Throwing an Irish theme party, especially on St. Patrick's Day, means going green. You can do this with decorations that are as cheap or expensive as you like: Green streamers set the mood if you're on a budget; if you have more green to spend, go all out with green light bulbs in your lamps, green helium balloons and shamrock-shaped party lights.

Gold-foil-wrapped chocolate coins and Lucky Charms cereal make for festive table decorations - as well as great snacks. Fill bowls or vases with them to dress up your party.

Also, find a big rock (or make one out of Styrofoam or papier-mâché) to be your Blarney Stone. Position it near the door so people can kiss it when they enter. Since legend has it that kissing the actual stone is supposed to give the kisser the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness, you're bound to have more interesting party chatter if guests pucker up as they arrive.