Wondering if any of you celebrate St. Patrick's Day. If so, what are your plans for this year?
St. Patrick's Day in the Chicago area is a big thing. There are several "local" parades in the various Chicago-proper neighborhoods, and a big parade downtown. Some suburbs also host a parade, but not mine. When I lived in the City (proper), we had a large Irish population in our neighborhod, lots of police and firemen, along with other city workers. Residency was required, so we had a strong community. It's where my DH grew up and he worked for the City, which is why we selected that community + good schools, strong churches, ethics, values, and great public transportation nearby.
For many years, our South Side Irish Parade was bigger than the downtown parade, with lots of house parties, with family gathering to watch the parade and return home for a celebration. Some years, we began the day with Irish bagpipers playing at Sunday morning mass. My DBIL and (now ex-) DSIL lived doors from the parade route and hosted for many years. After they sold and moved, we took over the gathering of the clan, about 2 blocks from the parade route. Once I moved to the suburbs, I started hosting the Far, Far South Side Irish party, and we all take the pups for a walk around the neighborhood, dressed in our green, in lieu of an actual parade.
I'm planning on hosting it again this year, and including some extended family (so DD can see her cousins) and close friends. Need to get invites out this week.
I'll do it pot luck / "bring an appatizer or dish to pass". but will provide some of the main items.
The menu I'll provide will include --
Beverages I'll provide will include:
St. Patrick's Day in the Chicago area is a big thing. There are several "local" parades in the various Chicago-proper neighborhoods, and a big parade downtown. Some suburbs also host a parade, but not mine. When I lived in the City (proper), we had a large Irish population in our neighborhod, lots of police and firemen, along with other city workers. Residency was required, so we had a strong community. It's where my DH grew up and he worked for the City, which is why we selected that community + good schools, strong churches, ethics, values, and great public transportation nearby.
For many years, our South Side Irish Parade was bigger than the downtown parade, with lots of house parties, with family gathering to watch the parade and return home for a celebration. Some years, we began the day with Irish bagpipers playing at Sunday morning mass. My DBIL and (now ex-) DSIL lived doors from the parade route and hosted for many years. After they sold and moved, we took over the gathering of the clan, about 2 blocks from the parade route. Once I moved to the suburbs, I started hosting the Far, Far South Side Irish party, and we all take the pups for a walk around the neighborhood, dressed in our green, in lieu of an actual parade.
I'm planning on hosting it again this year, and including some extended family (so DD can see her cousins) and close friends. Need to get invites out this week.
I'll do it pot luck / "bring an appatizer or dish to pass". but will provide some of the main items.
The menu I'll provide will include --
- Irish soda bread
- corned beef and swiss cheese for sandwiches
- assorted rye breads (seeded and non, light and maybe marbled)
- condiments
- potato salad
- coleslaw (unless someone offers to bring it)
- green fluff (made with pistachio pudding, crushed pineapple, and Cool Whip; may ask DD to provide)
- veggie tray with dip (unless someone offers to provide)
- possibly a layered taco dip and tortilla chips.
Beverages I'll provide will include:
- iced tea
- lemonade (maybe)
- assorted pop/soda (though not a lot)
- fixings for Irish Coffee
- otherwise, BYO (beer, wine, other beverages)