st. patrick's day Archives

Marylou McCann’s Irish Soda Bread

For 1-800-Flowers.com founder Jim McCann and his family, St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate their Irish heritage and welcome the arrival of spring.

The McCann family has several St. Patrick’s Day rituals. For Jim, the day always starts with a friend who sends out a text message at the crack of dawn. “Top O’ the mornin’ to ye!” it reads.

One of their favorite traditions is watching — and sometimes marching in — New York City’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Once, Jim and his wife Marylou were afforded a perfect view from the steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as a guest of Cardinal Timothy Dolan with their good friend Ed O’Brien. It’s a memory he’ll never forget.

Marylou spices things up with her famous Irish soda bread. Her recipe strays from tradition (accidentally, of course) by adding and omitting a few ingredients. The first time was a mix-up, but the result was so craic-ing good that the McCann clan demanded she keep the magic intact for years to come.

Dive into Marylou’s special soda bread recipe and brace yourself for a taste of Irish luck.

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Marylou McCann’s Irish Soda Bread

Ingredients:

4 cups flour, sifted
¾ tsp baking soda
3 tsp baking powder
1 cup sugar
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup raisins
1 egg
1 tbsp caraway seeds (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, sift together dry ingredients.
Stir in all remaining ingredients with a wooden spoon.
Pour batter into a greased and lightly floured angel food pan and bake for 50 minutes.
Remove from the oven, slice, and serve.

Notes:

If you want to avoid the crust getting too hard, rub it with butter when removing the bread from the oven.

Cuisine: Irish

58 St. Patrick’s Day Quotes to Bring Luck and Good Fortune

It’s time to don our green attire, raise a glass of Guinness, and immerse ourselves in the lively and spirited celebration of all things Irish. Aye, laddie, St. Patrick’s Day is nearly here.

From traditional blessings to humorous quips, St. Patrick’s Day quotes encapsulate the charm, wit, and warmth of Irish culture. These 58 delightful quotes capture the essence of this joyous occasion, spreading the luck and laughter of St. Patrick’s Day far and wide.

Quotes about St. Patrick’s Day

“It’s St. Paddy’s Day — everyone’s Irish tonight.” – Norman Reedus (as Murphy MacManus) in “The Boondock Saints”
“For the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o’ March!” – Thomas Augustine Daly
“The list of Irish saints is past counting; but in it all no other figure is so human, friendly, and lovable as St. Patrick.” – Stephen Gwynn
“Everybody is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, but if your name is Eisenhower, you’ve got to wear something green to show it.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
“It is St Patrick’s Day, and here at Scranton, that is a huge deal…It is the closest that the Irish will ever get to Christmas.” – Steve Carell (as Michael Scott) in “The Office”

st patricks day quotes cookies coffee flowers

“Every St. Patrick’s Day, every Irishman goes out to find another Irishman to make a speech to.” – Shane Leslie
“Most Irish Americans feel the same way about St. Patrick’s Day that Italian Americans feel about ‘Jersey Shore.’” – Jim Gaffigan
“I adore the St. Patrick’s Day tradition of fighting your whole family on the front lawn after sundown.” – Ryan Reynolds
“They say there are only two kinds of people on St. Patrick’s Day: the Irish and the people that drive them home.” – Conan O’Brien
“I come from an Irish Family. St. Patrick’s Day was our big holiday. The night before we’d hang up our stockings, and in the morning they’d be full of beer.” – Sean Morey

St. Patrick’s Day quotes about luck

“Luck is believing you’re lucky.” – Tennessee Williams, “A Streetcar Named Desire”
“The best luck of all is the luck you make for yourself.” – Douglas MacArthur
“The amount of good luck coming your way depends on your willingness to act.” – Barbara Sher
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” – Thomas Jefferson
“I’ve always thought you’ve got to believe in luck to get it.” – Victoria Holt
“We are all a great deal luckier than we realize. We usually get what we want — or near enough.” – Roald Dahl

st patricks day quotes woman holding flowers

“Luck is not chance, it’s toil. Fortune’s expensive smile is earned.” – Emily Dickinson
“You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from.” – Cormac McCarthy, “No Country for Old Men”
“I’ve always believed in luck. I love the fact that people can change their lives instantly.” – Fiona Barton
“When it comes to luck, you make your own.” – Bruce Springsteen, “Lucky Town”
“You’ve got to think lucky. If you fall into a mudhole, check your back pocket —you might have caught a fish.” – Darrell Royal
“You gotta try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it.” – Jimmy Dean
“If you work, if you wait, you will find the place where the four-leaf clovers grow.” – Ella Higginson, “Four-leaf Clover”
“Don’t throw away luck on little stuff. Save it up.” – Tim O’Brien
“The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.” – Wilson Mizner
“Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca

“Good luck needs no explanation.” – Shirley Temple
“Luck? Luck is hard work — and realizing what is opportunity and what isn’t.” – Lucille Ball
“Diligence is the mother of good luck.” – Benjamin Franklin
“Luck marches with those who give their very best.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.
“It’s hard to detect good luck — it looks so much like something you’ve earned.” – Frank A. Clark

