How about an Irish Tea for St. Patrick's Day?

Celtic cross on the Rock of Cashel, Ireland. From www.pdphoto.com.
Irish Blessings and Sayings
May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire!

Everyone is an honorary Irishman or Irishwoman on St. Patrick’s Day! While most people think of beer as the St. Patrick's Day accompaniment, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water, and in Ireland, it is the most popular drink, with Guinness stout coming in second! What better way to spend St. Patrick’s Day, especially if you don’t care for green beer, than having a tea party, Irish-style? Here are some menu suggestions, including variations on traditional Irish foods:

Gleninagh Castle, Ireland. From www.pdphoto.com

Irish Breakfast Tea
Green tea
Lime-flavored mineral water

Irish Scones
Black Treacle Scones
Soda Bread
Oatcakes
Kerrygold Butter
Honey
Blackberry jam
Dundee Orange marmalade

Cucumber Mint tea sandwiches
Avocado tea sandwiches with bacon
Corned Beef and Cabbage tea sandwiches
Mini Shepherd’s Pies
Boxty (Irish Potato Cakes)
Green grapes and Dubliner Cheese

Irish Lace Cookies
Lime Tarts
Irish Shortbread
Barm Brack
Raisin Tea Cake
Irish country path. From www.pdphoto.com
Of course, the decorations for such a tea should feature green, white, orange and gold as much as possible. Items decorated with rainbows and shamrocks are other obvious choices. Chocolate gold coins make a perfect tea party favor for this tea! Whether you are enjoying a bit of early spring or are still buried in winter snow, an Irish tea party can be a cheery break from the everyday routine, and a real treat as we prepare -- as St. Patrick did -- for the Easter season.

"Celebrity tea drinkers: Irish-American author Frank McCourt."
Irish Recipes and Baking
“Irish Tea Traditions,” by Brenda Hyde
Irish Tea recipe
“St Patrick’s Day Afternoon Tea Party Ideas: Irish Style Party Planning Tips” by Janienne Jennrich
“St. Patrick’s Day Recipes, with thanks to an Irish Aunt”
“Pot of Tea” recipe