17 Ways to Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day

It’s time to break out the shamrocks and enjoy the holiday weekend. Gather a few friends together and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, even if you’re favorite color isn’t green.

Here are some light-hearted ways to observe a favorite March holiday.

1. A Treat for Your Fingers or Toes

   Add some green polish and gold glitter to your nails. Don’t compromise your professional appearance during the week, but let your inner leprechaun shine through over the weekend. For something less permanent, experiment with decals or do your own DIY manicure – lose the green polish by Monday so you will be ready for a serious client meeting or presentation.

2. Tee Time

   Whether it’s a simple shamrock tank or a classic “Kiss Me I’m Irish” tee shirt, there are tons of cute options to choose. A green sweater or a fun pair of leprechaun socks will also do the trick.

3. Tasty Treats

   There’s nothing better than celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with shamrock-shaped, chocolate mint sugar cookies. Find a recipe on Pinterest or order a dozen from your local bakery.

4. Play a Round of St. Patrick’s Day Trivia

   Whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying the day with your children, a quick game of fun facts is a great way to learn about the holiday. Did you know St. Patrick wasn’t Irish?

5. Attend a St. Patrick’s Day Parade

   It goes without saying, a holiday weekend is the perfect time to enjoy an outing filled with food, music, dancing and other festivities. Grab a blanket to sit on, pack a basket full of great picnic food and enjoy the outdoors.

6. Run a Race

   From San Diego to Ft. Lauderdale, cities across the country hold races, marathons and other sporting events to celebrate the holiday—who knows… you might even win a pot of gold!

7. Drink Green Beer

   It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without a pint of green beer! This unique twist on a traditional beverage was said to have been created by Dr. Thomas Curtin in 1914.

8. Kiss Your Favorite Leprechaun

   Is your significant other the one sporting the “Kiss Me I’m Irish” shirt? Don’t forget to give them an lucky smooch for good luck. Skip the pinch when wishing friends and neighbors a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” greetings!

9. Set a Green Table

   St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion to host a small get-together. Remember to include a touch of green when setting the table. Use your best table manners and don’t forget the B and D rule.

10. Visit an Irish Pub

    Whether you’re part of a St. Patrick’s themed pub crawl, or with a small group of festive friends, be sure to stop at an authentic Irish pub!

11. Dress Up Your Pup

    Why should your four-legged friends miss out on all the fun? Deck them out in the cutest green garb and bring them with you to your festivities— they’ll likely be the star of the show!

12. Gift Something Green to a Neighbor

    In the spirit of the holiday, gift your neighbor a small token to show them you’re thinking of them. Whether it’s a plate of freshly-baked cookies or a package of green jelly beans and a handwritten note, they’re sure to be surprised by your sweet gesture. It also breeds community goodwill.

13. Visit a Green River

    From Chicago to San Antonio, more and more cities have adopted the tradition of dyeing their rivers green in celebration of the holiday. Look online to see if your city does too!

14. Research Your Family’s History

    Have you ever wondered if there’s a trace of Irish blood in your lineage? Take the opportunity to ask your relatives or do some research online—you might be surprised at what you find.

15. Join the Kids  

    Keep the kids occupied with a few holiday crafts. From baking to making their own leprechaun hats, there are plenty of cute finds on Pinterest that promise an afternoon of fun.

16. Listen to Traditional (or Contemporary) Irish Music
    

    There’s plenty of Irish tunes to match any taste. Traditional Irish folk music is a delight to hear and everyone loves revisiting rock classics by Dropkick Murphys or the Cranberries.

17. Find a Lucky 4-Leaf Clover

    The odds of you finding one are 1 in 10,000. So if you happen to come across one, frame that little guy— it’s enough luck to last a lifetime.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, you may enjoy St. Patrick’s Day Etiquette. Read her posts on Inc., and HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Diane’s latest book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life is available on Amazon.