Dahvi Shira is an LA-based reporter who covers beauty and lifestyle.

Valentine's Day, who? This year more than ever, it's all about the gal pals. New friends, old friends and everything in between have an excuse to come together on February 13 for a very special cause. It's time to embrace your inner event-planner, because the perfect Galentine's Day party is just a few easy steps away.

"Galentine's Day is all about cultivating relationships -- whether with your closest friends, coworkers or even your community," says Kristina McInnis, CEO of KCMConnect PR, who has helped throw lavish events for Poosh, Too Faced, Steve Madden, Poppi and Innersense Organic Beauty. "It's a chance to create new, genuine connections, celebrate empowerment and uplift the incredible women already in your circle, both personally and professionally."

According to McInnis, Galentine's Day should be celebrated with all the fancy frills, but without a crazy price tag.

"For me, a truly elevated Galentine's Day is all about thoughtful details that feel indulgent yet effortless," she says. "Choose a few key luxurious elements -- like gold-rimmed plates or fresh flowers -- and build around them with affordable pieces. Skip excess and focus on quality over quantity."

Below, the events professional breaks down how to throw the perfect Galentine's Day party on any budget.

"Activities are a must at a Galentine's Day party," McInnis says. "They make the event way more interactive, fun and memorable -- not to mention perfect for creating shareable moments on social media."

But, she warns, "Focus on one or two standout moments instead of packing the schedule. Luxury is about quality, not quantity. You also want to make sure the activities are hands-on and offer a takeaway for each guest. Think less games and more creating. A DIY bouquet bar or spritz-making station are good examples. Always keep the activities classy and age-appropriate."

Dress up in velvet outfits or velvet bows for a cozy, creative night.

Slip into silky robes, satin dresses, or spa-inspired attire for a luxe self-care evening.

Create a cozy-chic atmosphere where everyone shows up in their cutest matching feather pajamas or satin sets.

Fancy dresses, fascinators, and everything high-tea chic. Require everyone wears something heart-themed.

"Bites and beverages are the heart of any Galentine's Day party," McInnis explains. "They set the tone, bring people together, and make the celebration feel extra special. Whether you're hosting a chic soirée or a cozy get-together, the key is to keep the menu fun, thematic, and Instagram-worthy!"

Remember, it's not about the price, it's about the presentation.

"Even simple dishes feel luxe when served on tiered stands, marble boards, mirrored trays or pretty platters," she says, adding that you can go on Amazon or even head to the dollar store for surprising finds that you can use once and toss without guilt. "Incorporate heart-shaped elements like delicate fruit skewers, mini tartlets, or elegantly cut sandwiches."

"Drinks are one of the most fun, creative components of a perfect Galentine's Day party," McInnis says. "You can experiment with different flavors, pretty colors, ice cubes, accents, straws and cups or glasses. The options here are limitless, regardless of whether or not your guests drink alcohol."

"Too much color or print means too much chaos," the pro insists. "Keep things clean and concise, opting for a refined color palette like blush, gold, and ivory, or go bold with deep reds and metallics."

She also suggests implementing accents like tapered candles, layered textures (velvet or silk table runners) and understated floral arrangements -- "Even supermarket blooms from Trader Joes can feel luxe in the right vases," she says.

"Your invite should leave no curiosities," McInnis says. "In addition to time, date and location, the invite should include dress code, food and beverage offerings, and details about party size and plus ones -- if indeed they're allowed."

"Thoughtful DIY elements, repurposed decor, or rented items can feel luxe without being expensive," the event-planner shares. "Invest in a few key details that elevate the atmosphere."

"Gifting doesn't have to be extravagant," says McInnis, who always incorporates a parting gift into all of her personal or professional gatherings. "It's about thoughtfulness and reminding each guest how much they're appreciated."

The gifting approach can be tackled from many different directions. McInnis says one option is to do a Galentine's Day gift exchange similar to white elephant around the holidays.

"Everyone brings one small, thoughtful gift," she suggests. "You can do a theme like 'self-care' or 'pink and red,' or keep it simple with a set price limit.

Another option is to take the gifting reins as the host.

"It's always thoughtful to provide a small token of appreciation," McInnis says. "A chic yet simple gesture could be thoughtful party favors, like mini candles, skincare samples, individually wrapped desserts or cookies, a hair clip, a lip balm and a handwritten note. But you can always combine ideas -- guests bring gifts for an exchange, and the host provides a small thank-you gift for everyone."

Let's be real -- Galentine's Day is an excuse to spoil our favorite females. Whether it's mom, sister, BFF or the coworker partner-in-crime, the women who lift you up deserve to feel like a million bucks on this day of lady appreciation. Below is a list of elevated picks perfect for Galentine's Day that will show them how much you care.

Gift your best gal the luxury of a self-care day from home. All the fixins at her fingertips without moving an inch! This indulgent, six-piece set from ethical, high-performance beauty brand Ogee, features all the serums, creams and cleansers she'll need to feel like she just stepped out of the spa. All the goodies come in a chic carrying case, so she'll be able to store and transport in style.

Any makeup lover will fall to their feet over the sight of this stunning, futuristic selection. Packed with pearly hues of rose, mauve, and more, this 10-shade palette will have her glimmering with glee. The bold, blendable, selection also doubles as cheek pigment, so she'll get to embrace her feminine energy to the max.

If you can't give your bestie your literal heart, she'll definitely appreciate it in jewelry form. This dreamy, 14K yellow gold vermeil piece features opal, white topaz and moonstone to reflect her inner light. There are also matching pieces if she decides to add on. And for every piece sold until Valentine's Day, Awe will donate $10 to Altadena Girls in support of young women who lost their schools and homes in the Eaton Fire. Unsure of her ring size? Unless she has super tiny fingers, a 6 should be fine.

When it comes to comfy and cute, nothing nails the combo quite like this. The 100% cotton long-sleeve comes in the most heartwarming shade of pink, with a dainty heart accent for added sweetness. Have you ever seen anything that screamed Galentine's Day more than this? And depending on how generous you're feeling, you can take your gift to the next level with the matching Elara drawstring bottoms.

For the spontaneous free spirit, this alluring aroma is inspired by the nocturnal skunk, and designed to elevate mood, enhance creativity and psychic powers, clear energy, and set the mood with spicy aphrodisiacs. In other words, this bad boy does it all... if your pal is up for the taking. Infused with spice, greens and smoky woods, the earthy aroma will smell differently once it dries down.

Make her feel like a pretty-in-pink princess all year-'round with these easy, slip-on stunners. Timeless elegance is the intention, crafted in the finest premium leather. Inspired by the allure of Old Hollywood, these precious wears are intended to embody the grace, sophistication and glamour of yesteryear. Boasting premium leather upper, leather lining, and suede footbed and outsole, your lucky lady will feel sophisticated and stylish, straight from her robe.

Who knew the gift of attraction could come in a scarlet red box? Thanks to this decadent duo, your gal pal can embrace her confidence and let it soar -- all by way of a simple scent. The Matchmaker set features one of Eye of Love's bestselling pheromone-infused perfumes, with a matching massage candle. Featuring a captivating blend of jasmine, grapefruit, amber, and citrus, these fragrance formulations can enhance natural charm and increase attractiveness. Sign her up?

Regardless of whether or not she's puckering-up on Valentine's Day, she'll want to keep her lips soft and supple. Crusty lips will never be in, so this six-piece set (plus adorable keychain as a limited edition bonus) will ensure she's kissable at any given moment. At the very least, she'll be ready for her close-up. Best part? She'll be able to enjoy the brand's best-sellers long past February 14.