st. patrick's day dinner party

St. Patrick's Day has always been big in our family- growing up there were lots of pinching and irish accents on the 17th. then we'd always have a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. This year our little family will be going to a big annual st.patty's day party at a local brewery here in town with our church. So since i won't be cooking a whole meal myself, i asked my lovely mom if i could take some pictures of the dinner party she hosted for a group of close friends last week. i just figured that this kind of creativity and style shouldn't go undocumented. :)

First she decorated her table with a few yards of this dark burlap, then layered it with all kinds of fun: a shamrock plant, antlers, moss covered rocks, chocolate "gold" coins, old books, candlesticks, crystal, gold chargers, votives...

Each couple took home a little shamrock plant of their own and a little bag with twinnings irish breakfast tea and some irish caramels.

Her dinner was finished out with this amazing chocolate guiness cake and delicious Irish Coffee. (she tested these two recipes out on us the week before and they both were amazing.) Oh, and i just realized that my sis over at everyday lovely just posted about this same thing (ha!) but SHE posted the recipe to this fabulous cake. it's definitely worth checking out!

and here's the "hostess with the mostess" and her friend, Cary. Thanks mom for letting us hang around and take pictures! :)