Preparation
St. Patrick’s Day revelry is forever associated with that signature emerald hue. Shamrocks are a given and the drinks are a must, but how do you give this traditional holiday a fresh modern look? Take note: When a St. Paddy’s Day soirée is planned by Royale Ziegler of But First, Party! and Rachel Huntington of Bonjour Fete, you can expect that go-to color and a little more - elegant cocktails, an abundance of living botanicals, and gigantic balloons.
“When planning a party together, Rachel and I always try and find our own unique on the theme,” Ziegler explains. “But sometimes, really going for on-the-nose is your best bet.” Ziegler was inspired with a vision to fill every inch of the greenhouse with balloons in bright tones. Along with the green balloons, they installed a few gold mylar balloons with streamer tails to accentuate the party’s opulence. (Insert literal sparkle emoji.)
The whimsy of balloons captured the mythical nature of the holiday, while living plants from Rolling Greens and floral arrangements from Earthbaby Flowers kept things grounded. Rolling Greens is nestled in the hills of Southern California (admittedly, quite a ways from Ireland) - an expansive structure that houses seasonal plants from around the world: exotic orchids, wild plants, cacti, succulents and foliage from far-off lands. “Earthbaby Flowers created the most luscious cascading arrangement, with lots of leaves, greenery and a touch of Queen Anne’s lace,” Ziegler says. Arrangements were potted in bright gold planters - ahem, pots o’ gold - or tucked strategically behind shimmering disco balls.
Enter this bar cart glittering in gold. Its shimmering gold-tone frame and glass shelves rolled in a few select picks from the hostesses - gold stripe Champagne coupes from Sugar & Cloth filled with gold glitter rock confetti, emerald green glassware and pedestal cake stand, and the mixings for a springy cocktail much tastier than the St. Patrick’s special at your local bar.
The signature drink? This frothy concoction is one part lime sherbet, one part Seagram’s Escapes Lime Margarita. “Easy as it gets if you find yourself in a pinch on Paddy’s Day - wink, wink!” Ziegler says playfully.
For extra indulgence, top things off with even more gold: a pinch of edible glitter, a golden cocktail pick, and a gold-dusted lime for good measure. And the last touches? A cluster of wish papers for guests’ good luck plus a neat stack of “Stay Golden” cocktail napkins printed in gold foil so even the post-party cleanup is apropos of the occasion.
And if you ask us? Solid gold in our minds.
Feeling inspired? Watch how to paint a personalized vase for your spring arrangements:
