Feel the luck of the Irish with these must-have items for your Paddy’s Day party.
If your Irish roots run as deep as potatoes in the dirt, or you go green just one day a year, these are the 10 St. Patrick’s Day essentials to break out on March 17th. Use these during every St. Patrick’s Day holiday (assuming they stay in your possession) for future parades, road races, or Irish-themed bar crawls.
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the best holidays to get dressed up for, because … well, it’s fun. But also because it adds to the spirit of the day. There’s nothing like clinking steins with fellow Irish men and women while wearing shamrocks on your head. And the more participation by your group, the better.
Get ready for a proper St. Patrick’s Day celebration with our top 10 essentials.
WEAR GREEN
Don’t get pinched! Wear green all over, or stick to a statement piece like a nice green blazer. If a shamrock suit is your style, there are plenty of options online. If you prefer a subtle pop of color, snag some merch from the Guiness shop. Not only will you be repping one of the most popular Paddy’s Day beers around, you’ll avoid painful pinches by your friends all day long.
HAT
There’s only one rule here — the taller the hat, the better. Grab a party top hat for the day at your local dollar store or purchase in bulk for your group online. If your squad is celebrating the day in public around town, it’s practical to match so you can easily find everyone. A shamrock ball cap or antennas are also perfectly acceptable for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
STEIN
St. Patrick’s Day is a great time of year to BYOS (Bring Your Own Stein). Pick plastic instead of glass if you’re carrying this monster cup around town. But if you’re careful and classy, real vintage steins are readily available online, and make a great accessory to your St. Patrick’s Day outfit.
SHAMROCK SUNGLASSES
Rain, snow, or shine, shamrock sunglasses are always in style on St. Patrick’s Day. See the world in green with glasses that will complete your holiday look. Just don’t spend too much money on these — you’re more likely to find a pot of gold than have these return home with you.
DOG BANDANAS
Include your dog in the celebration with fun bandanas made for morning walks, brewery patios, and greeting party guests at the door. Save the shamrock antennas for a quick Instagram video, and then give your pup a look they can rock all day long. And if your dog’s name is Lucky — you absolutely must get their name custom embroidered on the edge.
IRISH WHISKEY
Beer is good, wine is better, and Irish whiskey is absolutely essential for this happy holiday. Bring some along or grab a handful of shooters for your group. Just remember to drink responsibly, watch out for your friends, and have a list of quick Irish toasts at the ready for every shot, bomb, or the first sip of a quality cocktail.
SOCKS
Not normal socks … we’re talking striped knee-highs, shamrock dress socks, or sporty compression socks for your local 5K. It’s the easiest way to get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit and even if you were pants, people can still see them when you sit down. Plus, socks are an easy way to stay warm during a rainy or snowy St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
SHEPHERD'S PIE
Any meat and potatoes dish will do, but there’s something especially comforting about a good shepherd's pie. Enjoy it the night before your long celebration, and save leftovers for late night snacking when you get home. Or make it ahead and pop it in the oven for a meal your whole family will love.
CHOCOLATE COINS
Chocolate dessert is essential on St. Patrick’s Day, but if you want something super easy, place chocolate coins in bowls around the house or bring them to the bars and toss this treasure at your friends. Delicious and easy, chocolate coins are the perfect treat for St. Patrick’s Day.
TEMPORARY TATTOOS
Rainbows, shamrocks, pots of gold, oh my! Break out the temporary tattoos and watch your friends and family put them on their face, arms, or wherever a good flex can make their tattoo leprechaun do a little dance.