Gift ideas for St. Patrick’s Day

st. patricks day quotes Claddagh bracelet Set — Claddagh Bracelet Set

st. patricks day quotes Money Tree — Money Tree

st. patricks day quotes st. paddys rice krispie treats — St. Paddy’s Rice Krispie Treats

St. Patrick’s Day quotes about Ireland and being Irish

“Being Irish is very much a part of who I am. I take it everywhere with me.” – Colin Farrell
“Even when they have nothing, the Irish emit a kind of happiness, a joy.” – Fiona Shaw
“Ireland is a land of poets and legends, of dreamers and rebels.” – Nora Roberts
“I will tell you, my body immediately responds to being in Ireland because every single cell in my body says yes.” – Conan O’Brien
“Being Irish, he had an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustained him through temporary periods of joy.” – William Butler Yeats
“I’m Irish!…When I feel well, I feel better than anyone, when I am in pain, I yell at the top of my lungs, and when I am dead, I shall be deader than anybody.” – Morgan Llywelyn
“The great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made mad / For all their wars are merry, and all their songs are sad.” – G.K. Chesterton, “The Ballad of the White Horse”

“Thankfully, the rest of the world assumed that the Irish were crazy, a theory that the Irish themselves did nothing to debunk. They had somehow got it into their heads that each fairy lugged around a pot of gold with him wherever he went. While it was true that LEP had a ransom fund, because of its officers’ high-risk occupation, no human had ever taken a chunk of it yet. This didn’t stop the Irish population in general from skulking around rainbows, hoping to win the supernatural lottery.” – Eoin Colfer, “Artemis Fowl”
“I think being a woman is like being Irish…Everyone says you’re important and nice, but you take second place all the time.” – Iris Murdoch
“There is no language like the Irish for soothing and quieting.” – John Millington Synge
“When anyone asks me about the Irish character, I say look at the trees. Maimed, stark and misshapen, but ferociously tenacious.” – Edna O’Brien
“It’s not that the Irish are cynical. It’s rather that they have a wonderful lack of respect for everything and everybody.” – Brendan Behan
“To anyone with a drop of Irish blood in them, the land they live on is like their mother. It’s the only thing that lasts, that’s worth working for, worth fighting for.” – Alexandra Ripley
“To be Irish is to know that, in the end, the world will break your heart.” – Daniel Patrick Moynihan

“The heart of an Irishman is nothing but his imagination.” – George Bernard Shaw, “John Bull’s Other Island”
“Love is never defeated, and, I could add, the history of Ireland proves it.” – Pope John Paul II
“I’m not going to a distant world. I’m of Ireland, and I’ll stay in Ireland until I die!” – Tom Cruise (as Joseph Donnelly) in “Far and Away”
“I wish that I could stop feeling that I want to be an Irish girl in Ireland.” – Saoirse Ronan (as Eilis) in “Brooklyn”
“Ireland, once you live there, you’re seduced by it.” – Frank McCourt
“You can take a man out of Ireland, but you can’t take the Irishness out of the man.” – Tyson Fury
“That’s what the holidays are for — for one person to tell the stories and another to dispute them. Isn’t that the Irish way?” – Lara Flynn Boyle

st patricks day quotes flowers coffee cookies

“If you’re Irish, it doesn’t matter where you go — you’ll find family.” – Victoria Smurfit
“In Ireland, the inevitable never happens and the unexpected constantly occurs.” – John Pentland Mahaffy
“Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible.” – Charles Haughey
“Ireland, sir, for good or evil, is like no other place under heaven, and no man can touch its sod or breathe its air without becoming better or worse.” – George Bernard Shaw, “John Bull’s Other Island”
“Irish history fact: We invented whiskey, sarcasm, and bare-knuckle brawling. All on the same night. In that order.” – Denis Leary
“If this humor be the safety of our race, then it is due largely to the infusion into the American people of the Irish brain.” – William Howard Taft

A Verdant Variety of Blooms: 20 Types of Green Flowers

Green flowers possess a refreshing charm that sets them apart in the world of blooms. Whether sporting vibrant shades or subtle hues, these blossoms bring a unique allure to the botanical tapestry of any outdoor space and herald the arrival of spring.

Given their relative rarity in nature, green flowers are natural difference makers in gardens and homes alike. Let’s explore these 20 types of green flowers that have a wide variety of uses, from St. Patrick’s Day decorations to spring-themed centerpieces to wedding arrangements.

1. Button pom

The green button pom flower, sometimes referred to as the Yoko Ono or Kermit pom, is a type of chrysanthemum that sports a bright color and unique shape. This fragrant flower adds a touch of liveliness and fun to any room or arrangement.

Sun exposure: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: 5-9

Bloom time: Late spring to early fall

types of green flowers Chrysanthemum Morifolium Green Pom Button or chrysanthemum morif

2. Spider mum (Chrysanthemum x morifolium)

With its one-of-a-kind look, the spider mum turns any floral arrangement into a show stopper. Known for their distinctive and elongated petals that give them the appearance of spider legs, these unique flowers are favorites in autumn gardens.

Sun exposure: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: 5-9

Bloom time: Late summer to fall

types of green flowers grüne Chrysantheme Blüte

3. Bells of Ireland (Molucella laevis)

Cultivated since the 1500s, Bells of Ireland are a stunning addition to any bouquet or garden. Although these types of green flowers originated in Turkey, the combination of their color and association with luck led to the Irish-inspired nickname.

