Easy St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas

Is it just me, or does St. Patrick's Day just totally sneak up on us every year? It's Valentines Day, and then it's Mardi Gras, then bam — St. Patrick's Day is here and most of us feel like we haven't had nearly as much time to plan something fun as we'd like. And if you're anything like me, each year you tell your friends that you have something planned, far before you do.

Parades are fun, but parties are more fun. That said, last-minute party planning is no fun. If you've been tossing around the idea of throwing a party but have no idea what to do or how to make it happen, I'm happy to share some of my favorite easy party ideas with you. Because St. Patrick's Day is a really low-key party holiday. It's all about the booze and the green and no one has big expectations for apartment galas or in-home black tie events. People know that things are going to be rowdy and super casual.

So now is not the time to try to flex your classy adult muscles — save that for the more serious holidays. St. Patrick's Day is just about having fun, having a place to congregate with your friends, a few festive drinks. Here's your guide to a super simple party that's no hair off your back:

Mani Pedi Party

If green really isn't your color, but you don't want to get pinched, have your girlfriends over for a DIY manicure and pedicure party. Make sure you have a ton of different shades of green!

Irish Breakfast

If you want to do something super simple and easy, have a morning party. Invite some friends over for an Irish coffee breakfast, like based off this recipe at A Pretty Life in the Suburbs. You can serve some light bites and make your own boozy coffee drinks together.

Facepaint Pregame

If you want to make your way to the parade eventually, invite your friends over for a last-minute facepaint party. You can paint each other's faces green or paint clovers and leprechauns — whatever you like!

Irish Cook-Off

Instead of cooking for all of your friends, cook with your friends. Have everyone bring over an Irish recipe (like this Irish soda bread recipe from A Cozy Kitchen?) and make a massive feast together. It will give you something to do, and then lots to eat.

Everything Green

If your friends are into baking, have your own baking competition, maybe with these fun recipes from A Cozy Kitchen! Have each guest bring a different green dessert item, but make it difficult — no food dye allowed! Challenge your guests to use their creativity in the kitchen in this fun activity.

Movie Party

If you don't feel like drinking but want to have a fun night with friends around, have a movie party. Flicks to consider: Brooklyn, The Boondock Saints, Once, The Departed, Leap Year.

Clover Crafts

If you're feeling like a low-key DIY night, head to your local nursery and round up some plant potters, soil and clover seedlings. Together you can plant your own party favors and decorate the pots.