Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Holiday

Galentine’s Day Notes:
What I’m Serving, Wearing & Playing

Celebrating the Girls

Galentine’s Day has always been one of my favorite excuses to slow down and celebrate the women in my life—the ones who hype you up, show up, make you laugh until you cry, and somehow always know exactly what to say. It doesn’t need to be anything big or overly planned … sometimes it’s just a few girlfriends, good drinks, and an evening that feels light and fun. If you’ve been thinking about throwing a small gathering (or even just a cozy night in for two), consider this your sign.

A flat-lay of interior design materials arranged on a light wood surface, including fabric swatches in warm blush and neutral tones, a woven rattan sample, brass hardware pieces, paint sample cards, and a metal hole punch resting on a white envelope. The composition highlights texture, material contrast, and a curated, behind-the-scenes design process.

A Little Something Handmade

When it comes to Valentine’s (and really any holiday), I’ve always leaned toward homemade treats over anything store-bought. There’s something about taking the time to bake something simple, wrap it up nicely, and hand it to someone you love that feels extra special. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. A favorite cookie, a small loaf of something sweet, even chocolate-covered strawberries paired with a handwritten note goes a long way.

Personally, I love to pair those little treats with a card or short letter … just a few words to say “thinking of you.” A few years ago, I bought this monogram embosser and it has become one of those small but meaningful details I reach for over and over again. It makes even the simplest note feel intentional, and an accessory I’m always grateful to have on hand when I want to send something personal.

The Cocktail Moment

If you’re serving a cocktail for Galentine’s, you might try something that feels a little romantic and vintage without being over the top. Lately, I’ve been making a Clover Club for Two. It’s a classic gin cocktail with raspberry and lemon that feels feminine, nostalgic, and is honestly just really pretty in a glass. It’s the kind of drink that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to pull together.

Minimal recipe card titled “Clover Club – Serves 2” on a soft, textured off-white background. The card lists ingredients—egg white, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and London dry gin—followed by simple step-by-step directions for dry shaking, chilling, double straining into coupe glasses, and garnishing with a raspberry or lemon twist. Clean, editorial layout with a handwritten script title and typewriter-style text.

That said, I’m also a big fan of keeping things simple. A Dirty Shirley will always be a crowd favorite—especially if you load it up with maraschino cherries and use cute straws to elevate it just a bit. Last year we had so much fun using a little lips stencil to make Cosmos with beetroot powder—playful, unexpected, and such a hit! I linked that blog again here if you want to recreate it.

A moody bar setup with a hammered brass sink and vintage-style brass faucet set into a dark countertop, a grid-patterned brown tile backsplash, and a glass filled with lit white taper candles. In the foreground sits a raspberry-colored cocktail topped with foamy pink froth, creating a cozy, intimate, candlelit atmosphere perfect for entertaining.

Party Decor & Little Festive Touches

Deep red paper cocktail napkin embroidered with the words “drink up” in white script.

If you’re serving drinks, you’ll obviously need napkins—and for this kind of gathering, I’m firmly in the paper napkin camp. It keeps things easy, relaxed, and low-stress, which is the vibe you might want for a fun Galentine’s night. However, if you want to invest in linen, look at these from this month’s edit post. So subtle, and could carry over to Easter! Try choosing ones that feel subtle but still festive. Nothing too literal, just a soft nod to the occasion. Little details like this go a long way without feeling overdone.

Galentine’s Day outfit mood board on a soft cream background featuring light-wash straight-leg jeans, a sheer ivory blouse, blush Gucci slingback heels, a cream drawstring pouch bag, a pink stemmed wine glass, heart-shaped gold earrings, a blush table runner embroidered “oui oui,” red-rimmed plates, and vintage-inspired photos of champagne glasses and pink ballet flats, styled under the heading “Galentine’s Day: What I’d Wear.”

Denim Jeans | Drawstring Clutch | Ivory Blouse | Gucci Heels | Neutral Shawl | Heart Earrings | Rose Wineglass | Lipstick | Serving Plates

What I’d Wear

When it comes to what to wear for a Galentine’s dinner, happy hour, or cozy get-together, I actually love the idea of skipping the obvious red-and-pink route. There’s something so chic about going monochromatic, especially with winter whites having such a moment right now. It’s the perfect base to add a subtle pop of color or a fun accessory without feeling costume-y.

Blush pink Gucci slingback heels featuring delicate crystal embellishments and a pointed toe.

I’m obsessed with these Gucci heels!! I had a similar pair, but the glitz on these feels extra girly in the best way and works with many different looks. And, don’t forget a cute clutch. This is where you can really have fun and let your personality shine.

Feather Bag | Metallic Studded Bag | Red Leather Bag | Drawstring Clutch

A Playlist for the Girls

You know I couldn’t help myself! I made a playlist for the girls. Something feel-good, a little nostalgic, and perfect to have on in the background while you’re mixing drinks, catching up, and lingering longer than planned. It’s linked here so you can save it for your own Galentine’s night.

A Galentine's Day playlist cover that says 'For the Girls'

Whether you’re hosting a full-on Galentine’s gathering or just sharing a drink with one or two of your favorite people, I hope this inspires you to make it feel a little special. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just thoughtful, fun, and filled with good energy. Cheers to celebrating the women who make life sweeter, today and always ?

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I think one of the biggest mistakes we make is assuming we’re supposed to have everything figured out before we begin. Looking back, there were so many clues pointing me in this direction. I just didn’t recognize them because they felt... ordinary. The things that come most naturally to us are often the things we overlook. We assume everyone thinks that way. Sees the world that way. Enjoys those same things. It took years before I realized that what felt effortless to me wasn’t effortless to everyone else. Maybe that’s why I have such a soft spot for old houses. Sometimes they don’t need to become something entirely different. They just need someone to recognize what was there all along. I think people are a little like that, too.

I’m curious... have you ever looked back and realized the signs were there all along?
Part 1 of our Sixth Street den is finally here.

This room is a little different than the rest of our home, and honestly... that’s what I love about it. One of my design philosophies has always been knowing where to save and where to splurge. Not every room needs the same investment, especially when you understand how it’s going to be used.

This is our family den. It’s where we unwind at the end of the day, watch a movie, read a book, or curl up with the dogs. When we’re entertaining, everyone naturally gathers in the kitchen, dining room, or living room, so I gave myself permission to be a little more creative here.
That meant mixing old with new, incorporating a few vintage finds, and investing in the pieces that would have the biggest impact. It was less about buying everything new and more about creating the feeling I wanted. The room isn’t finished yet (are they ever?), but it’s already become one of our favorite places to land at the end of the day.

I can’t wait to show you Part 2 and walk through some of the other decisions that brought this room together. It’s full of personality, and I think those details are what make it feel like us.

Part 2 coming soon!