St. Patrick’s Day has “Gone to the Dogs” for a “Doggone Good” Celebration!

The only thing that is more fun than decorating for a holiday, is decorating for a holiday, using dogs!

I seem to be always on the hunt for St. Patrick’s Day dishes. Occasionally I find something I like and once I start collecting I realize certain rather essential dishes are impossible to find, and/or impossible to find a reasonable price. Compounding this problem, is the fact that I really like to have place settings for 12, as I hope my family and friend group keeps increasing in size. For us, although we have no grandchildren yet, many of our friends do, and we like to have enough place settings to invite their extended families.

The Dishes

This St. Patrick’s day table is in our “city house” and contains some different items from a few of the sets I started but wasn’t able to complete. I decided to intermingle them in this table, and I love the way it turned out.

The plate stack consists of a leaf placemat from the old Pier 1, with a cream colored charger on top, a Maxcera cabbage plate on top of that, and the main plate (salad/dessert size) is a dog St. Patrick’s day plate-also from Pier 1. I bought the plates originally because I thought the dogs were so cute, and also because one of them is a Golden Retriever, who closely resembled our Buddy (although Buddy was actually a Pomeranian and ??? mix). Today that plate brings back good memories of Buddy, and also brings to mind past and future adventures with Simba, who is an English Cream Golden Retriever and the dog we have had since we lost Buddy to cancer. I find that I am much more likely to buy dog plates if one of our dogs is represented, as it just makes them more special.

Pier 1 used 4 different breeds for their St. Patrick’s day plates.

Dining Room Decorations

On the plates, I love how each dog is wearing a different St. Patrick’s Day costume or accessory. I decided to continue that pattern with the sofa table’s ceramic Golden Retriever, who is dressed in a Leprechaun hat with orange braids and the ceramic Sheltie who is in a Leprechaun hat and an orange beard. On the hostess/host chair, a sheltie plush is in shamrock glasses, and has a headband with shamrocks as well.

The sofa table also has shamrock shaped dessert dishes on the far left and on the far right are dessert plates – both are Carrigaline Pottery made in Cork, Ireland. The other two vintage Irish plates are “pierced” (they have what looks like lattice work in the plates) and I thought they were so pretty when I saw them on eBay. I think they bring a vintage, authentic Irish look to the table.

Old World Irish Coffee Mugs

Other dinnerware on the table includes Lillian Vernon shamrock shaped dishes, (possibly made by Mesa Home) and Irish Coffee mugs made by Dept. 56. I love that each mug has an old Irish design with a boy or girl on it in the traditional St. Patrick’s day dress, and I especially love the Leprechaun hat that sits on top of each mug handle.

Leprechaun Centerpiece

The main feature of the centerpiece is a “Dept. 56 Possible Dreams Santa” entitled “Leprechaun Loot”. He is a clothtique (stiffened fabric figurine with porcelain or resin head and hands) and from the “collectible Santa” group. I found him at Dillard’s on the day before Christmas and was excited to find that he was already 50% off. I love the pot of gold and rainbow he is holding. He is standing on a cake stand and surrounded by greenery, and at his feet is an additional pot of gold.

In Consideration of Our Barking “Children”

I have one of the pots of gold at each place setting also. My plan was to use the gold foil covered chocolate coins for these, but our dogs wander freely through the dining room, and I thought perhaps I would save the chocolate for the time of the actual meal and just use the fake gold coins from Dollar Tree until the time of the meal. During the meal the “pot of golden chocolate” will be to some extent “guarded” by a person, which should make it safe. However, now that we have a retriever, who by his very nature is destined to put almost everything in his mouth, I may take that one step further and glue the faux gold coins to the pots. Hopefully, that will deter Simba from swallowing each coin on the table.

True Confessions – for this table, I had hoped to have the vintage glass jars, baskets, etc. on the server filled with green candy and candy with green wrappers, but unfortunately I couldn’t really find anything and I also realized that more candy would complicate the “keeping our dogs safe” plan. Any dog friendly ideas you have for that display would be very welcome!

St. Patrick’s Day Traditions

What are your traditions for St. Patrick’s Day? My friend Carol serves green food for St. Patrick’s Day dinner, which she has done ever since her children were small. I think that is such a great idea!

