Irish themed dinner party for St Patrick’s Day

See how to host an Irish themed dinner party for St Patricks day this year. This is not your typical party with rainbows and leprechauns. Instead it’s a classy take on Irish traditions.

Using the color green as the starting point, I’ve incorporated gold and copper accents, a delicious Irish inspired menu, and lots of special details to carry out the theme. You’re gong to love this St. Patrick’s day tablescape!

And it’s not just for the holiday. This Irish themed dinner party is perfect to host all year long with friends or family. Just follow this guide for all the inspiration and recipes you need.

This Irish themed dinner party for St. Patrick’s day puts style ahead of kitsch. 

This year I’ve been on a mission to create fun and inspiring dinner parties to encourage you to entertain and celebrate at home. Since March plays host to St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be a good idea to design a party and dinner menu around that.

Using the color green as the jumping off point, I added gold and copper accents to create a lovely and inviting Irish themed tablescape. The menu includes traditional Irish fare, some delicious cocktails, and simple sweets for a completely satisfying meal. See how it all comes together below.

How to set an Irish themed dinner party tablescape for St Patrick’s day entertaining

• The table setting consists of my usual mix of old and new. I love using these old dinner plates with the gold filigree edging. Even though the rim detail is “fancy” they actually add a casual air to the table because they’re vintage. Layering with green glass plates, green napkins, and green water glasses reinforces the St Patrick’s day theme of “green.”
• Gold and copper are brought in with the table runner, mule cups to hold a bottle of Guinness beer {of course}, flatware, and the planter centerpiece.
• Speaking of centerpieces, keeping it low is important for easy conversation flow. Put a twist on the floral arrangement by displaying green and white perennials that can be transferred outside when the party is over. These remind me of the lush green plains of Ireland.
• To complete the tablescape and keep things lively, add conversation starters to each place setting. For these, I used my Cricut machine to get the round shape to place under the glass plates, but you could certainly print the questions and cut by hand.

Serve this Irish themed dinner party menu for St Patricks day

This is one dinner party that won’t break the bank. Traditional Irish recipes are known for using staple ingredients and budget friendly items. The dishes are also hearty and filling! This meal begins with a well appointed cheese board including wild boar charcuterie and artisinal cheeses. Bake a loaf of Irish soda bread to accompany it, and to go with the meal.

The main entree includes mini shepherds pies and a green & citrus salad. I love how the colors are in keeping with our theme!

For dessert, keep it simple with a selection of  St Patrick’s day petit fours and macarons from the bakery, plus shamrock shortbread cookies, and chocolate coins! When making the shortbread cookies just add green food coloring to the dough and use a shamrock shaped cookie cutter.

As a bonus, guests get to take home extra shamrock cookies as party favors. Place them in small drawstring bags and use iron-on transfer paper to print & iron a cute saying onto the bags.

Finally, every good party needs cocktails, right! Set up a mini bar and serve Irish Whiskey on the rocks and my “green leprechaun” martini. Serve up a special dessert cocktail by making these Guinness beer floats. You won’t believe how delicious they are…and I don’t even like dark beer! Get the recipe below.

Guinness Beer Ice Cream Float

• 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 3/4 ounce Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 10 ounces Guinness beer
• Dark chocolate syrup

Add ice cream to tall glass; pour in Irish Cream and top with beer. slowly.

Drizzle with chocolate syrup and enjoy with a straw.