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: 2-11

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

types of green flowers Close up beautiful Bells of Ireland flowers. Shell flower.

4. Cymbidium orchid (Cymbidium)

This decorative plant blooms from spring to fall, producing beautiful flowers — in colors including lime green — that provide the perfect contrasting touch to your garden. Orchids also make a great addition to a centerpiece or corsage.

Sun exposure: Bright, indirect light

Soil needs: Well-draining orchid mix (avoid regular potting soil)

USDA hardiness zones: N/A (grown as indoor plants)

Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

types of green flowers A flower of the green Cymbidium orchid

5. Gladiolus “Green Star”

Uniquely colored with petals blooming along a tall stem, the green gladiolus is gaining in popularity and popping up in gardens across the world. Planting it in the early spring will produce the most impressive blooms.

Sun exposure: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: 8-11

Bloom time: Late spring to early fall

types of green flowers Gladiolus in wild countryside garden. Blooming green gladiolus f

6. Anthurium (Anthurium spp.)

The anthurium, also called “laceleaf” or “flamingo flower,” blooms into a stunning flower with unique heart-shaped leaves, making it one of the most popular tropical houseplants. It is know as the world’s longest-blooming houseplant; each bloom of the anthurium can last up to eight weeks!

Sun exposure: Bright, indirect light

Soil needs: Well-draining, loose, and airy potting mix

USDA hardiness zones: N/A (cultivated as indoor plants)

Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

types of green flowers Group of fresh white and green Anthurium lily or flamingo lily f

7. Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)

Zinnias are vibrant and cheerful annual flowers that add a burst of color to gardens and landscapes. With a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and colors — green included — zinnias are known for their resilience, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Sun exposure: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH

USDA hardiness zones: 3-10

Bloom time: Late spring to first frost

types of green flowers Close up of one beautiful large green zinnia flower in full bloo

8. Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)

Hydrangeas are iconic flowering shrubs known for their large, showy blooms and lush, vibrant foliage. These versatile plants offer a timeless and elegant presence in gardens, with a diverse range of varieties that provide different flower shapes and colors, including green.

Sun exposure: Partial to full shade

Soil needs: Well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter

USDA hardiness zones: 3-9

Bloom time: Late spring to early fall

types of green flowers Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lime' Jane blooming in summer garden.

9. Rose (Rosa)

Roses stand as timeless symbols of love and beauty, gracing gardens and landscapes with their exquisite blooms and intoxicating fragrance. With an extensive variety of colors — green among them — forms, and fragrances, roses have captivated the hearts of gardeners and flower lovers for centuries.

Sun exposure: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter

USDA hardiness zones: 4-9

Bloom time: Late spring to early fall

types of green flowers Green roses in the garden.

10. Green hellebore (Helleborus viridis)

A charming perennial plant that adds early-season interest to shaded gardens, green hellebore is valued for its distinctive, palmate (“palm-like”) leaves and clusters of nodding, green flowers. With its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, this European native is a resilient and enchanting choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders.

Sun exposure: Partial to full shade

Soil needs: Well-draining, humus-rich soil

USDA hardiness zones: 5-9

Bloom time: Late winter to early spring

types of green flowers Green flowers. Helleborus viridis, commonly called green hellebo

Best green flower gift ideas

types of green flowers Fields of Europe — Fields of Europe

types of green flowers Pearls Of Green Dried Flowers Bouquet — Pearls of Green Dried Flower Bouquet

types of green flowers Vibrant Blooms Bouquet — Vibrant Blooms Bouquet

11. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Carnations are timeless and versatile flowers that have adorned gardens, bouquets, and arrangements for centuries. With their delicate fringed petals and sweet fragrance, carnations symbolize love, admiration, and fascination. The green type of this flower carries particular significance in the LGBTQ+ community.

Sun exposure: Full to partial shade

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: 6-9

Bloom time: Late spring to early fall

types of green flowers green carnation flowers in the garden

12. Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)

Known for their intricate petals and stunning array of shapes and sizes, dahlias are a favorite among gardeners and florists alike. From the classic dinner-plate varieties to the petite pompons, these enchanting blooms contribute a burst of elegance and charm to gardens, borders, and floral arrangements. They are especially popular as wedding flowers.

Sun exposure: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: 8-11

Bloom time: Late spring to first frost

types of green flowers photo of green pom dahlia in the garden

13. Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias)

Mediterranean spurge, also known as Albanian spurge, is a striking perennial known for its architectural presence and unique flowering structure. This drought-tolerant plant — with its upright stems, gray-green foliage, and distinctive flower heads — brings height and visual interest to gardens everywhere.

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil needs: Prefers well-draining soil, but is well-adapted to poor, rocky soils

USDA hardiness zones: 7-10

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

types of green flowers Euphorbia flowering evergreen plant in a garden.

14. Calla lily “Green Goddess” (Zantedeschia aethiopica)

Standing as a symbol of elegance and sophistication, the calla lily is best known for its exquisite trumpet-shaped flowers and sleek, arrowhead-shaped leaves. Native to southern Africa, this perennial beauty is a beloved choice for weddings, floral arrangements, and garden landscapes.

