Hot take: St. Patrick’s Day is actually a very underrated holiday. March kinda sucks (winter, you can go now) and St. Patty’s is just about the only exciting thing that happens all month. (Unless you’re lucky enough to still get spring break, in which case...can I come?) Unfortunately, the holiday falls on a Monday this year, but that just means you should plan a party for the weekend before. You'll want an entire day and night to bop around in a super-extra outfit (all green, obviously), get your drink on, and consume an ungodly amount of Lucky Charms, obviously.
It’s okay if the last time you celebrated the Irish holiday was in the fourth grade. I forgive you. You’re just gonna have to make up for it by going all out this year. But before you start furiously googling, "What to serve at a St. Patrick’s Day party" and "How to dress for a St. Patrick’s Day party," take a deep breath and keep reading.
Scroll down, and you'll find all the inspo you need to make your bash a banger—I'm talking suggestions for green food, festive decor, strong drinks, cute favors, and, of course, on-theme drinking games. Promise they're all actually fun, and your friends will be begging you to host again next year.
Hang up some festive decor.
Throw up a green banner, streamers, or balloons, and boom! You've got a party vibe in seconds. You'll need a backdrop for people to take Insta pics, so this tip is pretty much a necessity, just sayin’.
Have fun with your outfit.
It's the one day of the year to break out all the green living in the back of your closet—act accordingly. If your friends are down to stick to a theme, suggest they all come dressed to the nines in their favorite shade. Bonus points if they show up with shamrock accessories or embroidery.
Play with makeup.
What goes best with a gorgeous green-and-gold 'fit? A killer makeup look using the same damn colors. That's right, it's time to use the green eyeshadow you've never touched in the palette, and make things festive. If you need some inspo, we've gotchu with 21 St. Patrick's Day makeup ideas.
Set up an Irish coffee bar.
There's only one way to kick off a St. Patrick's Day party, and that's with an Irish coffee (Irish whiskey + coffee + sugar). Set all the ingredients out and create a station of sorts with cute mugs and toppings like whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Cook a traditional Irish dinner.
Indulge in some classic Irish dishes by whipping up some corned beef, shepherd's pie, or potato soup for your pals. Whatever you do, don't forget a side of soda bread.
Swap in green lightbulbs.
This is one of the easiest—and cheapest—ways to set the mood in your home. Just unscrew your regular lightbulb, screw in one of these bright green bad boys (checking for wattage and all that good stuff!), and flick on for fun festive vibes.
Serve a signature cocktail.
Don't wanna play bartender all day and night? Batch up a signature cocktail for the occasion and leave it out for your guests to pour themselves. Some fab St. Patrick's Day drinks (35 of them, to be exact) worth serving, right this way...
Prepare a photo booth.
Real talk: you're not a good host if you don't provide your guests with a good place to take pics. Set up a cute, themed backdrop, then make sure you have great lighting and a tripod in front of it. Download a photo booth app to simplify the photoshoots, or provide a (green!) Polaroid for some instant prints.
Make an Irish playlist.
I mean, is it even a St. Patrick's Day party if you don't have a St. Patrick's Day playlist? Be sure to load it up with some Irish artists and bands, like U2, Snow Patrol, The Pogues, Thin Lizzy, and Dropkick Murphys.
Sing Irish karaoke.
On a similar note, challenge your friends to a karaoke battle using only songs from Irish-born musicians. If you were wondering, Ed Sheeran's dad is Irish, so I'll let that one slide so you can belt out "Galway Girl."
Hit up a parade.
Most cities have a St. Patrick’s Day parade (at least the fun ones do). Stage your party as a pregame, then head out to the streets to really celebrate with some green beer. Don't live in a place with a parade? Maybe now's the time to do some research and plan a little getaway...
Slap a bag (or two...).
Get a box of Lucky Charms, eat said box of Lucky Charms, then cut a hole in the bottom juuuust big enough for the spout of a bag of wine. Place the bag inside the box, stick the spout through, and now you have to slap the bag, St. Patrick’s Day edition.
Get intentional with your charcuterie.
It's simple, really: You're going to make a cheese board using only Irish cheeses...and then you're going to tell everyone about it, proudly. Take to the cheese section at your local grocery store (Trader Joe's has a ton!) and look for Kerrygold, Dubliner, Wicklow Blue, and so many more.
Brew up some green beer.
Yeah, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Pick a light-colored beer, add some green food coloring, and stir. Here's a recipe if you don't trust yourself.
Host a beer pong tournament.
You know the drill! Channel your inner college kid and set up a tournament using the green beer you now know how to make. Oh, and green Solo cups > red Solo cups.
Play hot potato.
Remember that game you played in elementary school, where you passed a beanbag around in a circle until the music stopped and whoever was holding the "potato" was out? That's what you're going to do here, except with an actual potato (because Ireland), and instead of the loser being out, they have to take a shot.
Do some on-theme baking.
Rather get drunk on sugar than beer? You can never go wrong with a baking party. Gather the girlies (and green icing), order some parchment paper, and prepare for a wholesome day of fun. My suggestion? Make some shamrock cookies and a green cake.
Play a festive game.
You can make pretty much anything into a St. Patty's Day game, but I love these green and gold Bingo cards from Amazon that you can play with 32 people. I recommend saving 'em for when you’re all feeling a little tipsy. Memories will be made, that's for sure.
Host a movie marathon.
Got a projector (or even just a nice big TV)? Set out lots of blankets, pillows, and popcorn, and hit play on a flick that (a) features St. Patrick's Day, or (b) is set in Ireland. Some options: Luck of the Irish, Brooklyn, P. S. I Love You, Wild Mountain Thyme, and The Crying Game.
Two words: Jell-O. Shots.
They never get old, no matter how old you get. Make sure the Jell-O mix is green, and the hard alcohol is Jameson if you wanna do it right.
Take an Irish step dancing class.
Don't wanna go out out but still want to go somewhere for the holiday? Grab some friends and try your hand (er, feet) at Irish step dancing. You'll learn something new, get some good laughs, and definitely check cardio off your to-do list.
Bust out the inflatables.
Okay, so this one is for those who are really down to turn the function up a notch. You can either decorate with some large-scale inflatables, or pump up the fun with a bouncy house. Either way, you'll feel like a kid again in the best way.
Surprise everyone with Shamrock Shakes.
Right when everyone is at their peak tipsiness, place a delivery order for a shit ton of Shamrock Shakes from McDonald's (you know, the seasonal minty milkshakes that people thirst for all year?). Not all heroes wear capes.
Hide gold coins.
Live your best leprechaun life by acting like the Easter Bunny and stashing chocolate gold coins throughout the party space. Because everyone loves chocolate and surprises, amirite!?
Give out little clovers.
Nothing says St. Patty's spirit quite like some lucky clovers. Hand out these adorable plants as a party favor, or get some cute pots and seeds and have a planting party.
