22 Fun St. Patrick’s Day party ideas

’Tis the season to get a little Irish (or at least pretend to be)! St. Patrick’s Day goes beyond honoring the Green Isle’s patron saint; it’s all about spreading joy and coming together. And with its lively vibe, it’s no surprise folks go all out to celebrate this cultural bash.  

But planning a memorable party can be overwhelming, especially if you want to make it extra special this year. Don’t worry — we’ve got your back! Here are ideas on how to throw a St. Patrick’s Day party that will surely get your guests jigging.

St. Patrick’s Day party decoration ideas

Decorating for St. Patrick’s Day is all about bursts of green, gold, and a sprinkle of magical leprechaun dust. Whether you’re into DIY or leaning toward hiring an event decorator, here’s how to make your party the talk of the town:

1. Emerald balloons

No St. Paddy’s Day party is complete without a splash of green. Inflate balloons in various shades of green and place them around your space. Mix in a few gold and rainbow balloons for an extra touch of whimsy.

2. Leprechaun hat centerpieces

Use miniature leprechaun hats filled with shamrocks or gold chocolate coins as table centerpieces. You can also use them as party favors for your guests to take home. You can even make your own leprechaun hats using black cups, green construction paper, and gold glitter. Just make sure that the hats don’t distract those dancing on tabletops!

3. Shamrock garland

For a charming touch, why not string up some shamrock garland for your St. Patrick’s Day decorations? You can easily DIY with construction paper and some string. Hang them across doorways, along your walls, or drape them over tables.

4. Green fairy lights

Adding a strand of green fairy lights can instantly transform your party atmosphere from fun to magical. These tiny, twinkling lights are perfect for creating a whimsical glow that complements your green and gold decorations. You can drape them over door frames, wrap them around banisters, or string them through your shamrock garland for effect.

5. Pot of gold setup

Here’s a simple way to create your very own pot of gold: Find a black cauldron or a large black bowl and fill it to the brim with chocolate gold coins. If you’re feeling creative, add some green, gold, and rainbow-colored candies. Place it strategically at the end of your shamrock garland trail or under the glow of your green fairy lights to invite guests on a mini treasure hunt.

6. Irish flag banners

Why not incorporate Irish flag banners into the mix to add a dash of national pride to your St. Patrick’s Day decor? They can serve as a backdrop for your party space or an accent to your other decorations. The best part? They’re super simple to make! Just grab some fabric or paper in these three colors and sew or glue them together.

7. DIY shamrock placemats

Creating your own shamrock placemats is an engaging craft activity that can involve friends and family. But it also results in a fun and functional decoration piece for your table. Start with choosing sturdy paper or fabric in shades of green, cut it into shamrock shapes, and decorate as you wish. You could even write guests’ names on them to double as place cards.

8. Rainbow streamers

Rainbow streamers are easy to make and can be hung across the ceiling, down the walls, or as a colorful entranceway for guests. They’re guaranteed to brighten the atmosphere and are a fantastic way to bring in all the rainbow colors.

9. Themed Photo Booth Props

To help your guests snap those perfect, Instagram-worthy shots, consider crafting or purchasing props that align with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Think oversized leprechaun hats, pots of gold, rainbow scarves, and anything sparkly green. You could also provide frames crafted from shamrocks or printed with Irish sayings to amp up the fun. 

St. Patrick’s Day party activity ideas

Now that we’ve set the scene with some lively and creative decoration and craft ideas, it’s time to switch gears to the heart of any successful St. Patrick’s Day celebration — the activities!

10. Craic-er fun

To up the craic (fun) levels, plan a range of St. Patrick’s Day games like Irish Trivia, Pin the Pot O’ Gold, and Shamrock Scavenger Hunts. Settle bar tabs with the best Leprechaun laugh vote and line up the classics like musical chairs or a Celtic twist on Hot Potato. Remember, variety is key, as is ensuring there’s something for everyone.

11. Ages of green

Age-appropriateness guarantees a happy crowd, from the very wee ones to the ’wise’ ones. For younger leprechauns, a “Weaving of the Rainbow” craft corner can keep them entertained. The seasoned elders can revel in St. Patrick’s Day activities for seniors, like Irish poetry recitations or a storytelling segment.

12. Virtually Irish

A virtual celebration can be a good alternative for those unable to make the physical shindig. Set up video calls with themed backgrounds, organize a virtual St. Patrick’s Day parade, or even host an “Irish-Cuisine-Off” where everyone joins the virtual line while remotely savoring their culinary creations.

13. St. Patrick’s Day costume contest

Encourage guests to come dressed in their finest green attire and award prizes for the most creative or traditional Irish costumes. You could also include a category for the best homemade costume. Encourage guests to let their imagination run wild and create something unique.

