Happy St. Paddy's Day

I hope you've been enjoying St. Patrick's Day.  It's been a busy day and I realized I better get my post written before the day is over.  

I enjoy St. Patrick's Day not only because it gives me an opportunity to celebrate my Irish heritage, but it also gives me a chance to celebrate the missionary who helped spread Christianity throughout Ireland, and used the clover to illustrate the Trinity.  I recently read a prayer St. Patrick prayed on his missionary journeys and it's a prayer I want to take to heart. "Christ above me, Christ in front of me, Christ to my right, Christ to my left, Christ below me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ in my every thought, Christ in my every word, Christ in my every deed."

It was just my hubby and I for dinner this evening, but we enjoyed an Irish tablescape and menu.  I used all my emerald green dishes with the exception of the clear glass shamrock dishes and dessert plates.  I was so happy to be able to use the small green vases I've been collecting.

We began our meal with Reuben Soup and Rye Croutons.

I made Irish Soda bread last night, and cut it into wedges today and served it in the clear glass shamrock dishes.  

I got out all my Irish cookbooks and thought seriously about making corned beef and cabbage [something I've never made before], but then reverted to a tried and true favorite - Shepherd's Pie.  

Dessert was a new recipe - Key Lime Cake.  We liked it, but I wish I would have gone with Pistachio Cake instead.  Next year!  We each drank our favorite tea.  My hubby had Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice and I had Citron Green.  The Irish love their tea.  They are second in world-wide consumption per capita, out-ranked only in recent years by Turkey.

~ My hubby ~

I got a new tablecloth, napkins and apron to match this year at Marshall's/HomeGoods Super Store.

I added a pair of shamrock leggings to my wardrobe this year.  I got brave and wore them to work last Saturday with the sweater I got last year. I wondered if I'd be pushing the boundaries, but everyone enjoyed the festivity.  Wait 'til you see the Easter Egg dress I ordered to wear to work next month!  

I left the hat at home but they told me I should have worn it too.  I didn't get a chance to have my picture taken wearing the complete outfit, but you get the gist.

How did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?  I was hoping Hallmark Channel would show As Luck Would Have It, starring Allen Leech and JoAnna Garcia Swisher, filmed in Ireland.  I saw it a couple of times last year, but it would have been perfect to view on St. Patrick's Day.