Kiss Me Blarney! Another St. Patrick’s Day celebration is about to roll around, and if you’re Irish (or just like a good time) then this is the perfect time to throw party.
But what, outside of green-colored beer, are good party ideas for St. Patrick’s Day?
Glad you asked, because there are plenty of options.
Putting the Irish in Your Decorations
Obviously, the first thing to do is simply “think green” first when it comes to your decorations. This is not a multi-color holiday.
The other staple of the holiday is, of course, the lucky shamrock (make sure there are four leaves). Having shamrocks emblazoned on your decorations is never a bad way to go – like the color green, it’s almost impossible to overdo it! Clever ways to introduce shamrocks into the mix include making name tags for the party shaped like a shamrock, use shamrock coasters for drinks or creating a centerpiece for the dinner table that features shamrocks.
An easy way to get in the green is through buying green balloons and strategically placing them around your party space. You can also use green ribbons and bunting.
St. Patrick’s Day Food
If you ever had the desire to eat corned beef and cabbage, then St. Patrick’s Day is indeed your lucky day. This staple of Irish meals for centuries is simple enough to make on the stove top using corned beef, onions, cabbage and some carrots.
Another Irish staple is soda bread, which is a little more difficult to do. Check with local bakeries or, if none is available, there are plenty of recipes available online.
As for drink, there’s the previously mentioned green beer. But what if a significant portion of your party guests don’t like beer (this is likely the non-Irish guests on your list)? Fear not, there are plenty of green punches you can make that involve rum and limeade concentrate that, while more Florida than Ireland, are still very tasty.
For the Kids
If the little ones need to have some St. Patrick’s Day entertainment, make sure to get some chocolate “gold coins” – gifts from a leprechaun, of course. Shamrock shaped cookies or pancakes also will be a hit.
As for activities, there are party rental companies that offer all kinds of bounce houses, slides, obstacle courses, rock climbing walls and other attractions that will keep the kids – and probably many of the adults – happy as the celebrate the holiday.
Going Out for St. Patrick’s Day
If you decide you’d rather step out than stay home, there are many St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around the Sunshine State. They include these events.
Delray Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This is known as the state’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, which honors veterans and those who work to protect and save the lives of others: police officers, firefighters and paramedics. A weekend of events surrounds the parade, offering entertainment for both adults and kids.
Other parades. There are parades in almost every big community in the state, with some of the most notable happening in West Palm Beach, Vero Beach, Tallahassee, St. Augustine, Naples, Bonito Springs, Marco Island and Hollywood.
Rough Riders. In Tampa, the Rough Riders are expected to host their annual St. Patrick’s Day parade through Ybor City, with as many as 20,000 people in attendance. Come out and catch some beads and enjoy deals from restaurants and bars in the area.
River O’Green. The city of Tampa also hosts an annual party that includes music, food, entertainment and turning part of the Hillsborough River flowing through downtown Tampa green (don’t worry, the dye is biodegradable).
Whatever you decide to do, St. Patrick’s Day is meant to be a fun day of celebration with friends and family. So don’t overwork yourself – remember to relax and have fun.
