St. Patrick's Day Party Food & Decorating Ideas: How to Rock Your St. Paddy's Day Party With Cheryl Leahy by Donna John

St. Patrick’s Day is fun to celebrate, even if you’re not Irish! Cheryl Leahy, the hostess with the mostest, stopped by to inspire us. She shared her best tips for having a blast this St. Paddy’s Day. From what to wear to what to do, and even what to eat and drink, Cheryl showed us how to wow your guests (even if only family)! Your luck o’ the Irish awaits, so read on!

Q: St. Patrick’s Day is so much fun! How do you add even more flair?
I love a St. Patrick’s Day ombre manicure. Easy to do! Use three different colors of green, stripe on nails and sponge to blend. You can use temporary tattoos as nail art! Cut around the tattoo, apply as you would on skin and add clear top coat. A little green eyeshadow and liner go a long way! You can do a combination of green and gold as well.

Q: How about the kids? How can we make it fun for the whole family?
Why not build a leprechaun trap? My 4-year-old had a blast putting one together! Let them have full creative control. Bake together! I make Lucky Charms Treats (similar to Rice Krispie Treats). Easy for kids to help! Shamrock punch is an easy one, it’s just 7Up plus lime sherbet!

Q: It’s all about ambiance, right? How do you decorate for St. Patrick’s Day?
I created a simple “LUCKY” pennant banner with cardboard, burlap and wood letters. Grab pots of clover from a nursery (or grocery store!) and use as your centerpieces. Use a green plastic tablecloth as a backdrop for a photo booth.

Q: Let’s talk cocktails! What are some easy yet delish drinks to serve guests?
My favorite is a Boozy Shamrock Shake with vanilla ice cream, creme de menthe, Bailey’s and vodka in a blender. I also love Guinness Floats — chocolate ice cream plus Guinness! Add a straw and enjoy! Green beer! Just add food coloring to make this “traditional” Irish drink.

Q: What food can I serve to guests that are St. Patrick’s Day themed?
I love a mashed potato bar. This is one of the easiest items to serve. Costco has the best pre-made mashed potatoes. When you have a mashed potato bar, make the toppings fun – blue cheese, french-fried onions, bacon! I make corned beef and cabbage sliders with Hawaiian rolls packed with sliced corned beef and topped with cole slaw. And try buffalo chicken pinwheels – a spinach tortilla spread with a mix of cream cheese, shredded chicken, hot sauce and blue cheese.

Q: Everyone needs a little sweet treat at the end of the night! What are some fun recipes?

• Pot o’ Gold Truffles: Mix crushed Grasshopper cookies with cream cheese, form into balls and dip in melted chocolate.
• Rice Krispie Pops: Make Rice Krispie treats, dye green, cut into rectangles and insert a lollipop stick, then dip into melted chocolate.
• Irish Cream Cheesecake Parfaits: Buy cheesecake and scoop it into mini glasses. Add peppermint whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

Wow! We’re ready to host a rockin’ St. Patrick’s Day party thanks to @CJAllDressedUp! To learn more about Cheryl, visit her website, AllDressedUpWithNothingToDrink.com, follow @CJAllDressedUp and like her on Facebook!

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