Invitations & Décor
First thing’s first: make a guest list and create your invitations. Once they’re in the mail, begin gathering materials for your St. Patrick’s Day-inspired décor.

• Clover Cards: As a rule, try to send out your invitations at least 4-6 weeks in advance for optimal attendance. Try cutting out green cardstock in the shape of a clover, then jot down the details by hand. For tips on what to include, read Basic Etiquette for Thank You Notes and Invitations.

Tip: For a truly “green” invite, transform your stack of junk mail into beautiful homemade stationery. Opt for green envelopes to play up your Irish theme.

• Green Place Settings: Dress your dining table with place settings dripping in green details. Go for linens in various shades of green—we love moss, Kelly and pops of chartreuse—then offset your rich colour palette with bright white dishes. Learn more about how to layer your dishes for a winning look here.

• Floral Touches: Create a darling floral arrangement in an instant—fill a small glass bud vase with sliced limes, then insert green and white hydrangea blossoms.

Tip: If your party is too large to give each guest an individual place setting, don’t fret. Make a larger version of the floral arrangement and use it to decorate a buffet table instead.

• Lucky Keepsakes: Use our downloadable template to cut shamrock shapes out of construction paper, then follow the diagram to create stems out of twisted floral wire. Adhere the shamrock to each stem with a hot glue gun. Bundle a few together and tie with green ribbon to create homespun boutonnières. They’re perfect as party favours—try sticking them in your floral arrangements or pin them on guests as they arrive.

Menu
A St. Patrick’s Day party calls for authentic Irish fare! Check out our easy, updated takes on the classics. Keep things easy by setting them out buffet-style.

• Shepherd’s Pie
• Classic Reuben Sandwiches
• Traditional Irish Stew
• Irish Soda Bread
• Vanilla Apple Bread Pudding

Tip: Complete your spread with healthy additions that lend a shock of green to your table, like mixed green salad and fresh melon.

Guest Prep
Get your home set for guests with our quick and easy tips. To make shopping, preparations and clean-up even simpler, print a downloadable version of our checklist.

• Clean hard-surface floors and vacuum carpets.
• Dust electronics like the stereo and TV set and details like window frames and décor accents.
• Place canned or bottled drinks on ice to ensure they’re chilled in time.
• Set out prepared food and let cooked dishes warm in the oven just before guests arrive. Be sure to wipe away messes on countertops.
• Freshen key areas like the entryway, guest bathroom, kitchen and living room.
• Double-check for soap and clean hand towels in the guest bathroom.
• Turn on Celtic music or your favourite party tunes and enjoy yourself!

Post-Party Clean-Up

• Package leftovers and store them in the fridge and freezer.
• Place dirty dishes, pots and pans in the dishwasher.
• Wipe down tables and countertops.
• Clean up food messes on floors.
• Freshen upholstered furniture, pillows and window treatments.
• Relax!