How to Host a Lingerie Gift Exchange Galentine’s Party featuring Gather with Lauren

Galentine’s Day has become our favorite excuse to gather the girls, dress up a little, and celebrate friendship in a way that feels intentional and fun. This year, we hosted a small Ma Chérie–themed Galentine’s lingerie gift exchange with an intimate group of close girlfriends, and it might just be our new favorite tradition.

Planned in collaboration with event planner @gatherwithlauren, the night was equal parts cozy, chic, and confidence-boosting. If you’ve ever been curious about hosting a lingerie gift exchange but weren’t sure where to start, here’s how we did it.

Start with a Theme That Sets the Mood

Every great party starts with a clear vision, and for this Galentine’s, Lauren leaned into Ma Chérie — a romantic, French-inspired Valentine’s theme filled with cherries, soft pinks, vintage details, and candlelight. Choosing a theme instantly gave the night direction, from decor to desserts to gift wrapping.

Lauren’s tip: "I always say a party isn’t a party until it has a vibe! A well-thought out theme helps your guests know what to expect without spoiling all your party plans, and sets the tone for the whole night. When your vibe is clear, everything else comes together effortlessly."

Keep the Guest List Small and Intentional

Because lingerie is personal, we kept the gathering intimate with just a small circle of friends. A smaller group creates a comfortable, judgment-free environment where everyone can relax, laugh, and actually enjoy the experience. Think of it as an elevated, but still cozy girls night in. We even had cozy matching pajamas for all attendees!

Plan the Lingerie Gift Exchange

The heart of the night was the lingerie gift exchange itself. To keep things easy and fun, we had guests draw names weeks before, set a clear price range and shared light sizing and style guidance ahead of time. Think versatile pieces that feel giftable and wearable, not intimidating.

Mentionables provided the lingerie for the exchange, making it easy to gift pieces designed with comfort, confidence, and real life in mind. From supportive bralettes to feminine lace details, the pieces sparked conversation, laughter, and plenty of “wait, that’s actually so cute” moments.

One-by-one, each guest opened their crowd-pleasing Mentionables lingerie favorites like lace bralettes, soft teddies, romantic satin sets, and delicate mesh babydolls — styles that feel special but still comfortable enough for everyday wear. Slips and rompers also made great options for guests who wanted something a little more flexible on fit.

Lauren’s tip:
“Remember to keep your lingerie gift exchange playful and no-pressure! A model-free lingerie site like Mentionables made it easy for everyone to feel comfortable picking gifts for each other. Focus on celebrating one another, have a few giggles along the way, and you’ll create a fun, memorable, confidence boosting experience for everyone.”

Let the Details Do the Heavy Lifting

Thoughtful details are what truly brought the Ma Chérie theme to life. For this party, I was able to gather some of my most talented friends to contribute in the most special way. 

Every gift was beautifully wrapped with ribbon and bows by @ribbonswithhayley, instantly making the exchange feel extra special.

For snacks and desserts, we had the dreamiest spread: a custom pink vintage-style heart cake and cookies by @baked_by_abbey, plus the cutest cherry-decorated and mini heart macarons by @madisonbakingco. 

A hand-painted Ma Chérie cherry banner by @createwithkate__  and a custom oversized red satin bow by @mimijeandesigns tied everything together and made the space feel warm and romantic. Tres chic!

Capture the Memories

Don’t forget to document the night. We had a Fujifilm Instax instant camera out all evening, which added so much to the vibe and made capturing memories feel effortless and fun. Between candid moments, detail shots, and those little in-between memories, the instant photos became part of the party itself, especially seeing all the Polaroids laid out by the end of the night. These are the kinds of moments you’ll want to remember long after Valentine’s Day has passed.

Lauren’s tip:
“One of my favorite things about hosting is capturing the magic as it happens. Using instant cameras like a Fujifilm Instax makes it so easy to snap candid moments, and each photograph instantly becomes a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Plus seeing all the little polaroids laid out at the end only enhances the decor.”

Why We Love a Galentine’s Lingerie Gift Exchange

At the end of the night, what stood out most wasn’t just the lingerie or the decor — it was the feeling. Hosting a lingerie gift exchange with Mentionables model-free lingerie is about celebrating friendship, confidence, and showing up for each other. It’s playful, empowering, and a reminder that lingerie can be for you.

Want more inspiration for hosting cozy, elevated gatherings like this one? Follow @gatherwithlaurenfor thoughtful, beautifully styled events that make every celebration feel intentional and inviting.