14. Spread the luck of the Irish

In the spirit of generosity, consider organizing a fundraising event or donating a portion of the party proceeds to an Irish charity. This doesn’t just add depth and meaning to your celebration but also spreads some good luck to those in need.

15. Keep it green

St. Patrick’s Day celebrates Ireland and its culture, so why not incorporate eco-friendly practices into your festivities? Use reusable or compostable decorations, serve locally sourced food and drinks, and encourage guests to carpool or use public transportation to reduce your party’s carbon footprint.

16. Irish music and dancing

No St. Paddy’s Day party is complete without some traditional Irish music and dancing. Hire a live band or create a playlist of classic Irish tunes for everyone to dance along to. You could even hire an Irish dance instructor to teach guests some traditional Irish dances and make it a fun group activity.

17. Share the history and culture

As much as St. Patrick’s Day is known for its celebrations, it’s also important to remember the holiday’s origins and significance. Take some time during the party to share facts about St. Patrick and Ireland’s history or display traditional Irish artifacts and decorations to immerse guests in the culture.

St. Patrick’s Day party food ideas

Selecting the right party catering options can significantly enhance the atmosphere for your guests. So, keep reading for some delectable party food ideas that will leave your guests raving long after the party.

18. Pot of culinary gold

Whip up a feast that will have your guests declaring, “Top of the morning to you.” Traditional Irish dishes like Shepherd’s Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and Irish Soda Bread should definitely make the spread. Don’t forget to include a potato bar (of course!), complemented with a rainbow of toppings.

19. Leprechaun drinks

Peace, harmony, good humor, and (of course) a good drink are prerequisites on St. Patrick’s Day. Get creative with your beverages—beyond the obligatory Guinness and Bailey’s. Think fresh mint milkshakes, green punch (with or without the “luck” of alcohol), and, for the daring, a midnight green martini. You can even look for a cocktail catering service to take your drinks to the next level.

20. Green desserts

No party is complete without something sweet, and what better way to incorporate green into your menu than with some festive desserts? Consider making classic treats like Shamrock cookies, green velvet cupcakes, or lime sherbet floats. Your guests will love the delicious and creative touch.

21. Take note of dietary needs

A lot may come to mind when planning a St. Patrick’s spread, but this isn’t your one-size-fits-all occasion, especially when it comes to dietary considerations. Ensure there are vegan, gluten-free, and elder-friendly options. You wouldn’t want to leave anyone out of the festivities!

22. Cheers with an Irish-themed bar

Serve traditional favorites like Guinness or Irish whiskey, and get creative with green-colored cocktails or mocktails. Don’t forget to have some non-alcoholic options available for those who prefer not to drink. And for those who are feeling extra adventurous, set up a DIY Irish coffee bar with all the necessary ingredients and instructions. 

Tips for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day

Wondering how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while dealing with all the party prep and management? Here are some quick tips.

The art of hosting

Pulling off a memorable St. Patrick’s Day gathering isn’t just about the activities and decor—it’s about celebrating Irish culture and community spirit. Whether it’s brushing up on your Irish literature, learning a few Gaelic phrases, or simply being conscious of the history as you celebrate, incorporating these elements is key.

Traditions old and new

Although there are already long-standing traditions on what to do on St. Patrick’s Day, that doesn’t mean you can’t add your special twist to the party. It could be starting a new custom with friends or family, a themed Polaroid wall to capture the moment each year, or crafting an “Irish Achievement Award.”

Take cleaning into account

When the fun subsides and the last guest bids farewell, the reality of post-party cleanup comes knocking. Planning well can significantly reduce stress. Consider using recyclable or disposable partyware for an easier cleanup. Allocate a specific area for drinks to minimize spills across your home.

Making the day count

It’s not a marathon—it’s a jig through the day. Plan with pacing in mind. Perhaps kick off with a brunch, move on to family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day activities, and gradually transition to the more spirited affairs as the hours jig on. 

Level up your St. Patrick’s Day party prep

Planning a party can be exhilarating but can also be extra hard at times. So, remember that there’s no shame in asking for help. 

If the thought of organizing everything by yourself seems daunting or you’re just looking for an extra pair of hands, consider hiring a Tasker. With someone to help with your St. Patty’s party preparations, you can focus on the joy and festivity of the day rather than the logistics. 

Taskers can assist with everything, from setting up your DIY Irish coffee bar to ensuring your green-themed decorations create that magical ambiance. Don’t hesitate to make this St. Patrick’s Day one to remember with a bit of help from a dedicated community of Taskers ready to bring your party ideas to life.