Hosting a Saint Patrick’s Day party is a fun way to celebrate your Irish heritage (real or adopted for the day!) and an excuse to gather with family and friends as early Spring brings longer days and warmer weather. From festive libations to planning and preparing an Irish menu, your hosting duties come with plenty of to-do items. Get the most out of your Saint Patty’s Day party planning by investing in key pieces that can be used all Spring and beyond!

• First, food…and drinks! To keep drinks simple, stock a basic bar and add in a single signature cocktail, such as shamrock juice or a grasshopper. For the menu, think the classics: Irish stew, shepherd’s pie or corned beef and cabbage, with sides such as Irish soda bread and sweet Irish treats for dessert.
• The Big Green Egg is an investment particularly fit for Saint Patrick’s Day but also sure to be the star of cookouts all summer long. The big green multi-tool—part outdoor smoker, part outdoor grill, part outdoor oven—can be used to cook your entire party menu, from bread to your favorite cut of meat, taking the strain off your indoor oven for parties and cookouts.

• The decorations. Once you’ve planned the menu, it’s time to focus on the decorations. By incorporating bright and trendy green décor into your home, you can celebrate Saint Patty’s Day in style, and update your home for the Spring/Summer season at the same time.

• Set the tone. What better way is there to get in the mood for a Saint Patrick’s Day party than to wake up on the “green” side of the bed? The color green is often linked to life, renewal, nature, growth and energy, making it a great choice for your bedroom. Consider a green comforter, green accent pillows and/or green artwork to brighten and update your bedroom.

• Roll out the green carpet for your guests! Forget the red carpet. Give your guests a festive treatment by placing a green area rug in your entryway, or use a green rug to create easy party ambiance in your living room. There’s no need to roll it back up after your guests leave. A green area rug is a year-round investment, adding a pop of color and brightening up your room. Consider a rug in Pantone’s Color of the Year 2017, Greenery. This bright color complements neutral décor, or it can be paired with splashes of other bright shades such as blue.

• Add some green décor that sets the tone for Spring. Instead of spending your decorating money on plastic leprechauns and pots of gold, consider adding a few green accents or decorative items that can be used year round, or switched out seasonally. A green throw and/or accent pillows can revitalize your space for Spring and Summer—without breaking the bank. You can exchange them with richer tones in the Fall, or keep the green items throughout the winter to complement holiday décor.

• Bring the outside in. To complement your simple, reusable Saint Patrick’s Day party décor, add some natural touches. Green wreaths and potted succulents can liven up your festivities and brighten up your house for Spring and beyond. For a festive centerpiece, consider a potted plant or a special Saint Patrick’s Day bouquet in a new green vase.

• And bring the inside out. Don’t forget outdoor spaces when decorating for Saint Patrick’s Day and beyond. You can make a bold statement on your porch or patio by selecting green outdoor furnishings, such as bar chairs—perfect for entertaining all season long. Not ready to commit to green furniture, even in outdoor spaces? A green indoor/outdoor rug brings bold color and comfort to your outdoor living space, and provides a welcoming space for Saint Patrick’s Day guests!