How to Plan a Romantic Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner for Your Sweetheart

If you’re not into wild Saint Paddy’s day pub parties and parades, you may prefer to honor this traditional Irish occasion in a quieter manner. Sharing a romantic meal with your sweetheart will be the perfect way to add a little authentic Gaelic spirit to your March 17th celebration.

When you combine candlelight, the ideal menu, delicious drinks, soft music, and whimsical décor, you’ll create a memorable atmosphere that really conjures up the essence of Irish romance. After all, the Irish are world-renowned for their gift of gab, their beautiful poetry, and their tender, lilting ballads. These charming and spontaneous people are the perfect inspiration for a lovely dinner-for-two that is bound to become a treasured memory.

Here are some tips for creating exquisite ambience that honors the Emerald Isle:

Classic Irish Cuisine Will Delight the Senses – Traditional Irish food has a simple and rustic charm; if you want an authentic meal that has been enjoyed in Ireland for centuries, consider creating a tasty Irish stew made of lamb, potatoes, bacon, onions and carrots.

To accent your hearty bowls of hot, comforting Irish stew, add cuts of soda bread spread with real butter. For dessert, baked apples will be an ideal Irish treat that is affordable, nutritious, and fragrant. During the meal, serve thick, dark Guinness beer in pint glasses, and then offer luscious Irish coffee with your dessert.

This wonderful feast doesn’t have to cost a lot (the lamb and liquor will be your costliest ingredients); if you’re on a budget, substitute the lamb for affordable stewing beef, and skip the booze.

Decorate with Fresh, Green Tones – Ireland is the land of velvety-green fields and tender Shamrocks; therefore, it’s entirely fitting that you should honor the Emerald Isle by adorning your dinner table with touches of vibrant green. A whimsical approach works well here; things don’t need to be particularly sophisticated…in fact, a little humour and lightheartedness is often the most romantic thing of all.

A crisp white tablecloth will serve as the perfect backdrop for a centerpiece of live Shamrocks that will also do double duty as a pretty keepsake for your dinner date. Bright green candles (tea lights or candlesticks will both work well) and a little ceramic leprechaun will add charm without being too far over the top.

Dollar stores and party supply stores will offer lots of fun, Saint Paddy’s-inspired decorations that you can use to create the perfect atmosphere. Shamrock-shaped helium balloons are one fun idea that will add plenty of charm to your dining room or kitchen.

Add Romance with Beautiful Irish Music – Music affects the spirit; it changes the mood and it can inspire the most tender feelings and thoughts. To create the perfect Gaelic atmosphere, download a few special Irish and Celtic tunes. Fiddles and harps should figure prominently in your selections. If you prefer more modern music, you may still add Irish beauty to your ambiance by choosing the work of Enya or the Corrs.

Now that you know exactly how to create the perfect Saint Patrick’s Day dinner for two, you’ll be ready to dazzle your sweetheart on March 17th. An exciting and traditional Irish dinner with all of the bells and whistles will be a perfect way to dazzle your date. To make your night unforgettable, offer your sweetheart a beautiful Irish Claddagh Ring that symbolizes your love and loyalty.

Dating Symbol’s special guest columnist today is Ciara O’Brien who writes for Irish Celtic Jewels, an online Celtic jewelry store. On her blog she writes about all things Irish and Celtic including information about weddings and the Claddagh ring.

Watch out for more Saint Patrick’s Day articles…