St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to throw a party! Whether you’re Irish or not, this early-spring holiday comes with endless opportunities for anyone who loves a good theme. Here, we show our favorite St. Patrick’s Day party ideas that go beyond basic corned beef and cabbage.

Download. Print. Done. That’s how easy it is to pull your St. Paddy’s Day party together with this super-cute free printable set that includes a banner, bottle cap circles, cupcake toppers and wrappers, place cards/food labels, water bottle labels, a four-leaf clover decoration, and straw flags! Recreate this look with our white candy buffet assortment. Click “download template” button under the materials list to get the free printable.
Photo: Catch My Party
Make the Project
If you’ve ever made homemade corned beef, you know the days-long brining process is no small feat. Plus, once it’s cooked, it’s difficult to slice and serve at a large gathering. Take a shortcut with party-friendly hot pastrami sliders that capture the essence of the classic Irish recipe without the prep or mess.
Photo: The Reluctant Entertainer
Make the Recipe
Create a fun activity for kids and grownups alike with a themed photobooth that lets them dress like a leprechaun! Snag the free printables and attach to dowel rods or craft sticks. Click “download template” button under the materials list to get the free printable.
Photo: The Dating Divas
Make the Project
Not into baking? Bust open a box of Nutter Butter® cookies and whip up these super-cute leprechaun cookies! Visit your local craft store for green and orange candy melts, as well as chocolate chips and white circle, heart, and flower sprinkles.
Photo: Home. Made. Interest.
Make the Recipe
Follow the simple instructions to tie together four heart-shape latex balloons, and you’ve got the perfect decor for above your treat table. Or, get the same effect with our hanging four-leaf clovers.
Photo: Oh Happy Day
Make the Project
Give little ones an activity while they enjoy their snacks by letting them play St. Patrick’s Day bingo! This printable card features colorful images perfect for pre-readers. Click “download template” button under the materials list to get the free printable. Plus, check out our other St. Patrick’s Day activities!
Photo: Pre-K Pages
Make the Project
Step away from the green food coloring and expand your color palette with this festive rainbow cake that doubles as a pot of gold! Follow the instructions that bring basic boxed cake to life with the addition of Twizzlers, Rolos, and edible pearls.
Photo: Cake Whiz
Make the Recipe
Add a pop of color to your dessert table with a fun, festive rainbow! Get the complete tutorial and keep the theme going with rainbow cups, plates, napkins, and even a fringe table skirt.
Photo: Get Creative Juice
Make the Project
Want to plan a party without a leprechaun in sight? Follow the DIYs for everything you need for a grown-up soire, including moss placemats, glittered champagne bottles, fresh greenery, and black and gold accents.
Photo: Lemon Thistle
See the Party
Not serving a full meal at your gathering? Make this classic reuben dip, with everything you love about the sandwich mixed together in an ooey-gooey cream cheese base. Serve it with rye bread for the ultimate Irish experience!
Photo: Community Table
Make the Recipe
Send your guests home with a pretty, sparkly bag of chocolate gold coins. All you need are some small bags (like these), iron-on glitter paper, and optional cardstock and green thread to create these adorable bags. Don’t forget to stock up on chocolate coins in gold and green. Like this idea but don’t want to DIY? Use these “lucky u” bags instead!
Photo: Giggles Galore
Make the Project
A fun activity for all ages, this St. Patrick’s Day word search will keep guests entertained as they hunt for holiday themes. Click “download template” button under the materials list to get the free printable. You can even laminate the printable for future use.
Photo: Liluna
Make the Project
Keep your St. Paddy’s Day celebration light and healthy with so-simple fruit skewers. Simply layer melons, pineapple, berries, and grapes in ROYGBIV order, and voila! You’ve got a festive, fat-free snack that won’t send kids into a sugar coma.
Photo: 100 Layer Cake
Make the Recipe
If your home’s subdued color scheme doesn’t lend itself to bright, bold color, keep your St. Patrick’s Day decor understated. Perfect for an adults-only dinner party, this set-up features a bare wooden table, potted shamrocks, and handwritten quotes for a personal touch. See the full tablescape, along with a dried boxwood wreath.
Photo: Julie Blanner
See the Party