Many people choose to have a St. Patrick’s Day party as a way to cap the celebration of the holiday. This usually occurs after people have been watching a parade or have attended mass. Planning a St. Patrick’s Day celebration can be a lot of fun, since theses parties tend to focus on food, drink and music. However, you should never underestimate the need for great party decorations. Great decorations let your party guests know that they are in for a really fun time. Best of all you can easily find the materials you need for spectacular decorations, easily and affordable. Your family and friends will be highly impressed and never know that it all came together so easily. Here is what you need to know about how decorating for a St. Patrick’s day party-
Have a plan-The best parties are the ones where the host or hostess can relax and be with their guests. This is done by having a plan. By making a plan and determining just how you want to decorate, long before the party rolls around, you will be able to get it all done. Then on party day all you will have to do is sit back and accept the compliments your party guests will be giving you about your spectacular decorations.
Focus on St. Patrick’s Day colors-Every holiday has their iconic colors and this one is no exception. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with green and orange. Make sure that your tablecloth and napkins, dishes, balloons, flowers or whatever you use reflect these colors. By having a theme no one will be unsure of why they are at your party.
Don’t overlook using your food as part of the decorating scheme. St. Patrick’s Day parties are supposed to be casual, so a buffet is a very good choice. You turn the decorating spotlight on your food in two different ways: first be sure to serve some traditional Irish favorites like: corn beef, lamb stew, colcannon, etc. Then consider tinting some of the food green to help highlight the theme of the party. You can simply add some green food coloring to any item on the buffet where the taste and texture won’t be affected. Green Irish soda bread, beer and even green cakes will help give your party that “celebrating the green” feel.
Think about the lighting-Lighting helps to set the mood of any party. You can hang some green Christmas lights around for a room softening effect, use green candles or even change out your regular light bulbs for green ones. You can purchase the green light bulbs at most party or discount stores. Lighting can help set the ambience you want for your St. Patrick’s Day party.
Don’t be afraid to go kitschy-Unless you are hosting a high end, sit down St. Patrick’s Day dinner party, then this is the time to bring it all on. You can hang up large cutouts of shamrocks, leprechauns or other St. Patrick’s Day icons. Sprinkle confetti around the room (be sure to use plastic confetti rather then paper, so it doesn’t mix in with the food). Provide leprechaun hats, green beads or sparkly boas to your guests to get them in the party spirit. There is no limit to what you can do to bring out the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. For a real touch of the Irish print out some Irish blessings and toasts and encourage your guests to use them in their own.
Set the mood with the music-Irish music can add a lot to your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Play traditional Irish music or have a tape set to play traditional Irish dancing. It can add a lot to the spirit of your St. Patrick’s day celebration.