St Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th, is a day full of Irish customs. From green bread to Guinness, there are many items you can serve if you're having a party. Here are a few ideas:

Most of the time, you will find an array of green items on the menu along with traditional Irish fare. Baked goods in particular lend themselves to being dyed green. To start off a menu you will need some traditional Irish beverages from Bailey's Original Irish Cream to Irish coffee, and on to Irish Whisky. From the drinks you will move to Irish Breads including Irish Spice Bread, Irish Soda Bread, and Irish Wheaten Bread. The Irish dinners may include baked stuffed herring, Irish sausages, beef in Guinness, Irish stew and many other types of delicious food.

For a typical Irish stew you will need 2 pounds of lamb, 8 medium potatoes sliced and peeled, 3 Spanish onions, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 2 cups water, salt and pepper to taste. Like any stew you will combine the ingredients in to a large pot with water and cook about an hour and a half.

Irish Scones are another great addition to the menu. You will need 1 cup of flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ pound of butter softened, 2 ounces sugar, 1 egg, 2 ounces milk, and fruit or nuts to add to the scones. Mix the ingredients together with the dry goods mixed separately, and then added slowly to the egg mixture. Then place the scones in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes at a temperature of 350 degrees, making sure the scones are light brown when they come out. Serve them with butter, cream, jelly, honey or marmalade.

Whatever you choose to serve on St Patrick's Day, traditional yet simple food often works best. That way, instead of being caught up worrying about the catering, you'll be kicking up your heels with your guests.