How to Throw an Epic St. Patrick's Day Party

How to Throw an Epic St. Patrick's Day Party

March, 17th is a day full of luck and leprechaun inspired fun. As it should be, after all, it's St. Patrick's Day, a celebration of Irish culture and the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. For some St. Patrick's Day is a day to honor their Irish culture. It's celebrated with generations of family traditions, delicious recipes, and authentic Irish games. For others, it's a reason to reunite with family and friends and participate in all of the day's fun traditions, like wearing green! If you're the host of this year's St. Patrick's Day party, don't worry. We did the research for you and came up with a list of party planning musts when throwing a St. Patrick's Day celebration. While it's quite apparent that we're a fan of feasts, food isn't the only thing you'll find on this list. Keep reading for a complete party planning checklist that is sure to help your event run smoother than ever.

Green the Theme

How to Throw an Epic St. Patrick's Day Party | Bob's Red Mill Blog Legend says that wearing green helps you become invisible to leprechauns and fairy creatures. Why the need for invisibility? Because those same creatures are thought to enjoy pinching anyone they can see (anyone not wearing green). Since this tradition started in the 1700s, people began pinching those not wearing green as a reminder that leprechauns might sneak up and grab them. Aside from this tale, the color green is also incredibly recognized in the Irish culture. Green is one of the colors found on the Irish flag, it represents Ireland's rich green landscape, and it's the color of the shamrock, one of the most significant symbols of luck in Ireland. To ensure that your St. Patrick's Day party is authentic as can be, go with a green theme! From party decorations to beverages, there are a bunch of different ways that you can go green. If you're unsure where to begin, we suggest starting with the invitations. Send festive green invites to all of your guests requesting that they too wear green on this special holiday! Plus, if you really want to take things up a notch, add the colors orange and white to your party space to represent the Irish flag and the unity it signifies!

Use Traditional Irish Beverages

On St. Patrick's Day, it is common to celebrate with a large pint of Guinness or a glass of Irish Cream. However, contrary to popular belief, St. Patrick's Day started as a "dry" holiday. In fact, before the 1970s, a law required Irish pubs to shut down for the day. So, if you really want to stick to tradition this year, you might want to consider skipping the booze altogether! Instead of serving up classic Irish alcohol, welcome your guests with a warm mug or Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Earl Grey Tea, or non-alcoholic Irish cream. Now, if you're keen on celebrating the Irish culture, alcohol included, then we highly recommend adding Guinness to your grocery list. A few other true Irish classics include Irish coffee, Baileys Irish Cream, Irish cider and whiskey.

Celebrate with Traditional Irish Recipes

How to Throw an Epic St. Patrick's Day Party | Bob's Red Mill Blog Having tasty treats on hand is sure to make your party a hit, especially when they're Irish themed. We've rounded up a few of our favorite Irish recipes to make sure your St. Patrick's Day party goes off without a hitch!

Easy Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread

If you're looking to serve up a healthy treat this St. Patrick's Day, then look no further. A classic Irish meal, this Easy Gluten Free Irish Soda Bread recipe is top-notch. Made in just over an hour, this simple bread recipe will become your new go-to. It's light, and airy texture is achieved by combining our Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour with yummy buttermilk for a treat that everyone can enjoy. Naturally gluten free, this recipe is the perfect way to introduce your guests to a classic Irish dish, while also keeping common dietary restrictions in mind. Quick tip: to make this recipe vegan, simply swap out the buttermilk, butter and egg for plant-based alternatives. This will create a delicious bread that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy!

Matcha Cupcakes with Irish Cream Frosting

We've talked about the importance of green on St. Patrick's Day. It keeps you from being pinched, represents the Irish flag, and embodies the Irish Symbol of luck. So why not add these lucky leprechaun treats to the dessert table for an extra boost of this treasured color? This Matcha Cupcake and Irish Cream Frosting recipe use matcha as a simple healthy way to turn this beloved dessert Ireland green. Plus, the sweet Irish cream used in the frosting will surely give your cupcakes a leg up at the dessert table. Top this tasty treat with a dash of matcha powder before serving for even more leprechaun energy!

Celebrate Ireland's Cunning Creatures

Leprechauns are known all around the world, as one of Ireland's most famous characters from Irish folklore and capture the imagination of both children and adults. Because of this, it's safe to say that no St. Patrick's Day party would feel complete without some mention of these wee folk. Standing two to three feet tall, leprechauns are said to be tricky and conniving characters that will do anything to avoid being captured. They sound like the perfect party guest to us! Channel the leprechaun spirit by including these wee wise men at your St. Patrick's Day gathering. Whether you channel their creative energy into a game or name an inspired drink after them, be sure to celebrate their loveable character one way or another. Party Fun: for a fun leprechaun themed party game, choose one person to dress up as a leprechaun for the day. Their job? To go around pinching all of those not wearing green, of course!

Get Crafty with the Games

How to Throw an Epic St. Patrick's Day Party | Bob's Red Mill Blog We believe that St.Patrick's Day is all about fun! Whether you spend the day hanging out with friends or enjoying time with family, be sure to incorporate fun and festive games into the schedule. Aside from asking guests to wear green and designating a leprechaun for the day, there are a variety of fun Irish-themed games you can play with guests. Remember, when it comes to parties, the more festive and out-there, the better! Keep the party going this St. Patrick's Day by preparing games like Shamrock bingo or a Pot 'o Gold Coin Toss. Get young and old guests searching for the treasure at the end of the rainbow by planning out a scavenger hunt complete with a map and hidden clues. If you're looking for a guaranteed way to make the kids smile, set up a cookie decorating booth. Decorate the tables with bowls of green frosting, sprinkles, and even shamrock-shaped treats and let the creativity flow! Are you hosting an "adult only" party? Another fun party game idea is to set out a bunch of Irish drink ingredients and let your guests create a cocktail of their choice. In the end, ask guests to vote for their favorite recipes and give out prizes for those in first, second and third.

Perfect that Irish Accent

What's a St. Patrick's Day party without a good ol' Irish accent? If you're up for a challenge, use this St. Patrick's Day to channel your inner Irishmen. Soften your vowels, harden your constants, and drop your Gs if you really want to speak like the Irish. When speaking in an Irish accent, "morning" becomes "mornin" and "em" is used to replace the word "them." Lastly, remember to use "cheers" when clinking glasses, saying hello and waving goodbye! Now that you've read this list of St. Patricks Day party ideas, we hope that you feel inspired and prepared when throwing a St. Patrick's Day celebration of your own. Whether you incorporate one or all of these Irish Inspired party tricks, we're sure your gathering will be a success! From all of us at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a festive and fun St. Patrick's Day!  
Bob's Red Mill
March 14 2020

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