St. Patrick’s Day Decorating: No Cost to Low Cost Ideas

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My mother always made St. Patrick’s Day a festive occasion. She grew up in an Irish household and carried on many of the family traditions in our home. Wearing green was a must for us on March 17 to avoid getting pinched. I could always count on a large St. Patty’s Day dinner of corned beef and cabbage. My mom even went so far as to dye the milk green with food coloring. When I became old enough, I contributed to the festivities by decorating, usually starting with the family room fireplace. When I later became a teacher, I decorated my classroom to the hilt. March was one of my favorite months.

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Our last St. Patrick’s Day together
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We went to Grandma’s house for a big St. Patrick’s Day breakfast.

I retired from teaching when I became a mother, but I carried on the St. Patrick’s Day traditions from my own childhood, making it a memorable day for my children. My hubby is also Irish and has a few items of his own, including his Ireland flag hung from the balcony and a special figurine fondly called “Irish Santa.”

With St. Patrick’s Day approaching soon, there’s still time to do a little decorating. What I love about this holiday is that it’s simple to make it a fun family occasion. Other special days can be overwhelming with so much to do but not St. Patrick’s Day. Here are a few simple and inexpensive ideas for decorating your home to help make this a memorable day for your children.

A chalkboard with a special message

Books

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These are all books from our book shelf. It’s also fun to do a library outing with children, gathering all kinds of books on Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day. Displaying a collection of green books is another way to decorate.

Banners and bunting

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This St. Pat’s Day banner is from the dollar store, as well as the decorations on the chandelier and china cabinet. They totally brighten up the dining room for the big day.
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This banner hung from the fireplace is just a generic Target dollar bin item. I added some left over shamrock stickers to transform it into a St. Patty’s banner. The shamrocks behind the window panes are from an old broken decoration. I save everything & find a way to use it later!
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This bunting hung from a headboard was made from vintage curtains and tablecloths. Bunting can be sewn or hot glued to ribbon, bias tape, even jute rope.

A wreath

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I made this wreath for my mom-in-law. It was so easy and inexpensive to make. I bought a scarf and 2 kinds of flowers from Dollar Tree. I already had the Welcome hat from an old decoration. This wreath was from Walmart for $5. Hobby Lobby sells them for $5, but has a 40% off coupon. I hot glued everything in place.

Pillows

Flowers and candles

Towels and potholders

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Table runner

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This was my mom’s table runner; I’m pretty sentimental when it comes to my mom. I like it because the blue helps it to blend in with the rest of my decor. I also have a satin green table runner that looks great for St. Patty’s. (There’s that yummy pie again…now I’m showing off!)

Chandelier and light fixture decorations

Celtic cross

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Many towns will hold St. Patrick’s Day parades. Larger cities will host Irish festivals. This stained glass celtic cross is from the Kansas City Irish Festival. Who says all St. Patty’s decorations must be green?

I hope that these ideas and pictures give you some inspiration and creative ideas for decorating your own home. You can keep it simple or go big like we do. In case you’re wondering, I have been known to follow in my mother’s footsteps and dye the milk green! My grown children loved it and have not forgotten! It’s all about making family memories that help to bring a smile and bind the family closer together.

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