How to Host a St. Patrick's Day Party

Everyone becomes Irish on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. In some places, even waterways are dyed green, such as the Chicago River. It's fun to celebrate this holiday no matter what your nationality.

Things You'll Need

• Well-Thought-Out Plans
• Invitations
• Irish Food And Drink (see below)
• Green Decorations
• Green Clothing

Instructions

Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's Day

1. Right after New Years Day, plan the scope of your St. Patrick's Day party. What the entertainment will be, and what food and drinks you will serve your guests. This is also a good time to make reservations for anything you will need for the party: party space, tables, chairs, or anything that must be rented. This article will feature a menu for a dinner party, but it can be pared down for a simpler gathering where just snacks or appetizers are served. If you plan to use a caterer, book them now or even prior to the holidays.

2. Draw up your guest list. In early February, send out a "Save the Date" card or email to everyone on your list so they won't make other plans. Purchase everything you will need for the party that is not perishable and is not being rented.

3. Closer to the date of the party, mail or email the actual invitations. Nice invitations can be purchased at any party store or the stationary section of most department stores. You can make your own if you have an artistic bent.

4. Suggested menu for a casual dinner buffet:Appetizers: ham and cocktail rye; spinach dip and green veggiesMain Course: Corned Beef and Cabbage Scalloped potatoes Minted carrots Cloverleaf rolls Pistachio pudding dessert, pistachio ice cream, green frosted cookies or cupcakesBeverages: Irish coffee Green beer Green punch for the kids

5. Recipes:Ham and cocktail rye:2 - 4 1/2 oz. cans deviled ham3 T. chopped pimento stuffed green olives1 T. prepared mustarddash bottled hot pepper sauce to taste1- 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened2 tsps. milkBlend together cream cheese and milk. Add other ingredients. Mix well. Spread on cocktail rye.Good general cookbooks will all have a recipe for Corned Beef and Cabbage and scalloped potatoes such as Betty Crocker and Better Homes and Gardens cookbooks. For minted carrots and pistachio pudding dessert, see recipes below:Minted CarrotsIn saucepan, combine 2 T. butter, 1 T. honey and 2 tsp. chopped fresh mint. Heat to melt butter. Add 5 or 6 carrots, cut in strips, cooked and drained. Simmer until glazed about 8 minutes. Serves 4 or 5.Pistachio pudding dessertl large carton whipped topping1 small package instant pistachio pudding mix1/2 c. chopped nuts1 No. 2 can crushed pineapple and juice1-1/2 c. miniature marshmallowsMix whipped topping and dry pudding mix. Stir well. Add other ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Chill. Serve on lettuce leaf.

6. A very simple decoration can be bowls or baskets of raw, unpeeled potatoes with some green shamrocks stuck in them. The shamrocks can be made from green paper and attached to a craft pick or toothpick.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the recipes ahead of time so you know what to expect, and how much time you need to prepare them. Set up tables, place settings and decorations the day before the party. Do everything else you can ahead of time so you will not be harried trying to get everything done at the last minute before your guests arrive. Enlist the help of all your family and friends whenever possible. This way you can enjoy your own party.