Everybody loves a good Saint Patrick’s Day celebration, regardless of their Irish decent or not –although after a few green-tinted beers, many a reveler suddenly “remembers” a great-great- grandfather from across the pond. There are many elements that go into throwing a great party, especially a theme party. To help host a truly memorable Saint Patty’s Day, we have a few tips for you.
- One of the most essential parts of Paddy’s Day is the “wearing of the green,” which refers to the custom of wearing shamrocks and/or green clothing and accessories on March 17th. Ask you guests to wear head-to-toe green. This means that even the laziest guest will at least wear a green t-shirt or scarf. Just to have all your bases covered, head over to your local costume shop by March 10th at the latest, and pick up some green accessories such as top
hats, scarves, and even some green feathery boas and wigs, just to give it to party some sass. Place these by the entrance and ask everybody who hasn’t arrived in full St. Patty’s regalia to wear an item. - Wearing the green should extend to your home as well. Green throw pillows, rugs, table cloths, plates and cups with shamrock motives, green candles, green and shamrock-shaped balloons, green light bulbs, garlands, silly-string, shamrock decals on your windows and walls should be front and center. Don’t forget to put out green towels and soap in the bathroom. Kudos if you can get your hands on some green toilet paper as well. Hey, you might as well go all out!
- Speaking of going all out, your food should definitely fit the atmosphere as well. Safe food coloring is widely available, so getting your hands on edible green food dye should be not problem. Serve green cookies, cakes, sweets and treats or if you have a bit more time on your hands considering making rainbow cakes and cookies. If you’re Paddy’s day celebrations include dinner, go all out and cook Irish-inspired or traditional Irish foods such as Guinness Braided Brisket, Sheppard’s Pie, Potato-Leek Soup, Bailey’s Coffee Truffles, etc. The web is chock-full of mouthwatering recipes.
- Of course, no St. Patrick’s Day party would be complete with spirits. Even Lenten restrictions are lifted on this day, so you’d better stock up your liqueur cabinet. Green beer, original Irish beers and Irish whiskeys are a must, but there’s plenty of other option out there. Would you fancy a Spicy Clover, a Shamrock-arita or a Pot of Gold?
- Compile a playlist of true Irish music. Be sure to have a few slow ones, including some beautiful Irish love songs, and plenty of Irish jigs and true Irish pub music to complete your Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. If you’re more of a rock fan, there plenty of Irish songs with a rock twist out there.
- Although everybody’s hoping to get a bit of the old Irish luck on their side, especially on this quintessentially Irish holiday, you never know when a leprechaun or a naughty fairy will play a trick on you or your guests. Be sure that your renters insurance is up to date and covers events that include, fire, theft, vandalism and personal liability, like Resident Shield does.
- Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
