full recipe here
Let’s start with why we are all here (mostly): the drinks. The Red Velvet Espresso Martini is the kind of drink that looks and tastes how love feels. For the full recipe check out the link above but it could perhaps use a touch more vodka in your own drink. It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and it’s basically dessert in a glass. Plus, the caffeine means you can keep the high energy even after the charcuterie board is demolished.
for The appetizer
charcuterie board / full recipe here
The charcuterie board is always a crowd-pleaser and so satisfying to make. it’s the easiest thing you’ll do all night. Arrange a mix of cured meats, a few cheeses (soft and hard, some fruit, crackers, and whatever candies are calling your name. The board is your canvas. Even the pickiest eaters can find something to enjoy here. Bonus points if you do any fancy cut-out hearts with your assortment! See the recipe above for more tips and tricks to providing the best distraction appetizer to give you time to focus on getting the pizza dough to stay in its shape.
for The First entrée
pizza hearts / full recipe here
Let’s be honest: heart-shaped pizza is the type of dish that sounds gimmicky until you realize how incredibly cute it is, and pizza parties exist for a reason. Load it up with your go-to toppings—such as classic pepperoni or tomato and mozzarella if there are some vegetarians in your group. Also, think of the leftovers you’ll have. Nothing better than a little late-night snack that was made with love! Check out the recipe above to ensure everything goes smoothly and you’ll have the crowd on the edge of their seats for the next on-theme course.
For the Second E ntrée
heart ravioli / full recipe here
Heart ravioli is where you can show off a bit, and who doesn’t love a pizza and pasta combo? Sticking with the heart imagery and adding a little bit of pink to your menu, these pockets of delishessness promise a flood of compliments from your guests. They look complicated enough but this recipe breaks it down and makes it easy for a chef of any skill level to perfect! Hopefully too amazing that people don’t save room for dessert, though.
for The dessert
mini fruit tarts / full recipe here
The final course has to be Fruit Tarts. Why? Honestly, because we have just been obsessed with them lately. Yes, they are not the first thing you think of when baking a Valentine themed dessert, but it will leave your guests presently surprised and a little relieved. It’s a dessert that’s not so rich that it will have everyone leaving early with a tummy ache. Perfectly transition from the food portion of the evening to the activities portion with this bite-size sweet treat!
The activities
Dinner parties are not just about the food; they are about getting everyone you love in the same room for once. While there are sure to be lots of catch-ups and interesting news about mutual acquaintances shared, nothing says friendship like getting super competitive with each other over silly card games and analyzing each other’s artistic abilities. Keep the party going with activities that will have even the friends who want to “go to bed early” staying long after the meal!
for The card games
how to play hearts card game here
If someone says they don’t like card games, they are lying. Card games make even the most shy people get a little loud when someone skips them or takes the card they need. Sick of losing at one? There are plenty of others to try your luck at. Throw in prizes for even more motivated participants. We came up with some of the best group games to have everyone giggling and acting like they are solving a Survivor puzzle.
for The candle Painting
Need a break from the incredible stress of playing the perfect card? Switch over to a little art project. Candle painting is so easy to do, and everyone ends up with a keepsake from the evening! Paint some hearts to stay on theme or get creative with some “abstract shapes.” You don’t have to be an art school kid to excel at this craft, and even the skeptics will secretly be excited about a new candle.
1 pack = 6 holders
1 pack - paint alternative
1 roll - optional