Although we just celebrated Valentine's Day, there's another holiday on the horizon -- and if you're of Irish descent, it's an important one. Even if your family doesn't hail from the Emerald Isle, there's still plenty to celebrate in mid-March. 

It's as good an excuse as any to get together with your friends and toast to their health with the traditional cheer of "Slainte!"

But before you all gather together in your green-hued apparel, you'll need to plan out your party to make sure it's worthy of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Here are a few necessities you can't afford to skip when putting on a St. Patrick's Day party.

Go Green With Decor

There's no better way to proclaim "Erin go Bragh" than to decorate the party space with clovers, gold, and lots of green. Of course, shamrock lights and garlands are traditional, but you can also spray paint mason jars with gold, get some bunches of balloons, and make some tabletop hat decorations out of construction paper. 

While other holidays can have a more subdued approach, don't be afraid to go over-the-top with this one. You can find cheap gifts online to double as decor, such as confetti and sequins, themed necklaces, canisters of candy, and little pots of gold.

Serve Some Lucky Snacks

What's a St. Patrick's Day celebration without the Irish fare? You don't necessarily have to make corned beef and cabbage, but it's nice to give a nod to tradition with the foods and drinks you serve to your guests. Try making corned beef nachos, Irish soda bread toast with toppings, beef stew skewers, and mint-flavored desserts. 

If your get-together is for adults only, you can serve beverages in mini flare beer glasses or pint style shot glasses. As a bonus, these fun gifts can be given out to guests to take home! If this is a family-friendly affair, serve up a non-alcoholic punch that's tinted green or make your own version of that minty-green, fast food milkshake we all know and love.

Don't Forget the Favors

Without favors, any party is incomplete. And if you take time to find unique gifts online for your friends and family, they'll be sure to remember the festivities for years to come. Since this holiday is focused on leprechauns, why not get some tiny gifts that are the perfect size for these mythical creatures? 

Party favors like little hats, bar game drink coasters, traditional Irish books, gold-covered chocolate coins, and other fun gifts will be sure to delight everyone in attendance, as will green sunglasses, rainbow-colored candy, and novelty small gift ideas. Anything that's slightly related to Ireland will do here -- and there's plenty to choose from when you shop online, like 79% of consumers did in 2017.

With these ideas for decor, food, and fun gifts in mind, you'll be able to throw an unforgettable St. Patrick's Day party this year -- even if you have no Irish ancestry at all! For more gift ideas and Irish inspiration, contact us today.