How to Host a St. Patrick's Day Party

Grab your green and get ready for a shamrockin' time.

Lauren Miolene

Editor

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year, after all, on March 17th everyone is Irish for the day! If you’re going to celebrate St. Paddy's Day with a party – you have to do it right. That’s why The Bash is here to help you host a St. Patrick's Day party.

If you're not heading to your favorite pub or watching a parade in the city, we guarantee with these St. Patrick's Day party ideas you will still be decked out in green, wave an Irish flag, and have a  shamrock shaped great time this year.

Here is a step-by-step guide for hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party this year:

Make a Guest List

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Invite friends and family who are ready to party, and extend a virtual invitation to others. This ensures that everyone can join in on the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations no matter where they live!

Hire St. Patrick’s Day Party Entertainment

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Thanks to the magic of technology, you can easily book a live virtual music performance for your St. Patty’s Day festivities. Browse through these lists of  talented Irish bands, Celtic duos, and Bagpipers to help bring your celebration to life.

Pro Tip: Find a list of St. Patrick’s Day party entertainment ideas here.

Prepare St. Patrick’s Day Food 

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It’s not St. Patrick’s Day without traditional corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, or any type of green food! If you want to leave the cooking up to the professionals, book a talented caterer to prepare all your Irish favorites. 

Pro Tip: We have this list of St. Patrick's Day food and drink ideas that you can use while planning your party.

Craft St. Patrick’s Day Drinks

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Drink up lads and laddies! While we all love a traditional green beer, we found some of the most festive and delicious St. Patrick’s Day cocktails for your celebration. You can never go wrong with having a classic Irish beer or Irish whiskey, but this Shamrock Sour and Boozy Shamrock Shake will definitely be a hit with your guests. 

If you want to keep things simple, grab some Irish cream and make an Irish coffee. Skip the alcohol in the recipes for yummy mocktail options that will be just as good and safe for all.

Pro Tip: Book a professional bartender to create amazing drinks that everyone will be able to enjoy.

Play Traditional Irish Music

Create a playlist of songs from The Cranberries, U2, The Dubliners, and more hit Irish artists to create the ultimate playlist for your St. Patrick’s Day party. If you prefer a pre-made playlist to have on loop, check out this top Irish songs for your St. Patrick's Day playlist available on Spotify.

Host Your St. Patrick’s Day Party Outside

March weather can be very unpredictable—it can be cold and snowy or 65 degrees and sunny! If Mother Nature cooperates this year, try moving your party outside. This allows for ample social distancing if needed, and plus, a little fresh air is always good! 

Pro Tip: Read these tips for hosting an outdoor celebration.

Have St. Patrick’s Day Party Ideas for Kids

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When planning a fun St. Patrick Day activity for the little ones, be as creative as possible. We love this festive scavenger hunt from Play Party Plan that sets up the perfect adventure to find a leprechaun and pot of gold. There are also tons of fun crafts like a Rainbow Shamrock Suncatcher from There’s Just One Mommy. 

If your kids like to spend time in the kitchen, this Leprechaun Bait from Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons is simple, delicious, and of course, green!

Keep the kiddos entertained during your event with appearances by special guests. Consider hiring a caricaturist, face painter, magician, or photo booth rental that kids of all ages (and adults too!) will absolutely love. 

Pro Tip: There are more kid-friendly St. Patrick's Day party ideas here.

Find more St. Patrick’s Day party tips and ideas on The Bash.