All Things For All Parties

St. Patrick's Dinner Party

 
 
St. Patrick's Day falls on Thursday this year and it's the perfect night to invite friends over for a weeknight dinner party.  We have put together a classic meal that's got all the Irish favorites like corned beef and soda bread.

I have to confess whenever I go out to the market I always sneak a sample of the Irish cheddar cheese...yum!  So for starters, set out some crackers, grapes and Irish cheddar cheese. The Kerrygold brand is my favorite and you can usually find it at any of the large grocery stores. Their white cheddar is sharp, rich, and excellent.

St. Patrick's Day Party Decorations

 
 
 
 
Are you throwing a St. Patrick's Day party and have been looking all over for original, festive party decorations?   If so, than this is your "lucky" day!!  We are proud to share with you the "Lucky St. Patrick's Day" Printable Collection by the uber creative Anders Ruff.

Even though there are only 3 days to St. Patty's day...You can have these printable decorations sent to you in a snap!  What?!?! I am sure you are wondering how that is possible...it's because they email them to you in a simple PDF; so once you receive the email all you need to do is print up these adorable decorations and voila you have an instant party.

Delicious Fondant Cupcake Toppers

 

 
 
If you are looking for a little extra something to make a big impression and add a little something something to your cupcakes...check these great fondant toppers.  They are very decadent especially when mounted on a scrumptious swirl of frosting. If you opt to make your own treats for your next kidde bash, baby shower or bridal shower whatever the occasion these are great way to keep party costs down and add a personal touch to the affair, wow your guests by icing your little cakes with edible cupcake and cookie cover embellishments. These designs by Etsy seller Cookie Covers, range in cost from $11 to $12 for a dozen, so you can fake fantastic fondant skills for less than a dollar a pop.

 

St. Patty's Day Sangria

So for this St. Patrick's Day let's change it up a bit and instead of that same old green beer you drink every year how about something different - Sangria!  What?  That's right St. Patty's Day Sangria...I know it sounds crazy but I personally can only drink so much beer before I start to swell so since I love wine so much I think this wine-themed recipe is the perfect substitute - it takes a wee bit o' Irish Whiskey and transforms the traditional Spanish Sangria into a festive, "Irish" Sangria and it works well with corned beef and cabbage for celebrating Saint Patrick's day.

St. Patrick's Day Green Velvet Cupcakes

OK, so you've heard of red velvet cake but how about green velvet???  Well, my favorite little cupcake store, Sprinkles has just the cupcake for you...lucky light chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting.  Come on who could resist these dee-licious treats?!  If green velvet is not your thing then try the Irish Chocolate cupcakes made with Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with a Bailey's Irish cream cheese frosting. Now, I am sure that one of these must appeal to you especially since they are to die for cupcakes.  Swing by your local Sprinkles store to pick a couple up (or more).  Be sure and get there early to avoid the lines.

St. Patrick's Day Party Planner

“If it's the first drop that destroys you; then there's no harm at all in the last,” Old Irish proverb.  Hahhhhaaa! Its that time of year to celebrate with the oldest and most fun of traditions: St Paddy’s Day! …but this year, dare to be different, dare to have fun; so why not throw a good old fashioned dinner party with this Irish holiday in mind?  A dinner party is a great way to entertain friends and it also can be much more affordable then going out to eat. 

Flower Power

Have we talked about Blumeboxes?!?!  If we already have then it's worth another mention. They are a huge cost saver if you are planning a big event (weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, etc...) and of course a splendid way to display your centerpieces; oh and you can gift your guests with the flowers at the end of the night without having to worry about purchasing or returning a traditional glass vase.  Even better, when the flowers have passed their prime, the Blumebox and the buds can go straight into the recycle bin. What could be better?!?!

If you are wondering...they are made from 80% post consumer waste and coated with an eco-friendly, water based varnish, they are also infinitely customizeable (just think of all the uses - kids parties, holidays, party favors, gifts and so on and so on).  Blumeboxes come in various shapes, colors, and sizes.  Decorate them up for a cool DIY look without the stress of having to DIY your flowers.

St. Patty's Day Craft

I found this delightful St. Patrick's day craft on MarthaStewart.com and it just seemed so ideal for the upcoming festivities and such an easy project.  These shamrock party accessories are the perfect items for your party table.

So rinse the pink ink from your heart-shaped rubber stamp, and use it (and a green ink pad) to add shamrocks to napkins, coasters, and more. To make a swizzle stick, stamp a clover pattern onto card stock, and draw a stem with a colored pencil; repeat. Cut out with a 1-inch circle craft punch. Glue circles together, back sides facing, onto a skewer. Ta da...Instant St. Patrick's day decorations and so much better than all that stuff you can buy at the super market.

Green With Envy

 
I don't know what it is about this time of year that makes me start thinking of green...I think it's because I am beginning to think about all of the St. Patty's day celebrations and the fact that it's almost Spring and everything (in California) is starting to get very green.  Green makes me feel hopeful like something anew awaits. I love it!  So in honor of all the good things to come I am green with envy about all of these wonderful party decor ideas. 

Shamrock Cupcake Pops

 

Get lucky with these charming tasty sweets created by My Little Cupcakes.  These scrumptious cupcake pops are the perfect treat for St. Patrick's Day; and now thanks to the creator of My Little Cupcakes and this step by step guide, you can make them for all of your favorite people (or just eat them all yourself - LOL).  I think this is a special and delightful way to celebrate St. Patty's Day!