Ever since I remember, I was that person who grabbed a cart full of plastic decorations every St. Patrick’s Day: flags, streamers, tinsel, cheap tablecloths covered in shamrocks – every year, my shopping cart was filled with stuff that looked fun for a few hours, only to unapologetically throw it in the trash by the next morning. It felt like a holiday tradition, but in reality, now that I look back at it, it was just so wasteful that it stopped being fun. I never really thought about how much garbage piles up during the holiday season, not on Christmas, and especially not on smaller celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day.
Things took a turn last year, when I was so fed up with the same decorations that came with an even bigger price tag, that I decided to do things differently. Instead of wasting my hard-earned money on cardboard and paper, I did my research and looked for decor pieces that are actually meaningful and, most importantly, won’t end up on the landfield like the previous ones. I came across ShamrockGift, stocked up on wall hangings, themed table runners, placemats, and even splurged on a fancy Aran throw, and let me tell you, it made all the difference! They’re made of high-quality natural materials, and still look as good as new, and I’m happy to say I’ll be using them again this year. These are my top recommendations:
Linen Table Runners
You know those plastic tablecloths that rip as soon as someone leans on them or puts a hot cup of coffee on top? I was so done with those that even the thought of setting them up made me repulsed. For the last St. Patrick’s Day party, I picked up a linen Irish table runner, and it completely changed how my table looked. I got one with embroidered shamrocks, and not only did it make everything feel more put-together, but it also didn’t get ruined after one use. I washed it after the party, put it away, and it’s ready to go again this year. Finally, no more peeling sticky plastic off my dining table or dealing with those awful creases that never flatten out.
Themed Mugs (That Double as Decor)
I never really thought of mugs as decorations, but last year, I bought a set of Irish-themed mugs that I used for serving drinks during the party and fair to say they were a crowd-pleaser. They come in many designs featuring Celtic symbols, both minimalist and over-the-top, so you too can get one that matches your taste the best, and they fit the theme of the party way better than the plastic red cups. Plus, they’ve got that elevated feeling to them, and they actually feel authentic since they’re made in Ireland. I’ve used them all year round and not one cup got chipped or lost its original shine, even though I’ve thrown them in the dishwasher almost every single day.
Wall Decorations
Back when I started hosting St. Patrick’s Day parties, I couldn’t imagine going without one of those giant flimsy paper garlands, and I almost thought I won’t be able to give up on them. That’s until I discovered that wall decorations can be both festive and non-disposable. I got the bestseller shamrock stained glass panel and placed it at the entryway, as well as the three-leafed shamrock plaque to put in the kitchen, and they fit in so perfectly that I actually didn’t take them off. They are neat, solid pieces, and the quality is so much better than the one of the disposable wall decorations I used to get, and it finally feels like I get to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without throwing my money in the trash.
Aran Throw
A knit blanket was never on my shopping list, but once I spotted the green throw with a knit shamrock on the website, I just knew I had to have it in my living room. This is definitely not an ordinary decoration, but if you’re looking for something completely unique and practical, I highly recommend getting one for the holiday. It’s made of 100% merino wool and it’s softer than anything I’ve ever had before, and even though it’s been well used and loved for almost a year, it still doesn’t have a single pill. Such a throw is for sure a “buy-once-and-forever” thing, and last St. Patrick’s Day my mom loved it so much that this year I plan on ordering her one of her own.