Our family doesn’t really have any St. Patrick’s Day traditions, but I would love to go to San Antonio for St. Patrick’s Day and see the green river, the parade and the dancers. We have been to San Antonio during most seasons, but only once for a holiday celebration, and that was for Christmas. There is something very special about a live nativity on a river boat, as well as other “holiday floats” (using the term “float” literally). I’m sure St. Patrick’s Day on the river would be fantastic as well!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Table Details and Origins

Green Shamrock Shaped Plates – Lillian Vernon – many years ago – occassionally available on eBay – search “Lillian Vernon coffee set clover” or “Lillian Vernon shamrock plates”

Cream Reticulated Swirl Charger – Ebay – many years ago

Dog – ST. Patrick’s Day Salad/Dessert plates – Old Pier 1. Possibly available on eBay and Etsy now.  (Although I have never seen St. Patrick’s Day Dog plates in another store,  I have seen Christmas & Fall Dog plates in Hobby Lobby, so perhaps one day they will do dog plates for other holidays.)

Artificial Bonsai tree, and other Greenery – Homegoods – a few years ago 

St. Patrick’s Day – Irish Coffee mugs- Department 56.  Often available on eBay or Etsy. 

Lemon leaf placemat – old Pier 1

Green Maxcera Cabbage Plate – Homegoods, a few years back.  Possibly available on eBay or Etsy.  Similar leaf plates available at Homegoods and Bordallo Pinheiro. The Bordallo Pinheiro plates are sometimes available at Amazon as well.

Gold Table Cloth – Bed, Bath, and Beyond, or Macy’s or Dillard’s a few years back.  Possibly available again at Thanksgiving or Christmas, or on eBay or Etsy. 

Brass Pot of Gold – vintage – handed down from my Mom 

Green Wine Glasses – Dollar Tree – available periodically

Black “Pots of Gold” – Dollar Tree  (recent- usually in January, February or March) 

Gold St. Patrick’s Day coins – Dollar Tree (recent- usually in January, February or March) 

Lefton Shamrock Vase – eBay

Artificial flowers – Michaels and Hobby Lobby 

Ceramic Shamrock Napkin Rings – eBay 

Brass candle holders – a gift

Evergreen/Forest Green moving Wick Tapers – QVC about 10 years ago.  This year QVC has light green moving wick tapers which would also look nice with many St. Patrick’s Day tablescapes.   

Plush Sheltie – gift 

Ceramic Sheltie and Golden Retriever – Amazon?

Dog Hats and Other Accessories – Dollar Tree, Hobby Lobby and Amazon 

Carrigaline Pottery Shamrock Shaped plates and Dessert Plates – eBay and Etsy

Vintage Irish Pierced Plates – eBay and Etsy

Cake Stand – Homegoods

Posts I Hope You Will Like

If you enjoyed this holiday tablescape post, I hope you will enjoy the following…

A “LUCKY LEPRECHAUN” and New Dishes Inspire A New St. Patrick’s Day Tablescape

A Valentine’s Day Village & Tablescape

Lighting Up the Night for St. Patrick’s Day!!!

A Masquerading Mickey and Minnie Mouse Emcee a Mardi Gras Party

Mickey and Minnie and their Dragon Friends Celebrate the Lunar New Year!!!

A “Sweet” Valentine’s Day Table at Sunset

Comments

I love to hear from you!! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! I’d also love to hear about any of your St. Patrick’s Day Tablescapes and traditions! Also, because I’m a “pet person” I would love to hear about any of your tablescapes or decorations that include animals of any kind! Your comments mean the world to me! To get to the “Comment” section, please scroll down to the very bottom of this post. Thank you so much!

Link Parties

Following is a list of websites I really like!  They are listed under the day of the week where they also host a Family Friendly “Link Party” aka “Blog Hop”.

If you click on the name of the blog (in blue) on the evening of the day of the week they are listed under, it should take you to the Link Party, where many bloggers have joined with them to share their own ideas.  I love how the link parties connect you with both a great blog, and other blogger’s ideas as well!  Many thanks to all these bloggers for bringing so many ideas to all of us!!! 

