Planning on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this weekend? 

Check out the Daily Press’ handy guide to get you ready for the wearin’ o’ the Green!

Get green clothes.  If you don’t want to get pinched you better put on some green.

Buy drinks.  Consuming an alcoholic beverage or two is a well known custom on this day. Try a new Irish beer for a change of pace to celebrate the day.

Involve the kids.  Get a box of Lucky Charms and going straight for the sweet, Irish-themed marshmallows can be fun treat. Also, try making a pair of shamrock glasses out of cardboard and green cellophane for a bit of added fun. Have fun going on a “treasure hunt” around the house for lucky charms like horseshoes and rabbits feet.

Start practicing your accent.  Practice your accent by softening the pronunciation of your vowels and hardening the consonants. For example, pronounce “How are you” like “Ha-ware-ye.” Add in a few phrases to your accent and you’ll be good to go. Watch Pierce Brosnan and Colin Farrell for research.

Learn a jig.  Learning to dance a jig will make you a hit at any St. Patrick’s Day party, or at least make people forget your party fouls.

“Kiss me” shirts.  Rocking a “Kiss me I’m Irish” T-shirt is a fun way to celebrate the holiday.

Grab a cabr.  Please be responsible. There are plenty of cab companies available to help you out. Program a couple of them into your cell phone now or write down their numbers and put them in your wallet — or somewhere you won’t forget when you won’t remember how you got home.

Rent an Irish movie.  Watch the 1959 Disney “Darby O’Gill and the Little People” to get you in the spirit for St. Patrick’s Day.

Get cooking!  A nice mutton stew, a plate of bangers or a tray of shamrock-shaped cookies help set the scene…and the classic corned beef and cabbage is a must!

Now you’re ready…have (safe) fun out there!

D&J