Shamrockin’ Soiree

Need some St. Patrick’s Day ideas in a pinch? You’re in luck! We’ve got all the gold and green goodies you’ll need to throw a truly shamrockin’ soiree.

Balloon garlands are always a showstopper, and they’re extra magical with shamrock-stamped balloons and golden four-leaf clovers.

Fun fact: Shamrocks and Four-leaf clovers are NOT the same thing! A shamrock is a young sprig of clover, used as a symbol of Ireland. While, the four-leaf clover is a rare variation of the three-leaf clover. And, according to tradition, such clovers bring good luck. In addition, each leaf is believed to represent something—the first is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck. Who knew?

This four-leaf clover balloon DIY is so simple you’ll want to kiss us.

To start, use a hand-held balloon pump to blow up four heart foil balloons—we used gold.

Use washi tape (ours was also gold) to join the self-sealing tags—you don’t want to tie them off because they will leak air. Layer one on top of another until you create your clover!

Dress up your display by mixing green and gold tassels for a garland that would make Judy proud.

Layer scalloped green and white striped dinner plates with little golden canapés for a place setting that will have Irish eyes a smiling’. You can find these plates and most of the other party decor we used at Bonjour Fete.

Show off your Irish (or just your honorary Irish) pride with a St. Patrick’s Day headband. And keep a lucky charm close to your heart with a clover pendant.

St. Patrick’s Day surprise balls are filled with fun; just unwrap the layers of tissue paper to discover a prize fit for the end of a rainbow!

Tips for treats: Cupcakes and sundaes are magically delicious!

This St. Patrick’s Day cupcake kit has everything you need to bring out the Irish in any guest.

We topped vanilla cupcakes with leprechaun, clover, golden horseshoe and flag toppers, as well as edible gold dust and pearls!

Tip: Bake your cupcakes in a plain baking cup and then drop them in the fancy wrapper once cooled. For a little more shine, pop in a golden candle!

If you’re lucky enough to have a Salt & Straw near you, pick up pints of Pots of Gold & Rainbows (a flavor loaded with Lucky Charms!) and Matcha Mint Chocolate Ganache—if not, they ship! Short on time? Scoops of green ice cream—think mint chip, lime sherbet, pistachio—will do the trick!

For our sundaes, we used super cute shamrock glasses from Target, and loaded on the whipped cream and sprinkles. Set up a sprinkle bar, and let your guests get creative!

Green and gold Hersey Kisses make for a pretty pot of gold! (And, bonus, you’ll guarantee your guests a St. Patty’s Day kiss!) What to do for a kid-friendly favor? Green silly string is perfect for little leprechauns in search of some mischief.

And with that we leave you with an Irish Blessing: May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold, and at the end of all your rainbows may you find a pot of gold!

Styling and Design: Royale Ziegler of But First, Party! 

Photography by Billye Donya