Whether you are heading to a friend's bash or hosting your own, knowing what to bring to a St. Patrick's Day party goes way beyond food. We have rounded up the best Irish-inspired recipes, drinks, accessories, and decorations so you can show up like a true Irish legend — no matter your budget. This is the perfect way to prepare for the holiday and make sure every guest has a great time.
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Key Takeaways
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Classic Irish party foods such as Guinness beef sliders, shepherd's pie, and corned beef egg rolls are crowd favorites that travel well and serve a group.
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Themed accessories and costumes — from leprechaun hats to green wigs — are the easiest way to stand out and make the party feel festive.
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A great host gift, such as themed drinkware or an inflatable mug cooler priced between $10 and $20, shows you put thought into it without breaking the bank.
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Non-alcoholic options like Shamrock Shakes and mint lemonade are just as festive as green beer — and they will not stain your teeth.
10 Tasty Snacks To Bring To A St. Patrick’s Day Party
1. Guinness Beef Sliders
Guinness Beef Sliders are simple yet tasty desserts your guests can enjoy while they party the night away.
To make this, saute some onions and mushrooms in your best bottle of Guinness Irish dry stout beer, pour over sandwich rolls and roast beef, and top everything with cheese.
You can also make a Guinness glaze (Guinness beer, sugar, and spices) to pour over the sliders before you bake — trust us, this makes all the difference! Learn what to bring to a St Paddy's Day here.
2. Green Velvet Cupcakes
Put an Irish twist on red velvet cupcakes with these Green Velvet Cupcakes! Make this as you would regular cupcakes, but add a generous dash of green liquid food coloring to mimic the Irish’s lucky color.
Pipe cream cheese frosting over each cupcake once it’s completely cooled down and garnish with a chocolate coin reminiscent of treasures from the pot of gold.
Pro tip: If you prefer a naturally green option, swap the food coloring for matcha powder. It adds a subtle, earthy flavor and gives you vibrant green without artificial dye.
3. Lucky Charm Rice Krispie Treats
Take a bite out of the Lucky Charm Rice Krispie Treats and watch your luck turn around for the rest of the day.
Make sure you get the green lucky charms because they come in special shamrock shapes that are in theme with the holidays. [1]
Check out these amazing St Patrick's Day office party ideas here.
4. Corned Beef & Cabbage Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are always a smash hit at every party because of their ultimate snackability.
Make them match with the rest of your St. Paddy’s Day treats by using corned beef and cabbage for your filling.
According to history, the Irish ate cabbage and corned beef because they were less expensive than pork and potatoes and were the more practical choice for those immigrating to the United States. [2]
5. Guinness Beef Stew
The Guinness Beef Stew is a hearty meal full of tender beef and veggies, all slow-cooked in a Guinness stout broth (it’ll make your home smell amazing, too).
Everything is simmered low and slow in a large pot until the Guinness broth turns nice and thick, and the beef achieves that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
This can be served with good crusty bread or poured over a bowl of cold noodles.
6. Corned Beef Irish Nachos
Put an Irish twist on classic nachos and turn them into Corned Beef Irish Nachos.
To make this, slice your potatoes into thin slivers (to serve as nachos) and load them up with Irish toppings like cabbage, corned beef, and Swiss cheese.
Garnish with some green sprouts for extra crunch.
7. Shepherd's Pies with Lamb
Make an Irish Shepherd’s Pie with lamb as your star ingredient!
Making this dish is a yearly St. Patrick’s Day tradition in our home, and it’s super yummy when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered cabbage.
This is the perfect dish for both parties and cold rainy days.
8. Green Apple Lemonade Spritzer
Of course, you shouldn’t forget the drinks if you're serving food! The Green Apple Lemonade Spritzer celebrates all things Irish and green and is also super refreshing.
We like keeping things simple by combining lemonade, 7Up, and sour apple mix in a large pitcher and incorporating thin slices of lemons, limes, and green apples.
Add a few drops of green food coloring to make the drink even more vibrant without affecting the taste.
9. Rice Krispie Bites
Make sure you make a big batch of Rice Krispie Bites beforehand — they’ll surely be those that go super fast.
Pro tip: make three different batches of Rice Krispie and color them in varying shades of green to keep things visually interesting. Here are some St Patrick's Day decorations you can try.
10. Leprechaun Popcorn
Put a St. Patrick’s Day twist on regular popcorn by serving up Leprechaun Popcorn at your party.
Pour green candy melt all over buttered popcorn and serve with green mint M&Ms. We love how the chocolate's sweetness contrasts with the popcorn's saltiness.
Drinks To Bring To A St. Patrick's Day Party
No St. Patrick's Day party is complete without the right drinks. Whether you are the host or a guest bringing a contribution, here are the best options to keep the good times rolling.
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Irish beer and stout are the classic picks. A six-pack of Guinness, Smithwick's, or Harp Lager is always welcome. If you want to go the extra mile, bring a St. Patrick's Green Inflatable Mug Cooler to keep everything cold in style — it measures approximately 25 x 19 inches and holds around six bottles. Green beer is also a crowd favorite at most St. Paddy's Day parties — just keep in mind that green food coloring can stain countertops, clothes, and even your teeth.
