St. Patrick's Day

St Patrick's Day has changed a lot for me over the years.  First of all, I am not Irish (as far as I know) so growing up, we did the usual school things for St. Patrick's Day and that's about all. 

In my mid-twenties, I moved to Chicago where there is a HUGE Irish presence.  I met my friend Bill there in the mid 80s (he is still one of my best friends).  He is first generation Irish so we went to the many Irish pubs, festivals, and music venues.  I adore traditional Irish music and have a huge collection.  Anyway, celebrating St. Patrick's Day with Bill was always a great time (though I rarely drink alcohol...I was right there with everyone who does!).  For those who don't know, the Chicago River is dyed green every year (using orange dye) and they paint shamrocks on Dearborn St. where the parade route is.  Now THAT'S a city with lots of Irish in it's blood!!!

Green Chicago River

 Fast forward to today...boy, things do change.  I am back living in the upstate NY city where I grew up, with my English husband, and those days of going out to the pubs til all hours are long gone!  I think I will  have some tea and a treat and listen to some traditional music.  I have a book of Irish mysteries or maybe I'll pop in the "Riverdance" dvd and watch it...it's so wonderful!  Bill and I went to see it in Chicago in 1996!! 

I don't have much in the way of St. Patrick's Day table things, but I was able to find enough  to have my little St. Patrick's time.

 

Just a little set up for tea.  Mostly, I am a coffee drinker, but will sometimes drink raspberry herbal tea in the evening.  I love this shamrock scarf but since I am working at home, I won't be wearing it on SPD this year

I have had this cup for a looooooong time and love the sweet shamrocks dancing around it

 

Here's a closer look at those shamrocks

 

 How about some green frosted cookies to go with tea...yummy!

These roses have been seen on a few tables lately...they certainly did last!!  I added a few green carnations and put them in an Irish glass with shamrocks all around the bottom

I love murder mysteries....and here is a WHOLE book of them.  This should make for a great evening!

 

...especially with some of my favorite music playing

Here's a little peak at the underside of the sauce.  This is "Royal Tara" made in...where else?

Ireland!

So I'm planning to have a quiet but wonderful St. Paddy's Day at home!  Hope you enjoy your celebrations!!

Now for the dish on the dishes:

• The cup and saucer are Royal Tara (made in Ireland) from my teacup collection
• The plate is my "Val D'Or" which shows up frequently here
• The teapot and cookie tray are from "Tea with Grace"
• The teaspoon is Reed and Barton "Rathmore"
• I have had the shamrock scarf for years
• The Waterford Marquis glass makes a great little vase for the roses and green carnations
• That green napkin with the gold thread and the shamrock garland around the vase are both from Dollar Tree
• The lace tablecloth is from my collection of tablecloths
• Those cookies are NOT homemade...I am sorry to say

 Thank you for stopping by.  Be sure to visit Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch" and see all of the gorgeous tablescapes there. (click on the button up on the right)

HAPPY ST. PADDY'S DAY!

Tess