Galentine’s Day Planting Party

So I’m now following up from Part I of my Galentine’s Brunch to share with you the idea of turning your brunch into a “Planting Party.” My friends are always asking me to host a craft or DIY party, but I’m always hesitant as 1) crafts can cost a lot and 2) they can take a lot of prep work. So as a compromise, I thought guests could make a pretty succulent arrangement. Everyone loves them and it’s something we don’t always take the time to make for ourselves. Plus, this would make for a cute Valentine’s Day gift. I mean, even guys like plants, right? Well, at least they should, and the FREE printable I created should make anyone smile.

I don’t really take anything too seriously in life, especially parties, so I always like to have some elements that make my guests smile—and maybe even laugh. So that was my goal with the “Plant One On Me” lip tags. Who doesn’t like a clever double entendre? Golly, it just makes me smile it’s so dang cute, if I do say so myself. (If one can’t enjoy their own creations then that’s just sad.)

So, that said, here are the details for turning your brunch into a planting party. I had Valentine’s Day in mind, but this would be great activity for a bridal shower as well.

Planting Party Made Simple

What You’ll Need

1. A pot for each guest. I picked these cute galvanized buckets from Oriental Trading. I love them because they are totally on trend right now, they go with any decor and they are super affordable. These pots are sold in a set of 6 for $17.99 – so that’s only $3 a pot. Terra cotta pots would also be a very affordable and cute option.
2. A variety of succulents or other plants. I live in Southern California so the local nurseries and Home Depot have succulents year round. If you live somewhere where succulents aren’t available, do any mixture of flowers that you like. Guests will have fun with whatever you pick. Buy enough plants so that each guest will be able to fill the pot size you picked.
3. Soil. Depending on your pot size, you will need extra soil for your guests to fill the pots. Note: they have specific soil if doing succulents.
4. A couple shovels. Guests can share these and really a lot of the work is done by hand anyways.
5. Free Plant One On Me Printable! Of course this is optional, but I think it is what makes this project so perfect for Valentine’s Day.
6. Clothespins. This is only if you’re doing the Plant One On Me printables so you can attach the tag to each pot.
7. Free Valentine’s Day Planting Party Signs – if doing the party, this free printable is also ideal.

I used the same table to eat brunch and to plant flowers. For the brunch set up, I used a large flower arrangement and had the succulents waiting on the buffet table. You could also just already have the succulents out on the table. It’s totally up to you.

Do the Planting After Guests Eat

I decided that instead of setting up two tables (one to eat and another to plant) I would just use the same table. I happened to have a flower centerpiece for my brunch, so I removed that and then put out the succulents; however, if you don’t have flowers just set your brunch table with the succulents/plants to start. They are so pretty just as is. However, regardless of whether you use the succulents at the beginning of your party or later, if serving food—do it first. Once you are done eating, you can clear your table and put out what you need for the planting. This gets messy, so you wouldn’t want to eat on your table afterward. I had the succulents just waiting on the buffet table and then put everything out as “part II” of the party.

Setting Up the Table

This set up took me no time at all. I promise. It’s so very doable.

Use your plants as a “runner” down the table. I put three galvanized trays down the center of the table and then put the succulent pots out at random. I used the containers the pots originally came in even though they were black (because remember, I wanted this to be very little prep) and honestly, they looked super cute. And if you don’t have the trays, place a pretty runner down the center of your table, even craft paper would be really cute. The runner just helps anchor the plants and gives it a polished look. (Also note, I used plastic tablecloths because the table gets messy.)

Add heart balloons. To add to the Valentine’s Day feel, I added 4 mini heart balloons to the succulents at random. The balloons come with white sticks, but I dressed them up by just putting a paper straw over each white stick. I just love little details like that.

Add planting party signs. I designed two party signs (Love Grows Here and I Dig You) that you can download to print at home or at a printer like FedEx Office or Staples. Each sign is 4″ x 6″ and I put them in white frames I got at Ikea (for only $1 each). The frames are double-sided so perfect to use on a table where guests will be seated on both sides. And since they are a neutral white, I keep them on hand to use at any party. I created the signs in both red and pink, so the PDF is 2 pages. Just download the printable here and then print on 8.5 x 11″ paper and trim to size to put in frames.

Put a pot at each seat. I used a round woven placemat at each seat and then put the galvanized pot with a “Plant One On Me” Lip Tag clipped on with a clothespin. You can download the FREE printable here. Just print on 8.5 x 11″ card stock and then cut out each lip. I don’t have a fancy cutter so I leave about an 1/8″ white border around the lip as I cut. I’ve found this technique hides the flaws and makes it look better than trying to cut out exactly on the line. And I kind of like the white border, but of course do what makes you happy!

Then have your guests plant. Have the extra soil & shovels either off to the side (like on what you used for the buffet table) or on the main table; whatever you find works best. You really only need it at the beginning of planting and sometimes it’s good to move around.

I truly hope you’ve enjoyed my Galentine’s Day Brunch and Planting Party ideas as I sure had a fun time dreaming them up! I wish you all the happiest of Valentine’s Days and hope you feel loved this season no matter your relationship status. I personally know how hard it is to be single or in a struggling relationship, so if that is you right now, I strongly encourage you not to hide from Valentine’s Day and instead kick Valentine’s butt by hosting a Galentine’s Day Party. Although it takes courage, there is nothing more healing than surrounding yourself with friends and family that will love on you no matter what!

Download the Free Print-It-Yourself Files Used for this post

Plant One On Me Lip Tag

Valentine’s Day Planting Party Signs

A strong thank you to Oriental Trading who provided items for me to use for my Galentine’s Brunch. If you missed Part I, be sure to check it out.. All the opinions I stated are my own and I get NO profit if you purchase any items through links on my site.