As seen in The Laurel Magazine, March 2011 Edition.
Be Irish for the day…throw a St Patrick’s Day party! Although I’m not Irish St. Patrick’s Day provides a great excuse for hosting a dinner. A great St. Patrick’s Day dinner means having a good time in the best Irish tradition. It may not be considered a feast since it will only be dinner for two – but my table is certainly green, and fun and festive. I hope it inspires you to enjoy a bit o’fun too!
Everyone likes to pretend they are Irish for this fun holiday! One reason that the St. Patrick’s Day celebration
may have become so popular in America is that it takes place just a few days before the first day of spring, hence the color green (for spring). Wear green, decorate with green and eat and drink green! If you wrap the entire theme around green, you’re more than half way there.
Setting the Stage/Table:
Set the table with a green table cloth and white or green napkins. Create a centerpiece from pots of shamrock (clover). If you can’t find pots of shamrocks, check with your local florist for Bells of Ireland, Emerald Roses, Hellebores, Green Echinacea or Green Tulips. Play traditional Irish Music for your party. Two of my favorite albums are Irish Music by The Irish Folk and St Patrick’s Day by Irish Folk Song and can be found on popular music download sites. Be ready with a traditional Irish toast to begin your dinner. One of my favorites is:
May your heart be light and happy,
May your smile be big and wide,
And may your pockets always
Have a coin or two inside!
The Menu:
The Gamekeepers Tavern’s Irish Stew
Colcannon
Irish Potato Pancake
And of course end the night with an Irish coffee
View and download these delicious recipes at www.thelaurelmagazine.com/extra.