St. Patrick’s Day is somehow approaching fast, even though it feels as if March 2020 was only a few weeks ago. The pandemic’s resolution seems to be just around the corner now, however, even though the approaching lucky holiday is met once again with canceled parades, lowered restaurant capacities, and quarantine pods containing only a few friends and family members.
But fear not, Detroitisit has got your back with fun ideas to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day one last time (fingers crossed) from home.
KISS THE (IRISH) COOK
PHOTO MILTON WIKLUND / UNSPLASH
Not that long ago banana bread was the COVID-19 quarantine mascot. Baking was suddenly the best new thing to pass the quaran-time.
For the individuals who miss this trend, a great way to jump back in is to make Guinness Brownies for St. Patrick’s Day! Sally’s Baking Addiction’s recipe is simple to follow, and oh-so-delicious.
For those of us who have sworn off baking after one too many burnt, crispy, and dense loaves of banana bread got the best of us, a scrumptious Irish Stew may be more suited. Dinner At The Zoo’s recipe is great for skilled cooks and carry-out masters alike, and it stays fresh in the freezer for up to two months, so no worries if eight servings are too many for your quarantine pod!
DINNER AND A SHOW?
A great companion to Irish dinner and dessert are Irish films. Whether it’s a classic like The Quiet Man
PHOTO CHARLES DELUVIO / UNSPLASH
starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, available through Amazon Prime Video, or a 1980’s coming of age film like Sing Street, also available through Amazon Prime Video, you’ll feel the Irish vibes without even having to leave your couch.
Another fantastic film to watch on St. Patrick’s Day is Frank, a dark comedy partially set and filmed in Ireland. The film centers around a band that has great potential but is just a bit on the unusual side. Emotions are high and characters’ inner personalities are exposed as the band goes to a remote cabin in Ireland to work on their debut album. Oh, and who’s Frank you may ask? He’s just the lead singer who never takes off his giant paper mache mask.
PHOTO FROM CORNERMAN CAN; BREW DETROIT
SUPPORT A LOCAL BREWERY
If you can’t make it out this year or are choosing to stay away from the half-capacity crowds, a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is to drink some local beer. Brew Detroit’s Irish Red Ale, Cornerman, is a great addition to the at-home Irish spread. Check out their entire selection on their pickup and curbside menu from an array of other brewskis to take home!
TAKE A TOUR
There is something so utterly beautiful about Ireland–the open fields, the seaside cliffs, the hustle and bustle of a foreign place. For those of us craving a sense of peace and calm, or miss traveling around the globe, Rick Steves offers many videos showcasing the beauty and lifestyles of Ireland. Grab a beer, a Guinness Brownie, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes!
CLIFFS OF MOHER, IRELAND; PHOTO HENRIQUE CRAVERIO / UNSPLASH
HOUSE PUB CRAWL
PHOTO DAS RECITS / UNSPLASH
If going hard on St. Patty’s Day is your thing, a great way to liven up your home is with an at-home pub crawl for you and your pod. Set up each room with the ingredients for a different drink of your choosing, put on some Irish tunes, and get crawling! If you’re looking for drink ideas, check out our St. Patrick’s Day cocktail list, or just Guinness it up!
Green Beer is also a fun, celebratory drink for those who don’t care for dark beer. It’s a quick recipe, done by mixing a light ale with some green food coloring. What could be more festive than a green drink?
DONATE GREEN
One of our favorite ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is to donate to a green charity and to be green conscious. A few great
PHOTO KELLY SIKKEMA / UNSPLASH
charities to donate to include, Clean Air Task Force, a non-governmental organization focused on diminishing the United States’ CO2 emissions and pollution resulting from our coal-fired power plants, or if you want to donate on a broader scale, The Climate Emergency Fund allocates their funds in grant form to groups that are deeply involved with climate protest.
For those of us short on cash, a great way to be green-conscious is to pay attention to your usage during the holiday. Turn off the tap water while you brush your teeth, collect your empties at the end of the night to return during your next visit to the store, and turn off the lights in the rooms you aren’t in—except when you’re doing your house pub crawl, of course!