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Irish whiskey, such as Jameson or Tullamore D.E.W., makes an excellent host gift. Pair it with a set of themed shot glasses or a Care Bears Good Luck Bear Sculpted Ceramic Mini Mug for a thoughtful combo that most party-goers spend in the $10 to $20 range. The Good Luck Bear mug holds approximately 3 ounces—just the right size for a celebratory pour—and its green color complements the St. Patrick's Day theme.
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Non-alcoholic options are just as festive. Shamrock shakes made with vanilla ice cream and mint extract, sparkling green lemonade, or virgin mint mojitos all deliver that St. Paddy's Day vibe without the booze. This way, every guest has something to raise a glass with.
St. Patrick's Day Party Accessories and Costumes
Showing up in green is practically required — unless you want to get penalized. But beyond a basic green shirt, the right accessories and costumes take your party look from forgettable to legendary.
Leprechaun costumes are always a hit and come with everything you need — hat, vest, and pantaloons. For something a little more subtle, a green wig or shamrock-shaped sunglasses add instant festive flair without the full costume commitment.
Party wearables such as shamrock bead necklaces, "Kiss Me I'm Irish" buttons, and green top hats are fun additions that also serve as conversation starters. They are also great to hand out to guests who show up without any green — saving them from the dreaded pinch.
Browse the full St. Patrick's Day collection for costumes, wigs, and accessories that make you the life of any party.
Pro tip for guests: If you are attending someone else's party, bringing a few extra accessories for the host and other guests is a thoughtful touch. A small bag of shamrock pins, green beads, or novelty glasses costs very little but makes a big impression.
Party Decorations and Favors To Bring
You do not have to be the host to bring the festive energy. Some of the best party contributions are decorations and favors that make the whole event feel more fun.
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Decorations that travel well include shamrock garlands, green and gold balloon bundles, and mini Irish flags. If you are feeling crafty, DIY centerpieces made from spray-painted cauldrons filled with chocolate gold coins make an eye-catching table display.
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Goodie bags are a great way to spread the St. Patrick's Day spirit. Fill them with chocolate gold coins, green-wrapped candy, shamrock stickers, and small novelty items. They are easy to assemble, and guests of all ages love taking one home.
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Photo booth props such as oversized shamrocks, leprechaun beards, and "Luck of the Irish" signs are an underutilized party contribution. Set them up near a green backdrop, and you have an instant activity that keeps guests entertained while creating memories they can share with friends.
FAQs
What brings good luck on St Patrick's Day?
Four-leaf clovers, shamrocks, and the color green are all symbols of good luck on St. Patrick's Day. The shamrock in particular has been a symbol of Ireland since St. Patrick used the three-leaf plant to teach about the Holy Trinity. If you are throwing a St Patrick's Day party, make sure you have an abundance of these symbols on display. Please remember to wear something green.
What do you put in St Patrick's Day goodie bags?
You can not go wrong with chocolate coins, green-colored candies, and shamrock pins inside St. Patrick's Day goodie bags. For an extra touch, add novelty items like four-leaf clover stickers, mini leprechaun figurines, or green bead necklaces. These festive items are all in theme with the holiday and are super easy to assemble.
What do I need for a potluck on St Patrick's Day?
For a St. Patrick's Day potluck, stick with traditional Irish dishes like shepherd's pie, Guinness beef stew, and corned beef and cabbage. Bring a side of crispy roasted potatoes or a creamy spinach dip to round out the spread. Do not forget drinks like Irish beer, whiskey, or a batch of green lemonade for a non-alcoholic option. Easy finger foods, such as corned beef egg rolls or Irish nachos, are simple to transport and serve.
What should you not bring to a St. Patrick's Day party?
Avoid dishes and drinks that have no connection to the theme — a regular veggie tray or plain soda will not match the festive vibe. Also, skip hot dogs, coleslaw, and other foods that do not fit the Irish holiday spirit. When in doubt, lean into Irish-inspired flavors like corned beef, potatoes, Guinness, and whiskey. A safe bet is always themed St. Patrick's Day accessories that everyone can enjoy.
How much should I spend on something to bring to a St. Patrick's Day party?
A good rule of thumb is to spend between $10 and $20 on your party contribution. That covers a solid appetizer with ingredients, a bottle of Irish whiskey or a six-pack of beer, or a thoughtful host gift like themed drinkware or a pint glass set. The goal is to be thoughtful without going overboard.
Final Say
From hearty Guinness beef stew to themed costumes and festive decorations, there is no shortage of great things to bring to a St. Patrick's Day party. Whether you bring a homemade Irish dish, a bottle of Jameson, or a bag of green accessories for the whole crew, the best contributions are those that bring people together.
Our personal favorite is still the Guinness Beef Stew — we can simply add everything to the pot and let it simmer until everything turns soft and delicious. But pairing that with themed drinkware or a fun costume? That is how you really make an entrance.
References:
- https://www.europeana.eu/en/blog/why-the-shamrock-is-a-symbol-of-ireland
- https://www.delish.com/food/a38939/history-corned-beef-st-patricks-day-foods/
