Party in a Pinch: Last-minute St. Paddy’s Day Dinner

On Saturday evening, we had some of our close friends – who also happen to live in our neighborhood (score!) – over for a last-minute pre-St. Patrick’s Day feast. It was a chilly, rainy Saturday here in Austin, and a warm meal was just what the doctor ordered.

Since this was on the fly, I chose not to go overboard on the theme. However, I stuck with all things green including the florals, napkins, and even the food. We dined on individual servings of Irish beef stew, parmesan roasted brussels sprouts, sauteed broccolini with bacon and caramelized onions, and a delicious loaf of crusty bread. With a white backdrop (dishes and table cloth), the greenish hues of the sides really stood out.

I had the olive green napkins on hand, which were a HomeGoods score a few months ago. I found the small handled stoneware pots at World Market. They come in a variety of colors, and everyone was so surprised on how much stew each held. And, at $4.99 a piece, they are definitely a wonderful buy. I shop at World Market frequently, but I never quite get over to the bakeware section as much as I should. Well, that won’t happen again. People, it is amazing…and everything is at a wonderful price point.

As far as florals, I knew I wanted them to be lush, at a low height so everyone could see one another, and, of course, green. I picked up some beautiful blooms at a local grocery store, and I will break down the florals even more tomorrow in another installment of the frugal florist.

The platter and serving bowl are both Crate & Barrel pieces from many moons ago, and my new flatware is Mikasa (it’s on sale now!)

We had plenty of Guinness and red wine on hand, and I finished everything off with an Irish Apple Cake and Blue Bell ice cream.

If you are looking for a great St. Patrick Day Dinner that won’t keep you slaving in the kitchen all day for your green-themed soiree, look no further than yesterday’s Monday Menu. Tomorrow will be a floral breakdown, and on Thursday, you can find the secret to my beef stew success.

Have a great week!

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