Sun exposure: Partial shade to full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining, fertile soil

USDA hardiness zones: 8-10

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

types of green flowers types of green flowers green goddess calla lily

15. Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus)

Ranunculus, a native of the Eastern Mediterranean, is a captivating flowering bulb with layers of delicate, paper-thin petals and vibrant colors. Often referred to as the Persian buttercup, the ranunculus is a symbol of radiant charm and elegance.

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: 8-11

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

types of green flowers Pink and Green Pon Pon Ranunculus

16. Echinacea “Green Jewel”

This distinctive cultivar of the native purple coneflower is known for its unique green-centered blooms. A perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, the echinacea “Green Jewel” is adored for its ornamental value, attracting pollinators while providing a captivating display in gardens.

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: 3-8

Bloom time: Early to late summer

types of green flowers Echinacea (Green jewel) flowers in the garden

17. Sweet William “Green Ball” (Dianthus barbatus)

Sweet William is a charming and fragrant biennial or short-lived perennial that has been a garden favorite for centuries. Known for its clusters of vibrant and eye-catching green flowers, Sweet William adds a touch of nostalgia and allure to cottage gardens and landscapes.

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: 3-9

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

18. Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata)

This unique and eye-catching annual is known for its distinctive flower heads that resemble vibrant, velvety crests or combs. Native to tropical regions, cockscomb adds a touch of exotic flair to gardens and landscapes with its flamboyant blooms and rich colors.

Sun exposure: Full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: N/A (grown as an annual)

Bloom time: Late spring to early fall

types of green flowers Cockscomb, Chinese Wool Flower, Celosia argentea L. var. cristat

19. Flowering tobacco (Nicotiana alata)

Flowering tobacco is a fragrant and ornamental annual that graces gardens with its elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and alluring scent. The plant is prized for its nocturnal fragrance, making it a captivating addition to evening gardens.

Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: N/A (grown as an annual)

Bloom time: Late spring to early fall

types of green flowers Nicotiana sanderae Lime Flower growing in the Garden. Fragrant Nicotiana alata Blooming. Jasmine, sweet, winged tobacco, tanbaku Persian Blossoming. Limelight color. Nicotiana tabacum green flowers

20. Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis)

A perennial herbaceous plant celebrated for its distinctive foliage and delicate, frothy flowers, lady’s mantle is a low-maintenance beauty that is a favorite in cottage gardens and landscapes. Its unique leaves, charming flowers, and adaptability make it a versatile and enchanting addition to various garden settings.

Sun exposure: Partial shade to full sun

Soil needs: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH

USDA hardiness zones: 3-8

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

types of green flowers Closeup of flowering Lady’s mantle plant (Alchemilla)

St. Patrick’s Day Decor: 2 DIY Ideas with Flowers

St. Patrick’s Day brings together unique colors, and color combinations, that you don’t get to play around with much during the rest of the year. Here, we offer two St. Patrick’s Day decor ideas with flowers: A centerpiece that mimics the Irish flag and a floral arrangement constructed from symbols of the holiday: green carnations, cabbage, and potatoes.

st. patrick's day decor with irish flag made from flowers

Irish flag centerpiece

Creating a centerpiece modeled after the Irish “tricolour” — as the flag of Ireland is frequently referred to — is very easy and will last for a few weeks. This works out great for anyone (like me) who likes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day for the entire month of March!

The simplicity of the flag’s design of three colors in three equal parts makes it easy to recreate in flowers. The meaning behind it, however, is deep and captures the desire for peace during conflict. Here is what each color of the flag represents.

Green

Green is a color long associated with Ireland and Irish republicanism. Back in the 1700s, the Society of United Irishmen, who were predominantly Catholic, launched a rebellion to end British rule, resulting in the creation of an independent Irish Republic.

st. patrick's day decor with Saint Patrick's Day parade with Irish flag

Orange

Protestant King William III led an army that defeated the Catholics, led by King James, in the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. King William was known as William of Orange because he came from the Principality of Orange. More than 100 years later, the Northern Ireland-based Orange Order, a Protestant supremacy group, was formed. Over time, orange came to represent Protestant British unionists.

White

Between the two opposing colors of green and orange is white, which represents peace and the hope of a lasting truce between the two sides.

The flag represents the ideal that every Irish person has a place in Ireland regardless of political association or ethnicity.

Flowers you’ll need

Green button poms
White cushion poms
Orange spray roses

How to make it

Choose a shallow rectangular container that is either waterproof or can be lined with plastic.
Soak a few bricks of floral foam in a sink or bowl of water.
Cut the foam to fill the entire container. The foam should sit just at the height of the container.
If you’re transporting your centerpiece to another location, use waterproof tape to secure it to the container; otherwise, it’s not necessary.

st. patrick's day decor with irish flag floral foam container

Cut each individual flower from the main stem, leaving only about 1-1½” of stem to insert into the foam.
Measure and mark the foam into three equal parts.
Starting at one side, insert each flower in that colorway, one at a time, directly into the foam. Continue until you have finished the three color sections of the flag.
Spritz your flag with water and add water to the tray/container every few days to keep it fresh.

