St. Patrick's Day Decorations for a Sham-Rockin' Party

Seeing Green

Everyone loves a good shamrock motif -- and let’s be real, so do I. Since the real thing is nearly impossible to find, I use oxalis, whose three-leaved blooms are almost identical to clover. The leaves curl up when the sun goes down, making them better suited to a brunch or a room with lots of natural light. I rounded out the spread with handcrafted Irish damask napkins -- plus a few glittering paper clovers I made with a craft punch.

More green came in a striking bouquet of crown imperial flowers. They're lovely but have a strong smell, so I wouldn't recommend using them as a centerpiece.

The Bouquet's Always Greener

Now this ought to be the iconic St. Patrick’s Day flower! When I was growing up, green carnations were all dyed. Now, the demand is so huge that they’ve been bred to grow in all shades: mint, pistachio, and beyond. I adore them displayed in big bunches or set apart as single stems.

Shamrock Out

When it comes to clover, I just can't leave well enough alone.

Sodalicious

I decorated this Martha Stewart Collection cake stand with shamrock stickers, which I collect all year long. I don’t hoard many things, but I do love my stickers -- and they never go to waste.
Top o' the Table

No matter the occasion, a personal touch makes guests feel extra-special. I made my own simple place cards, complete with more stickers.

Gold Rush

Candy makes an appearance at almost all of my parties -- this time as “pots of gold” served in Beleek china, another Irish import. These darling bowls were a gift from Martha’s daughter Alexis.
Go Green and Go Home

Goodie bags for the kids included temporary tattoos, a carnation corsage, chocolate coins, and cheerful green buttons and bracelets. For the adults: Nips of Irish whiskey, perfect for slipping into an Irish coffee.

Sodalicious

I decorated this Martha Stewart Collection cake stand with shamrock stickers, which I collect all year long. I don’t hoard many things, but I do love my stickers -- and they never go to waste.
Gold Rush

Candy makes an appearance at almost all of my parties -- this time as “pots of gold” served in Beleek china, another Irish import. These darling bowls were a gift from Martha’s daughter Alexis.
Top o' the Table

No matter the occasion, a personal touch makes guests feel extra-special. I made my own simple place cards, complete with more stickers.
Go Green and Go Home

Goodie bags for the kids included temporary tattoos, a carnation corsage, chocolate coins, and cheerful green buttons and bracelets. For the adults: Nips of Irish whiskey, perfect for slipping into an Irish coffee.

It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without soda bread. Martha makes two loaves of her famous recipe every year, and she always forces me to serve them both. It’s infuriating -- I could hide one and breakfast like a king for two weeks! But that’s not as hospitable... or something. Luckily, with a feast of corned beef and cabbage, I can usually still snag some leftovers.

Get the Irish Soda Bread Recipe