I’m super excited about this post for so many reasons. Let me begin by telling you that I have always been totally obsessed with Martha Stewart. Recipes, magazines, TV shows, crafts…..if it was Martha, I followed along.

Three years ago, I started an Instagram feed where I could showcase my food photography. I will never forget the day that one of my photos was featured on Martha Stewart. I felt that this was the ultimate compliment and to be honest, it may sound a little silly to you, but I cried. Yep. I was so overwhelmed that my work was recognized, I sat in the car an sobbed.

A couple of months ago, I received a call from New York. A lovely young lady from Martha Stewart asked me if I wanted to be a regular contributor to Martha’s website.

I mean, really??? What would you say?

A BIG FAT HUGE YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!

And so it began…….now I had to come up with a creative idea for MARTHA!

Here was my sweet idea: Invite a group of your closest gal pals, prop up your prettiest-in-pink decor, and scoop up all the treats you’ll find at a yogurt parfait bar. There’s only one rule: #noboysallowed.

My husband is a true romantic and loves to celebrate Valentine’s Day with me, but what about the lovely women in my life who are my family and best friends forever? Not everyone has a significant other and should definitely have a day to recognize loving relationships, especially when they involve food and fun. Here’s how to host a fabulous Galentines Day party for ladies celebrating ladies featuring a super chic yogurt parfait bar.

Step 1: Prepare a few mix-and-match yogurt flavors. A yogurt parfait bar for your gal friends equipped with all the toppings and ingredients is perfect for a brunch party. Sticking with the romantic theme of pink and white, I opted for two flavors of yogurt — strawberry and vanilla — dressed with fresh raspberries and pomegranate arils.

Step 2: Add some crunch. I used Martha Stewart’s homemade granola recipe then placed it into beautiful serving jars. For a cute twist, I made “topping shooters” from hemp, chia, dried cranberries, pepitas, yogurt covered peanuts, white chocolate chips, and coconut. Get Martha’s Homemade Granola Recipe

Step 3: Add some sweetness. I couldn’t resist adding in some fun sugar treats, pink chocolate-coated candies, colorful jelly beans, and gummy x’s and o’s.

Eat to Your Heart’s Content: Here’s where love knocks the dessert table out of the park: Get your heart-shaped cookie cutter out and create foods such as heart-shaped brownies and fruit for your table. Think shades of pink, white, and loads of chocolate. For more toppings, offer an assortment of heart-shaped fruit, melons, and pink grapefruit. Everyone will enjoy making their signature parfaits using their own unique twists!

I also like to include a warm comfort dish option such as a Spinach and Cheddar Strata or Baked Blueberry French Toast, and add a tossed salad with pink and red garnishes to complete your meal. Get inspired with your recipes and include some healthy options for this celebration of L.O.V.E. Get All of Martha’s Brunch Recipes

Serve up the Drinks:

A Galentine’s Day brunch calls for an easy, refreshing cocktail and warm cozy drinks. Why not try Martha’s recipe for Pink Mimosas using equal parts of sparkling wine or champagne with pink grapefruit juice? For a more indulgent option, pair beautifully-flavored herbal teas and creamy hot chocolate with your love inspired sweets. Get the Recipe for Martha’s Pink Mimosas

Paint While You Party: Keepsakes from your event are always so much fun. Set up a painting party with Martha Stewart Craft Paints and small blank canvas boards. Let the gals choose from variety of romantic colors (or make it BYOP: “bring your own paints” to encourage swapping and sharing among friends), and let their inner artist come forward to create a memento from the day.

Bring on the Flower Power: What’s a Galentine’s Day tablescape without pretty florals? Get creative with your choice of vases and select colors of flowers that will blend with your theme. I used a combination of fresh tulips, roses, and snapdragons.

And for a romantic focal point, I constructed an easy DIY clothespin flower frame that was displayed over my parfait bar. Make the Clothespin Frame with Roses

No matter how you celebrate, with the gals, your pals or significant other, let it be a day of love and light. Happy Valentine’s/ Galentine’s Day!

Many thanks and big hugs to the following vendors……there was no way I could have done this without you!

Party props: Little Miss Party

Tableware, Props: Pier 1 Imports

Tableware, Props: HomeSense (U.S. readers can shop similar product at HomeGoods)

See you next week!

debi @simplybeautifuleatingsimplybeautifuleating.com