Tip: An easy way to add water to the container is to slip a few ice cubes between the flowers. They’ll melt and keep the foam moist!

st. patrick's day decor with beer mug flowers

Looking for another fun craft to make for March 17? Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like a big old mug of “beer”!

St. Patrick’s Day DIY floral arrangement

What better way to decorate your house this March 17 than with this easy-to-make DIY St. Patrick’s Day floral arrangement!

st. patrick's day decor with green floral arrangement

Materials needed

1 large head of cabbage
6 green carnations
6 stems of Bells of Ireland
2 stems of monte casino
A small piece of floral foam
Paring knife
Plastic cup
A few red potatoes (optional)

Instructions

Carefully cut out the top of the cabbage (about a 2-by-2 hole) with a paring knife, cutting at least 2 inches deep.
Cut a plastic cup to fit into the hole, making sure it sticks out at least a half inch above the opening in the cabbage.
Place the soaked foam in the cup so it is at least 1 inch higher than the cup. Note: Make sure to use the plastic cup because the floral foam and cabbage together are not aroma friendly.
Starting at the top, place your first Bells of Ireland into the floral foam (about 1-1/2 times the height of the cabbage). Continue to add the bells in a triangular shape.
Add the green carnations.
Complete your arrangement by adding the monte casino as filler.

Optional: We added some potatoes alongside our arrangement, so feel free to accent your St. Patrick’s Day flowers with some spuds at the base of the cabbage.

9 St. Patrick’s Day Gift Ideas for Friends and Family

Watching a colorful parade. Enjoying a plate of corned beef and cabbage and a pint of green beer at the pub. Wearing green to an after-work party. These are just a few of the traditional ways people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family.

st. patricks day gift ideas with cookies and flowers

Another way to spread the magic of St. Patrick’s Day is by giving gifts to your loved ones. Freda Hayes of Blarney Woolen Mills, an Irish goods store in Blarney, Ireland, tells us that you can pass on the luck of the Irish by gifting something green.

“Shamrock grows freely in the gardens of Ireland,” Hayes says, “but there is probably a garden center near you that sells shamrock plants.” She also recommends a home celebration that includes “plenty of Irish music and dancing, and lots of traditional Irish food on the table.” She suggests serving up heaping amounts of traditional Irish stew and lots of spuds (potatoes).

As the saying goes, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. With that in mind, here’s a list of St. Patrick’s Day gift ideas to get your loved ones in the green spirit this March 17.

St. Patrick’s Day gift ideas for the home

Green is the color associated with Ireland, aka the Emerald Isle. This St. Patrick’s Day, why not decorate your home with green shamrocks, green leprechauns, and green flowers?

Lucky Clovers Oxalis Plant

This charming plant features delicate white blooms and green clover-shaped leaves in a festively decorated wrap. Along with an inscribed shamrock keepsake, this gift is the perfect way to send good luck to someone for St. Patrick’s Day.

Traditional Irish Blessing Personalized Cross

You can personalize this wooden cross with any family name. It comes in two sizes — 5×7 and 8×12 — and is sure to bring positive thoughts to your fortunate recipient all year long.

Irish Pride Embroidered Sherpa Blanket

This cozy blanket, which comes in two sizes, can be personalized with a name that is bracketed by stitched-on shamrocks. It’s perfect for snuggling under on those cold winter nights while sipping an Irish coffee.

St. Patrick’s Day gift ideas for the wardrobe

Part of the St. Patrick’s Day lore is that wearing green on March 17 brings good luck. Others say it helps you avoid being pinched by a mischievous leprechaun!

First St. Patrick’s Day Baby Bodysuit

Keep that lucky new addition to the family safe from a leprechaun’s pinch with this personalized bodysuit. It’s made of 100 percent cotton jersey and is available in sizes six months to 18 months.

Wish Bracelet

Share the luck of the Irish with this sweet, delicate shamrock bracelet. Make a wish as you tie the bracelet around your wrist and when it falls off, your wish is supposed to come true!

Personalized St. Patrick’s Day Adult Socks

Everyone has a pair of socks they consider lucky. Why not get that special someone a set that actually has that message stitched right on them? These are so lucky, they’re guaranteed never to get lost in the wash. (Disclaimer: The previous statement cannot be verified.)

St. Patrick’s Day gift ideas to eat

Sweet treats — especially if they are green in color — are the perfect way to mark St. Patrick’s Day. You can make a batch of delicious homemade cookies, of course, but you may not be able to resist these ideas.

‘Feeling Lucky’ St. Patrick’s Day Gift

Share a little St. Patrick’s Day cheer with a gift that’s as good as gold. There’s plenty of tasty treasures to discover, including chocolate-covered sandwich cookies, mini mints, and chocolate coins.

Packed With Pop® Luck of the Irish

Everybody loves popcorn. And with a horseshoe and green clover on the box, you know it’ll make for some good munching on March 17.

Breakable Chocolate Pot of Gold & Cookies

Give them a gift that will ensure they have a smashing good time this St. Paddy’s Day. With wooden mallet in hand, they’ll bust open the chocolate pot o’ gold to reveal a stash of candy-coated chocolates. Shamrock-shaped cutout cookies and gold foil-wrapped chocolates round out this generous gift.

