Effortless Entertaining: St. Patrick’s Day with Style

Hello, La Dolce Vita readers! Erin from Fig Cotton here with your roadmap to a chic, nontraditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner party. If you are like me, having a few wonderful friends over for a beautiful dinner beats fighting the crowds of drunken faux Irishmen on St. Paddy’s Day. I love the idea of the holiday, and I think it can definitely translate into an elegant and modern affair…all effortlessly, of course!

1/ A dinner party is only as successful as the fun its guests are having, but the food is a close second. Here is a great menu for your soiree. 2/ What is St. Paddy’s Day without whiskey? Well, I think that is what my husband would ask, at least. To keep the men happy, put together a quick whiskey bar. This does NOT need to be elaborate; they are dudes, after all. All you need is 3-4 different whiskey varietals (at least one Irish!), multiple highball or larger shot glasses, and some cute signs giving them a little information on each. Here is some great inspiration. 3/ Ah, flowers. While I love a white palette for dishes and linens (see #5 below), flowers are where then fun is for me. For this dinner, think lots of greens (obviously). I love this modern take on a centerpiece using items you can find in your backyard or in the greenery “filler” section of the supermarket floral department. If you are thinking you want something a bit more classic, look here for inspiration. 4/ Now, so you won’t get pinched (who thought of that anyhow??), you need some green in your party hostess outfit. Since I like to keep my wardrobe simple and comfortable when I am entertaining, I would throw on some comfortable flats in a perfect hue and pair them with a black shift or distressed skinny jeans. I adore these flats from Nordstrom. 5/ I usually entertain with white dishes and linens, but I do like to throw in a pop of color when I can. This place setting inspiration is an easy way to keep your table clean and elegant while bringing in the color of the holiday. 6/ For another easy pop of green, try simple green place cards. These are precious and very easy to recreate. All you need is some green card stock and a white pen! 7/ For dessert, you don’t need to go green. This indulgent Irish cream bread pudding will be the perfect finishing touch to your evening! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Erin