Believe it or not, you don’t have to be Irish or American to get in on the fun of St. Patrick’s Day. Though the holiday is distinctly Irish in origin, Irish immigrants brought the celebration to America and now it is celebrated across the globe with activities like pub crawls, parades, and even braais in South Africa. For those wanting to get in on the fun of St Patrick’s Day (because who doesn’t love any excuse to have a celebration?) there are plenty of St. Patrick’s Day traditions you can embrace to make the holiday your own with friends and family.
Here are a few suggestions for St Patrick’s Day must-haves for a day the kids and adults will enjoy.
Food is key
Firstly St. Patrick’s Day foods are a must. From Guinness Beer to Irish coffee drinks to stews, there are so many delicious drinks and dishes to cook up at home! If you love to bake then why not get in on the fun with the kids and bake festive Irish-themed desserts? Whether it’s shamrock-shaped cookies, green cupcakes, or boozy St. Patrick’s Day desserts (for adults only!), satisfy your sweet tooth this St. Paddy’s Day with a selection of sweet, festive treats.
Of course, for the adults, there’s the tradition of having a pint of Guinness beer. The thick, rich Irish dry stout is a must-have on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s estimated that nearly 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed on St. Patrick’s Day across the world.
Don’t forget the decorations
Then, of course, there’s the crafting and decorations. Whether you’re seasoned crafters or just in the beginning stages of DIY, our favorite St. Patrick’s day crafts offer something for everyone, from tissue paper four-leaf clovers to paper shamrock wreaths to hang on the front door. Looking for something more low-key? Head off in search of that elusive four-leaf clover, and if all else fails, don your best green shirt and drink a green beer.
For a fun-filled afternoon with your kids, plan a crafty St. Patrick’s Day with all the arts and craft supplies they need to get creative. Put together one (or a few!) of the many St. Patrick’s Day crafts to make some lasting memories with your family on 17 March.
Taste some whiskeys
Another one for the adults only, but to really get in one the spirit of St Patrick’s Day why not host a whiskey tasting with friends? Irish whiskey is hugely popular these days, so if you’re not already sipping it, then you’re missing out. Pick up a few bottles from your local liquor store and prepare to become a whiskey connoisseur with friends and family.