Coloring the future green: Irish Heritage Tree

Here’s a unique way to honor someone you love. In cooperation with IrishCentral and the Irish Tree Council, the Irish Heritage Tree program will plant a tree in County Tipperary, Ireland, in that person’s honor and send you a certificate of dedication.

“IrishCentral actually launched the Irish H e ritage Tree during the pandemic,” says Toby McCoy, spokesperson for Irish Heritage Tree. “We reflected on all the Irish around the world who would be unable to make their annual visit and envisioned this endeavor as a way for them to connect with Ireland by planting a tree in honor of a loved one or in celebration of a family occasion or holiday.”

12 Irish Flowers You Should Know

Clovers and shamrocks may be the most recognizable plants in Ireland, but other flowers thrive on the Emerald Isle. In fact, blooms are a significant part of the country’s landscape and lore. Here are 12 Irish flowers that are worthy of your attention.

1. Bog rosemary

Bog rosemary is a wildflower that is native to Ireland, and found mainly in the center of the country. It is extremely small, and, considering its height, easy to miss amid the surrounding moss. Bog rosemary flowers bloom in early May, and by June they have usually settled into a pale pink color.

2. Easter lily

The Easter lily is a symbol of peace in Ireland. The flower’s distinctive shape symbolizes unity, equality, and prosperity for all Irish people. Its colors, which are the same as those of the Irish flag, are also symbolic. The green stem represents the ancient Celtic people, the orange signifies Ireland’s Protestant settlers, and the white symbolizes the peace and respect between the two.

Many Irish wear a lily-shaped badge during the Easter season to remember those who died during an uprising in 1916.

3. Sheep’s bit

Sheep’s bit is a scrappy purple flower similar to the Scottish thistle but with rounder heads and thinner leaves. The flowers thrive in dry, grassy locations, bloom between May and September, and grow in large numbers. They are easily identified by the round flowers that are a mix of blue and purple.

4. Wild cherry

Wild cherry trees are some of the most beautiful trees found in Ireland. Two different species of native wild cherry are found on the Emerald Isle: Prunus avium and Prunus padus. Prunus avium can be found in hedgerows and woodlands throughout Ireland, whereas Prunus padus, which is more rare, grows in the Midlands and the west in limestone areas. Though the trees look different, the flowers each produces are beautiful regardless of whether they are on the tree’s branches or the ground.

5. Spring squill

Spring squill, known as “sciolla earraigh” to the Irish, is a member of the Asparagaceae family. These relatively small perennial flowers thrive best in dry, short, and coastal grounds. Native to Ireland, spring squill is commonly found growing in groups (often in the spring) and possess a beautiful pale blue color.

6. Poppy

Poppies are distinctive from their papery red petals and black center. The flowers grew on battlefields throughout Europe during World War I and, thus, are worn to remember those who died. Wearing a poppy can be interpreted as a political statement; some view it as being analogous to advocating war, which has caused heated debates about the appropriateness of wearing them — notably by Irish athletes.

7. White clover

White clovers grow freely along the Irish countryside and are used as a cover crop. Their trefoil leaves attract bees, butterflies, and mice. They bloom from May to October.

8. Daisy

There is more to daisies than their cheerful appearance. The poet Percy Bysshe Shelley described the daisy as “that constellated flower that never sets.” These hardy little plants grow as wildflowers on Ireland’s rugged grasslands. Daisies have a long lifespan, too, growing from March to October.

9. Buttercup

Covering the countryside by the time May rolls around, buttercups are a harbinger of the calendar’s warmer months. Their rapid growth is a result of a robust root system. Many varieties native to Ireland can be identified by turning over the flower to inspect their petals for the number of sepals they have. The name “buttercup” derives from the tiny cup-shaped scales that hold the flower’s nectar.

10. Ragwort

Ragwort is a foe to those who suffer from allergies, and can cause liver damage to horses and livestock, but are beloved by bees and butterflies, and help the ecosystem. The bright yellow wildflowers, which look like the scrappy cousin of the daisy, blanket the Irish countryside from June to November. According to ancient lore, ragwort transported fairies on the flower’s cushiony center.

11. Early dog violet

Early dog violet has a regal purple flower that balances on a dainty stem. It gets the name “early” from the fact it grows as early as March, whereas other violets bloom in April. Early dog violets are a favorite of butterflies, and are a key food source for five different varieties: pearl-bordered fritillary, small pearl-bordered fritillary, high brown fritillary, silver-washed fritillary, and dark green fritillary.

12. Primrose

The primrose is another early spring wildflower, with delicate leaves and a powerful, fragrant scent. It is advisable not to pick one up, though, since it will immediately wilt. According to Celtic beliefs, the primrose is sacred and the key to heaven. Irish people commonly placed it in doorways as a signal to fairies to keep their homes safe.

3 Steps to a Grand St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

The saying “Everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day” is really just an excuse for everyone to party like an Irishman on March 17! Whether you’re hosting a party or have been invited to one, here’s a helpful three-step guide to decorations, refreshments, and great — and green — gift ideas.

