How I Threw Together a Last-Minute Galentine’s Table Using Only What I Had
Feb 13, 2025
Sometimes, the best ideas come together when you least expect them. That was 100% the case with my Galentine’s tea party this year. I wanted a cute, thoughtful setup, but I didn’t want to run out and buy a ton of stuff. So, I challenged myself to use only what I already had—and honestly, I love how it turned out!
The Theme: “Plant One on Me”
Since I have a mild (okay, major) obsession with plants, I decided to make them the focal point. I went around my home and yard, gathering plants and clippings to create an earthy, romantic vibe. My centerpiece? A beautiful heart-shaped hoya plant (aka a Hoya kerrii!) nestled inside a decorative picnic basket. To add an extra touch of charm, I tied some cute green velvet ribbon and white lace ribbon around the basket handle.
Bringing the Table to Life with Plants
I didn’t stop at the centerpiece. I used:
- String of hearts trailing along the table for a delicate, whimsical touch.
- Succulents from my outdoor garden, placed in different-sized mini vases to add dimension. I also tied some of the vases with the same green velvet and white lace ribbons for a cohesive look.
- Clippings from other houseplants to create smaller arrangements.
- Swiss chard leaves (yes, from my backyard garden!) with their vibrant colors tucked into the basket centerpiece for a bold contrast. It was great to find a use for it since I’m not a fan of eating it!
To pull everything together, I set all of this against a neutral tablecloth and runner, letting the greens and soft candlelight do the talking.
The Little Details That Made It Special
- Candles, candles, candles – I added taper candles and tea lights to create a warm, cozy glow.
- Scattered succulent leaves – While arranging the succulents, a few leaves naturally fell off, so instead of tossing them, I sprinkled them along the table. They added a beautifully organic touch!
- Heart-shaped name tags – I cut out little heart-shaped tags for each guest and placed them inside their teacups for a sweet, personal detail.
The Tea Party Vibes
Since this was a casual afternoon tea-style gathering, I kept the menu simple with finger foods and a collection of teas. The table setting made it feel extra special without requiring any extra effort (or money!).
The Takeaway
This whole setup was a reminder that you don’t need to go out and buy a bunch of new things to create something beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to get creative with what you already have! If you ever find yourself in a last-minute hosting situation, look around—your plants, home décor, and even backyard might have all the ingredients you need.
Would I do this again? Absolutely. But next time, I might give myself more than a few hours to throw it all together.
Hi, I’m Kelsea! I’m a creative at heart who loves a good rainy day, a cup of tea, and finding inspiration in the little things. Hosting is my favorite way to blend my love of design, decorating, and connecting with people. Whether I’m dreaming up cozy ideas for gatherings or working on my next creative project, I’m all about making life feel a little more special.