Saint Patrick's Day started out as a day to celebrate Saint Patrick, one of Ireland's patron saints, however it has evolved into a day of celebration of Ireland's culture.
Whether Irish or not, you can celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.
Common Saint Patrick's Day festivities include eating corned beef and cabbage with some green beer.
If you have a Saint Patrick's Day dinner party planned, consider these ideas for a gorgeous tablescape that is sure to be remembered.
Color Scheme
When decorating your dining table for Saint Patrick's Day, consider the colors you will be using.
The most popular color used for Saint Patrick's Day is definitely green.
Orange is also a popular color for Saint Patrick's Day since it is a color in the Irish flag.
The third color in the Irish flag is white, so it is also a popular color used to decorate for Saint Patrick's Day.
Since earlier images of Saint Patrick shows him wearing blue robes, blue is becoming a popular color for Saint Patrick's Day.
Use some or all of these colors for your Irish-themed table setting.
Symbols
There are several symbols that are popular in Irish folklore that can be used when decorating your Saint Patrick's Day tablescape.
Shamrocks are green clovers that were used by Saint Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity of Christianity. He also preached that rainbows are a symbol of God's promise to never destroy the earth with a flood.
Celtic knots are a part of the Celtic cross that ties back to Saint Patrick.
Leprechauns are short red haired fairies with green suits from Irish folklore. They are located at the end of rainbows with pots of gold. Legend has it that you can keep the pot of gold if you can catch a leprechaun.
Horseshoes are symbols of good luck and popular around Saint Patrick's Day.
Table Linens - the Foundation
When decorating your dining table for Saint Patrick's Day, start with your table linens.
You can use a tablecloth, table runner, placemats, or a combination of several different linens for your Saint Patrick's Day table decor.
Also consider how your cloth napkins complement your other table linens.
If you are entertaining kids or adults who tend to be a bit messy, use table linens that are easily cleanable.
Consider how your linens will complement your other tablescape elements. You might choose a solid colored white tablecloth so that your centerpiece or china is the focal point, or you might choose a busy patterned green floral tablecloth for more interest and uniqueness.
Fine China
Many people own one full set of fine china that they use for special occasions.
If you own more than one set of china, you can mix and match the pieces for a designer touch to your Saint Patrick's Day tablescape.
Consider using a charger of a different material to break up the sleek dishes. Metallic chargers and woven wicker or bamboo chargers are very popular.
A fun Saint Patrick's Day accent plate or salad plate on top of your china is a unique element that sets the theme of the dinner party and adds extra color to the tablescape.
Centerpiece and Accessories
Traditional dining table centerpieces are flowers and candles, however you can add additional elements for unique Saint Patrick's Day flair.
Consider adding metallic confetti in the shape of shamrocks if your dinner party has a more festive atmosphere. Gold coins scattered on the table are another fun option for your Irish-themed table setting.
Place cards are a nice touch if your dinner party is more formal.
Napkin rings are an optional addition to a tablescape, however offer another opportunity to add Saint Patrick's Day color or symbols to your dining table.
