St Patrick’s Day Party Ideas
St Patrick's Day, on 17 March, is one of the most fun days to decorate because the brief is so simple: go green. A bit of shamrock, a splash of gold and a few daft accessories turn any room or pub corner into a proper celebration.
Here is how to get the colours right and dress the party without overthinking it.
Go green, then add gold
Green leads everything on St Patrick's Day, so build from there and use gold and white to stop it looking flat.
- Green for the bulk of the decorations, from bunting and balloons to tableware.
- Gold as the accent, on coins, confetti and a foil balloon or two. It nods to the pot of gold and lifts all that green.
- White and a touch of orange if you want to echo the Irish tricolour across banners and flags.
Shamrocks, harps and leprechaun hats are the shorthand everyone recognises, so a few dotted around make the theme instantly clear. A green and gold balloon cluster by the door sets the tone before anyone is through it.
Dress up and decorate
St Patrick's Day is as much about what you wear as what is on the walls, so lean into the accessories.
- Headwear and accessories. Leprechaun hats, shamrock deely boppers, green wigs and beards are cheap, hand out well and get everyone in the spirit.
- Walls and doorways. Shamrock bunting, foil curtains and hanging swirls fill a space fast for very little.
- The table. Green plates, cups and napkins with gold accents keep the food area on theme.
Frequently asked questions
What colours should a St Patrick's Day party be?
Green first, always. Add gold as the accent for coins, confetti and a foil balloon, and bring in white and a little orange if you want to reference the Irish flag. Keeping green dominant and gold as the highlight is the quickest way to make it look deliberate.
Is it a kids party or an adults thing?
It works for both. For families, lean on shamrock balloons, hats and a simple green table. For an adults' night in or at the pub, the same colours plus beards, wigs and a bit of gold bunting do the job. The theme scales either way.
How do I decorate on a small budget?
Air-filled balloons, paper bunting and a pack of hats give you the most impact for the least money. Tape a green and gold balloon arch over the doorway, string bunting across one wall and hand out the accessories as people arrive.
Get the green in: shop St Patrick's Day party supplies, decorations and fancy dress, or add finishing touches from the full decorations range.
More in the Seasonal guide