St. Patrick’s Day Dos and Don’ts to Make the Most of the Holiday

After months of waiting, St. Patrick’s Day 2017 is finally here. It is one of the best days of the year, but before you make plans for the evening, take a minute to read through this list of St. Paddy’s Day dos and don’ts we compiled from party experts. The list will help you make the most of the holiday so you can avoid making a fool of yourself.

Do: Go Out on St. Patrick’s Day.

You’re sure to hear from a bunch of people on social media that going out on St. Patrick’s day is cliched, but cliches are cliches for a reason. Going out on St. Patrick’s Day with a group of friends to the right place — more on that in a second — can be a great time, especially when it comes on a Friday or Saturday, as it does in 2017.

Don’t: Go Overboard on St. Patrick’s Day.

While you should go out, you shouldn’t go too far. For starters, there’s no need to go to an expensive club or an overcrowded “Irish” pub. Head to a place where you and your friends will be able to have a fun and safe time. Besides, every place will be crazy on St. Patrick’s Day. In addition, don’t get too drunk. Have a good time for sure, but there’s no need to become the fool who blacks out and spends the next day with a killer headache and a missing cell phone.

Do: Enjoy Traditional Irish Drinks.

While you should have them in moderation as stated above, you should enjoy some traditional drinks. For beer lovers there’s Guinness, for the sweet tooth there’s Bailey’s Irish Cream, and of course Jameson for those looking for something that packs more of a punch.

Don’t: Drink Green Beer.

Unless you are at a frat party (and even then it’s not the best idea) avoid the green beer. All your doing is guzzling cheap beer with food coloring in it, leaving yourself with nothing but a hangover and some awkward trips to the bathroom on March 18.

Do: Enjoy Irish Heritage and Culture.

If you’re Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is your holiday to embrace your heritage. The music, the parade, the food — all of it. Even if you’re not Irish by ancestry, you can respectfully enjoy all the Irish culture on display.

Don’t: Make a Joke of It.

Don’t dress entirely in green. In addition, don’t wear a leprechaun costume. Don’t speak in a bad Irish accent. Don’t encourage “drunken” Irish stereotypes. Just don’t do it.

TL;DR: Have fun, but don’t be stupid.