My 6-year-old is down to party anytime, anywhere, for any reason. Fortunately, I don’t have to hire caterers, a band and petting zoo animals for her to have a good time. As long as the celebration involves balloons and cake, she’s good to go.
Fortunately, I have those items and a few more inexpensive goodies to make our St. Patrick’s Day party a fun and frugal affair. Given that March 17th isn’t a major holiday in the United States, the celebration doesn’t have to be complicated, fussy or extravagant. However, since we are Irish, we certainly can’t let the day go by without partaking in some festive shenanigans.
If you are looking for affordable ways you can go green on St. Patrick’s Day, then consider some of the following tips:
Bake a cake: Don’t think Cake Boss fancy; all it takes is a box of cake mix, pre-made frosting, and some green food coloring to pull off an edible holiday masterpiece. If you have a few extra dollars, then purchase candy shamrock sprinkles, green crystallized sugar, or chocolate gold coins to add to the top of the cake. If your budget is really tight, then make cupcakes and decorate them with green M and Ms. For large groups that include extended family members or if you are planning to take the cake to a church, school or community sponsored St. Patrick’s Day party, then make or buy a plain sheet cake and use royal icing to draw a picture of the Irish flag, a map of Ireland or Celtic crosses.
Fun foods: St. Patrick’s Day party menus don’t have to be budget busters. Traditional holiday recipes include Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish stew, Roast Lamb, potatoes, and Irish Soda Bread. However, if you are pinching pennies and you know your children won’t eat Corned Beef, then don’t waste money making it. Instead, stick with kid-friendly foods dyed with green food coloring, such as green eggs and ham or green buttered noodles. You could also add some green avocados to grilled cheese sandwiches and serve up fun green punch or limeade.
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