You can actually find these link parties any day of the week, by clicking on the website name below, but once you click, you may need to scroll thru a few entries to find the link party you are looking for. 

Sunday 

Life as a Leo wife (Nikki), Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly),  Décor Craft Design (Mel) ,A Labour of Life (Linda),  Ducks ‘n a Row (Sinea),  Love My Messy Messy Mess (Katie)   host “Happiness is Homemade” Link Party.  I love checking out the home decor, holiday decorations and current projects of all the hostesses as well as the ideas from their link party ! 

Life and Linda hosts “Love Your Creativity Link Party”.  I love checking out Linda’s gorgeous holiday decorations and tablescapes, and her chandelier decorations are a beautiful finishing touch!!

The House on Silverado  hosts – “Sundays on Silverado” link party. I am fairly new to Niky’s site but am loving her holiday decorating and her new grandma stories!!

Ridge Haven Homestead  – “Sunday Sunshine” Blog Hop.  In addition to the blog hop, I am enjoying reading about Laurie’s homestead, the “off the grid” lifestyle they are living and the cabin they are building. 

April J Harris – hosts Hearth and Soul Link Party monthly on the first Sunday of the month. I am enjoying reading about April’s traveling adventures, as well as her projects at home!  

Monday

Life Tales Books Blogspot  hosts Will Blog for Comments Link Party. Jennifer is a Photos and Story Treasures Consultant, and I am enjoying her ideas on photos and memory books, as well as her link party!  

Holly-Pink Lady(Holly) and Sunshine and books blog (Sarah) host “Hello Monday Link Party”. In addition to the link party, I am enjoying Sarah’s book recommendations, and Holly’s recipes and party ideas.  

Between Naps on the Porch hosts  “Metamorphosis Monday” posts, which are all about “Befores and Afters”. I love seeing Susan’s amazing home projects which are very inspiring!! I always come away with some great ideas from her posts and from those who have linked up!! 

The following link, Senior Salon Pit Stop will get you to the link party on Esme’s site as well as getting you to some great recipes and other ideas!

Charlene at A Pinch of Joy hosts “Busy Mondays”. Charlene’s website is all about home decorating, and holiday decorations and recipes. The first two things are things I love to do and the Recipes are things I like to eat!

Good random fun blogspot hosts The Good.Random.Fun. link party  Tamar’s website has some great photography, interesting places to visit, and thoughts on many things. Recently, I enjoyed reading about Hanukkah celebrations! 

Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn, Nicky at  Life as a Leo Wife, Michelle at  Moms are frugal and a few other hostesses host “You’re the Star Blog Hop” I love checking out these websites and the link party for holiday decor, crafts, money saving ideas and tablescapes. 

Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life   hosts  the “Inspire me Tuesday” link party. Marty has an eye for design and decorating, and turning your house into a home. I always enjoy reading about her projects. 

Eclectic Red Barn (Beverly)  and Penny’s Passion (Penny) host the “Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop” which often opens on Tuesday evenings. I have enjoyed Beverly’s Red Barn project and her projects and decorating . Penny’s website has both projects and recipes I have enjoyed reading about – and more – see “Thinking Out Loud” under “Thursday” in this list. 

Jenerally Informed  hosts the “Happy Now Link Party”. Jen from Jenerally informed and Leslie from playmates to parties host “happy now” which brings many craft and decorating ideas and recipes for fun holiday foods. 

Perfectly Imperfect-LWL hosts the “Tell It To Me Tuesday Link Party” which brings many decorating ideas, recipes, and ideas for family activities. 

Kim and Cassie from Lou Lou Girls host the the “Fabulous Party”. Lou Lou Girls post unique recipes, family activities, DIY and party ideas! 

Marci at Stone Cottage Adventures hosts “Tuesdays with a Twist”. Marci posts on gardening, sewing, recipes, crafts and books! Marci’s link party contains many other fun ideas as well. 

Wednesday

Karin’s Kottage hosts the “Karin’s Kottage Link party”.  I am also enjoying keeping up with Karin’s Italian Palace remodel! as well as her decorating ideas, crafts, grandchild activities and home projects. 

