St Patrick’s Day

Décor
Did you really even have to ask about decorations? I know, its all about the green. Of course, the easiest way is to start with green shamrocks hung around the room, green tablecloths, and green dishware. I recommend switching out a couple lightbulbs for green ones (most department stores have them). Try a big rock in front of the door as a blarney stone-you kiss it for good luck. Finally, remind all your guests to wear green and give them buttons at the door saying “Kiss Me, I’m Irish.”

A good Guiness

Food
Traditional drink on St Patrick’s Day is Guiness and green beer. Now, if you’re of age, I highly recommend the two. (For the green beer, just use food coloring for a lighter beer). If not, I try to offer root beer in frosty mugs and green punch.
Food should be typical Irish fare. Corned beef and cabbage is most traditional but I realize that doesn’t exactly excite the tastebuds. Irish Stew is made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, onions, and parsley and is perhaps the most famous of Irish food. The key is to let the lamb cook within the stew. Don’t brown it first. Soda Bread is also common and dips well into an Irish stew. Yes, these food are not so snackish but it does gather your whole party together instead of everyone mingling. Plus its good food. On the dessert, I make an exception on the traditionalism. Green cookies are just so much more fun!

Music
For music I recommend a combination of traditional Irish pub songs and some Irish-American punk only because Dropkick Murphys have nailed the raucousness of Irish holidays. Try downloading a few of these songs for a great Irish playlist.

Boston’s St Patrick’s Day Parade

Activities

A lot of cities have St Patrick’s Day Parades so definitely check one of those out earlier in the day, even if its not part of your evening plans.
Otherwise, St Patrick’s Day is about spending time with friends and family and having fun. Invite some good friends over for dinner and have a great time!