Shamrock Scavenger Hunt
For kids, hide prizes around the home and set the theme for this scavenger hunt with a handwritten note from a leprechaun that details the hidden treasures. For young ones, include hints to the hiding spots. Even if there’s no rainbow, everyone goes home feeling lucky. No kids at the party? Adults can enjoy a different version of this game with a citywide race to win a grand prize. Create a map with checkpoints around the town, and separate guests into pairs or larger teams. Require an activity that has to be completed at each location—for instance, kissing a famous statue or asking a stranger for an autograph. Make sure guests capture evidence that they finished the task, such as taking a photo or video. Whoever finishes the list and returns to the starting point first gets to keep the pot of gold!
Traditional Irish Cuisine Potluck
Nothing brings friends and family together like sharing a meal. Have guests RSVP to the invitation by signing up to bring a classic Irish dish, such as corned beef and cabbage with potatoes, beef stew or soda bread. Set up a festive atmosphere with streamers and balloons in green, white and orange. Add splashes of seasonal color throughout your living room and kitchen with green serveware, throw pillows, blankets and decor. Place an Irish flag in a central focal point to complete the look. Consider playing traditional Irish music in the background as well. Bring your decor scheme into the menu and add a few drops of green food coloring to beverages, such as light beers for adults and apple juice for kids. Looking for a more sophisticated signature cocktail? Try a green apple martini. For dessert, adults can enjoy a classic Irish coffee or chocolate stout cake. Looking for a kid-friendly dessert idea? Bake cupcakes with green frosting, and arrange them in the shape of a four-leaf clover. Kick the festivities up a notch further with a festive dress code.
Cookie Decorating Party
Spend time with friends and family bonding over a craft you can eat! Send out invitations to guests giving the date, time and location of the cookie decorating party with a cute line, such as “There’s nothing sweeter than good company, except maybe cookies.” Determine how many cookies each person will be able to decorate, and plan for a few extras just in case. Buy themed cookie cutters in shapes such as rainbows, shamrocks, pots of gold and circles for gold coins. Make the cookies ahead of time so they are ready for guests when they arrive. Designate a specific craft space, and lay out adequate covering to minimize mess and make clean up easier. Serve appetizers and light snacks in order to balance out the sweetness of the cookies. Try homemade potato chips with a beer cheese dip or a veggie platter with hummus. For refreshments, offer classic Irish beers for the adults and mocktails for guests who are either underage or prefer non-alcoholic options.
Do Something “Green”
St. Paddy’s Day is also a great opportunity to give back to our planet. For a simple, environmentally-friendly project at home with kids, try a paper mache leprechaun head using a balloon and old newspapers. Add a cardboard top hat from recycled boxes, and use crumpled up recycled paper for a beard. Once it dries, paint it and add a face. For people in coastal communities, consider organizing or joining a local beach clean up. Don’t live near a beach? Giving back to the environment can be as easy as visiting your local neighborhood park. With more than 10,000 state parks in the U.S., coordinating a local park clean up or restoration in the community is a great way to give back. Being green can also mean volunteering at your local animal shelter, helping at a retirement home or hospital, donating to a food bank, or serving at a local soup kitchen. To find other ways to give back on St. Patrick’s Day, search online for “March 17 volunteer opportunities” near you.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate? Share your St. Patrick’s Day party ideas with us by using the hashtag #CrateStyle.