French Ethereal hosts a “Share Your Style”  link party where decorating, recipes, fashion, tablescape styles are all shared. 

Esme Salon recently began hosting a “Wordless Wednesday” photography link party – I can’t wait to link up!

Creatively Beth  hosts the “Creatively Crafty” Link Party. Beth’s website contains wonderful craft posts, including amazing up-cycle, from scratch, and Dollar Store Crafts. Beth’s link party contains a variety of family friendly posts including recipes, crafts, and holiday decor. 

Ridge Haven Homestead hosts the Homestead Blog Hop.  I am also enjoying reading about the off the grid home that Laurie and her family are building. 

Karin at Fifth Sparrow No More, hosts “Whimsy Home Link Party”. Karin posts about Finding the Beauty – in decorating, travel and faith and family! 

Cecelia at My Thrift Store Addiction hosts “Vintage Charm” link party. What Cecelia does with her thrift store finds is so creative!

Thursdays

I often participate in Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday. I have been following Susan for quite a long time, and absolutely love her Tablescapes!!! I also love the ideas shared on her Tablescape Thursday link party! 

Katherine’s corner hosts the  “TFT – Thursday Favorite Things” blog hop.  I love the assortment of wonderful decorating, recipe, tablescape, and inspirational ideas found here. 

Southern Sunflowers   hosts their “Home Matters Link Party” at 8 CT on Thursday.  I have really enjoyed linking to their link party and the various decorating, recipe, tablescape and craft ideas found on this website and their “Home Matters” Link Party. 

Penny’s Passion  hosts the “Thinking Out Loud Link Party” which often begins on Thursday. Thinking out Loud is a great post published each Thursday, and covers many interesting topics. Today the topic was “elf on the shelf – for empty nesters”and I love the traditions Penny has started in her home. So cute!

Roentare.zenfolio blog hosts a photography link party each week.  The photography is absolutely gorgeous, as are the places he and his wife photograph! 

Good Random Fun  hosts the “Little Things” link party, which I enjoy. Its a place for sharing and reading about lots of different topics and ideas. 

Marsha in the Middle and Melynda, from Scratch Made Food for Hungry People, and Lisa, from Boondock Ramblings host “Weekend Traffic Jam” which goes live on Thursday at 8:30 pm CT. Marsha posts about Fashion and the link party contains holiday decorations, fashion, and recipes (to name a few of the family friendly links). 

Friday

Stephanie at Crazy Little Lovebirds hosts the “Crazy Little Lovebirds link party.” It is a gathering for home decor ideas, recipes, tablescapes, reflections, etc. I am enjoying being a part fo this group. 

Building Our Hive hosts the “Funtastic Friday” Link Party which includes recipes, home decor, tablescapes, crafts, travel and other family friendly posts. 

Cindy at County Road 407  hosts the “Farmhouse Friday” Link Party, which begins at 6:30 am CT each Friday and features home decor – all styles; holiday decorating, tablescapes, crafts, etc. 

Andrea at The Cottage Market hosts “A Morning Cup of Joe” link party. Both the website and the link party feature DIY projects, Recipes, home decor, crafts and holiday decorations. 

Erika at A Little Bit of Everything and Andrea at Momfessionals, host “Friday Favorites”. Both websites and the link party feature family activities, home decor, fashion, entertaining, recipes, and holiday decorations and traditions. 

At Lou Lou Girls Kim, Cassie and Amber bring lots of good recipes and family activities to us and also host “Fabulous Friday” a link party that brings us recipes, holiday decor, family activities and many other family friendly ideas! 

Saturday

Pieced Pastimes  Hosts “Saturday Sparks Party”  which includes home decors, recipes and holiday fun foods, tablescapes, crafts, etc. Among the many things I appreciate at Pieced Pastimes is the first picture of many posts, where Suzanne shows her current view at home (in New Hampshire) I love her wonderful view in all weather!

Comments

Thank you so much for joining my St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Post. I would love it if you could leave a comment, as I love hearing from you! To comment, simply scroll down to the bottom of this for the Comment Section. Please know that I am the only one who will see your email, it will not be shared on the post (although your comment will be shared) and I will not give your email to anyone else. I can’t wait to hear from you!!

I Hope You Have a Very Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!