Step 1: Setting and décor

Mug o’Blooms

Green Carnation Boutonnieres

Personalized Table Runner

For whatever reason, and for so many reasons, beer is a major part of St. Patrick’s Day. Ireland consistently ranks in the top 10 of per capita beer consumption. So why not have a little fun and honor this hoppy beverage with a beer mug-inspired floral arrangement? The Beer Mug o’Blooms will make your St. Patrick’s Day celebration go down smooth.

I like having a few special décor items that I keep from year to year for seasonal holidays and celebrations, and this shamrock green personalized table runner fits the bill perfectly. It is compact, so it doesn’t take up much storage space when not in use, and if green is already part of your home décor, you can use it year-round. It also makes for a great hostess gift.

Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as early as the 17^th century. Keep the tradition alive by having green carnation boutonnieres available for your guests to pin on themselves as they arrive. Simply order some green carnations, cut the stems short — about 1 to 2 inches — and have straight pins available for pinning. Display them in a fun novelty container, such as the above vintage tin or an upcycled gift basket. You can add ribbon to some and leave some plain.

If green carnations aren’t available, you can dye or spray paint white ones green, or leave them white and add a green ribbon. As long as you order fresh flowers for St. Patrick’s Day in advance, though, you shouldn’t have any issues with availability.

Step 2: Food

st.-patrick's-day-gifts: shamrock cookies

St. Patrick’s Good Luck Pot

Smoked Salmon Potato Bites

British Scones, Cream, and Conserves

Corned beef and cabbage is traditionally served at St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America. However, this isn’t a traditional Irish meal. Salmon is one of the most common fish in Ireland and a staple ingredient of the Irish kitchen, and the potato has long been synonymous with the Emerald Isle. So, take these two truly Irish food staples and create a dish that seems much fancier than it really is — smoked salmon potato bites.

st patricks day celebrations Smoked salmon recipe image x

Print Pin

Smoked Salmon Potato Bites

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Ingredients:

Mini potatoes, washed (do not peel)
Smoked salmon, sliced into thin strips
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh or dried dill, chopped
Sour cream

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400° F.
Coat the potatoes with olive oil, and salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet.
Place the sheet on the bottom rack and bake until done, about 25 minutes.
To make the dill dip, add chopped fresh or dry dill to sour cream to taste.
Remove potatoes from oven and pinch each one to open.
Top each potato with salmon strips.
Serve with sour cream dill dip (or put a dollop on each potato).

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Irish

Another traditional Irish food is the scone. The Irish version is a close relative of the English one. I love mine slathered with butter, cream, and jam, and you can create your own with cream and strawberry preserves. Order yours today and then invite your friends over for a quick breakfast before the parade. Top o’ the morning to ya!

Everyone wants to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. However, finding a leprechaun to help you locate this treasure can be challenging. I have an easier way: Order a St. Patrick’s Day Good Luck Pot. When you bite into one of these delicious buttercream frosted shamrock cookies, you will think you’ve struck gold!

Step 3: Drinks

st. patrick's day celebration: personalized coasters

Old Irish Pub Personalized Coaster

Irish Eyes Cocktail

Personalized Slim Can Cooler

Of course, a St. Patrick’s Day party has to have beer. Don’t quote me on this, but it might be a law, at least in the lower 48. But if you want to add an Irish whiskey cocktail to the menu, Irish Eyes, pictured above in Waterford goblets, is an easy one to concoct. And it’s pretty, too!

st patricks day celebrations irish eyes recipe x

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Irish Eyes Cocktail

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

1 ounce Irish whiskey
¼ ounce green crème de menthe liqueur
2 ounces cream
Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

Pour whiskey, crème de menthe, and cream into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, pour into a glass, and top with a sprig of fresh mint.

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Irish

Personalized themed bar accessories, from koozies to coasters, are a great way to set your party apart. They also make great gifts to send to your favorite lads and lasses both near and far.

Sláinte!

History of St. Patrick’s Day

When the calendar says it’s March 17, you know you’re supposed to wear green, and you may know the day has something to do with the Irish. But how much do you really know about St. Patrick’s Day?

Come with us as we take a deep dive into the late-winter holiday to learn more about how it started, a few surprising facts about it, and some fun ways you can celebrate with family and friends.

What is St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day marks the anniversary of the death of the patron saint of Ireland. Although its roots as a religious holiday trace back more than 1,500 years, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a secular celebration of all things Irish.

st. patrick's day history with Mosaic of Saint Patrick

The story of St. Patrick is intertwined with myths and legends. Born in the late fourth century in Roman Britain, Patrick was kidnapped at the age of 16 by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave. Although he eventually escaped and returned home, Patrick’s deep admiration for the Irish people motivated him to return to Ireland years later as a Christian missionary. By the time of his death around the year 461 AD, Patrick had established schools, monasteries, and churches in the country.

Many legends have become associated with Patrick’s time in Ireland throughout the centuries. Two of the most enduring ones are that he used the shamrock, which grows freely across the Irish countryside, to teach the Holy Trinity and that he drove snakes out of Ireland.

However, fact and fiction about this patron saint have become muddied over the years. “For a saint that is so central to Irish identity, I was surprised how little my students, and people more generally, knew about the historical Patrick,” says Roy Flechner, associate professor at University College Dublin and author of “Saint Patrick Retold: The Legend and History of Ireland’s Patron Saint.” “In fact, even the legends about Patrick are not as well known as they used to be.”

Flechner describes Patrick as “unique not only for his deeds but for the fact that he is the only person of his generation who left us anything in writing.” Patrick’s family was part of the Romano-British aristocracy, and Flechner points out that Patrick acted as a bridge for introducing aspects of Roman culture into Ireland.

6 facts about St. Patrick’s Day history

Some of the traditions associated with St. Patrick’s Day are rooted in both fact and fiction. Let’s take a look.

1. Why is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated on March 17?

Historians do not know the exact dates of Patrick’s birth and death. March 17 is the date the Catholic Church established in the early Middle Ages as the saint’s Feast Day.

2. Why is green associated with St. Patrick’s Day?

Green is the color associated with Ireland’s verdant landscape. Ireland is even nicknamed The Emerald Isle. The color green also is linked to Irish political history.

3. Why do we pinch people who don’t wear green on March 17?

st. patrick's day history with clover leaves

This custom is connected with the legend that wearing green makes you invisible to the mischievous Irish fairies, the leprechauns. When you pinch someone who isn’t wearing green, it’s a reminder that the leprechauns can sneak up to surprise them at any time.

4. Why is the shamrock associated with St. Patrick’s Day?

According to legend, Patrick used the three-leaf clover to explain the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity. The shamrock later became a symbol of Irish nationalism.

5. Why do we eat corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day?

Early Irish Americans are behind many of the modern traditions associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Corned beef was a less expensive substitute for beef or pork, and cabbage was cheaper than potatoes as a side dish for the holiday meal.

6. When did St. Patrick’s Day parades and special events start?

American cities with large populations of Irish immigrants began the festive celebrations in the 18th century. In addition to serving as an expression of pride in Irish roots, the parades often were signs of political power.

The two largest parades in the United States take place in Boston and New York. The processions in those cities date back to 1737 and 1762, respectively. One of the most colorful celebrations happens in Chicago, where the Chicago River is filled with green vegetable dye to mark the holiday.

st. patrick's day history with Saint Patrick's Day parade

5 ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

Attending a parade or visiting your favorite pub to enjoy a green beverage are only two of the ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Here are five ideas for family activities and gifts for your favorite leprechaun.

1. Cook a special meal

Share a traditional Irish-inspired meal with friends and family. Popular foods to make include corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, braised greens, potato and leek soup, and Irish soda bread.

2. Blend up a green shake or smoothie

A visit to the “golden arches” is not the only way to enjoy a green milkshake for St. Patrick’s Day. You can make your own at home with mint ice cream and some festive toppings. Some green drink recipes are even good for you.

3. Enjoy themed treats

Don’t let the celebration end when you get to dessert. This St. Patrick’s Good Luck Pot is filled with yummy buttercream frosted shamrock cut-out cookies and foil-wrapped milk chocolate gold coins. It’s a gift that’s as good as, well, you know.

4. Wear green

Show your Irish spirit — and keep those naughty leprechauns at bay — by wearing something green on St. Patrick’s Day. And don’t forget the wee ones in the family. We love this personalized baby bodysuit and this cute hoodie for toddlers.

5. Delight someone special

Here are three gifts we know will bring a sparkle to anyone’s eyes this St. Patrick’s Day.

st. patricks day history Lucky Clovers Oxalis Plant — Lucky Clovers Oxalis Plant

st. patricks day history Feeling Lucky St. Patricks Day Gift — “Feeling Lucky” St. Patrick’s Day Gift

st. patricks day history irish blessing personalized frame — Irish Blessing Personalized Frame

Mug o’Blooms for St. Patrick’s Day

As almost everyone knows, a huge part of the Irish tradition is the enjoyment of delicious stouts, ales, and lagers. And this tradition will no doubt be a part of just about every St. Patrick’s Day celebration around the world. Here’s a way that you can honor this tradition and still be a designated driver!

These floral Beer Mug o’Blooms are very easy to make, and are a fun and unexpected way to raise a glass and wish your friends Sláinte!

Supplies for beer mug flowers

Beer mug
Acrylic gems, either in a gold/amber color or clear. If you use clear, just add yellow (or green) food coloring to the water.
Floral foam
Small plastic liner
12 white carnations

Instructions for beer mug flowers

Beer mug full of acrylic gems next to flower crafting items.

Put the acrylic gems in the mug, filling it to about 1½” from the top of the glass.
Add water to the top of the gems.
Cut a piece of floral foam the width of the glass and about 2-2½” in height. Soak the foam thoroughly before placing in the plastic liner or directly into the top of the mug.

Cut each carnation stem very short — about 1-2″ — and on an angle (for easy insertion into the foam).
Insert carnations into the foam from both the top and sides, creating a beautiful “head of foam” on your mug of beer!

When inserting the stems on the side of the foam, be sure to insert horizontally so the carnation goes in straight and covers the floral foam.
Keep adding carnations one at a time until you have created a nice mound without any gaps.

Carnations are very hardy, so this fun beer mug flowers arrangement should last at least a week. Be sure to add water every couple of days to keep the flowers hydrated. An easy way to do this is to simply tuck an ice cube in between the top carnations every other day. The ice cube will slowly melt, keeping the foam nice and wet and the flowers fresh.