Phase 2 of The House Behind The Trees ~ The downstairs #TeelsBuildaHouse

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So we are starting the downstairs ... I HATE to say basement because we had a basement in our old home, where you opened a door and went down stairs separated from anything else. It was a finished basement complete with a bedroom, craft room, family/game room and we spent a lot of time there ~ our oldest son moved down there in jr high and stayed through high school ... until we finished the master suite in the attic then he moved back up to the bedroom floor with his brother and sister.  So here our downstairs is open to the rest of the house, you can see through to the outside from the top of the stairs going down because we have a wall of windows down there as well.  We really didn't plan to have a kiddo down there but since we are having to do a switch-a-roo with rooms (I'll explain later) he is moving home soon and will be downstairs. Anyhoo, our downstairs will house our main family room, our middle sons room, a full bath and kitchenette.  I thought it would be fun ...
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Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this Friday with these fun party ideas!

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Sweet Sips ~ Forget about Shamrock Shake {sorry McD's}and try a Guinness float. Layer vanilla ice cream and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur into a pre-frosted pint glass. Slowly pour in half a bottle of Guinness stout beer while titling the glass on its side to prevent the beer from foaming over.

Go Green ~ Sweet treats like these set the prefect leprechaun trap for guests. Nibble delicious St. Patrick's Day party treats like wee chocolate leprechaun hats, cupcakes, dipped crispy rice treats and green milk and cookies!

Baileys Irish Cream Cookies ~ Baileys, chocolate, and cookies OH MY!  A St. Patrick's Day trifecta, these bite-size, chocolate-dipped shamrock cookies are layered with a sweet Baileys-and-coffee blend that makes them the perfect after-dinner treat or decadent snack to have with your afternoon coffee or tea. Get the recipe from Buttercream Blondie.

Hearty Stew ~ Even if you're not Irish, you'll love this hearty stew and bread. Get the full recipe for both the stew and bread from the Better Homes Test Kitchen by clicking here.

Clover Cookies ~ Use a small, round cookie cutter to shape your favorite shortbread dough, roll the edge in green sugar and arrange three circles in a clover pattern, overlapping slightly. Use your dough scraps to form a small stem also dipping the edges in green sugar. Bake as the package directs.

Succulent Display ~ Arrange succulents and other greenery into a flower pot or shallow container for a natural green centerpiece. Weave in fresh (or faux) shamrocks for extra luck. After the big day, plant the greens in your garden or create a modern succulent container garden.

Irish Beer Flights ~ Mimic a pub crawl at home by serving guests customized beer flights. Have six or seven options of Irish beer on hand—think Guinness, Harp, or O'Hara's—and serve four-ounce pours. Guests can sample a variety of brews without committing to an entire bottle.

Pot of Gold Poker ~ Set up a poker table so guests can truly test their luck. Cover a card table with green felt, fabric, or even an oversize scarf. Instead of cash, play for a pot filled with gold coins and candies. Have younger guests? Stock an exclusive spot with kid-friendly card games.

Shamrock-Shape Appetizers ~ Use a shamrock cookie cutter on bread, dough, cheese, or any other pliable food to form festive appetizers. Try topping tortillas with shaved corned beef, carrots and, sauerkraut for a homage to a traditional Reuben.

At the Dinner Table ~ Try this darling ideas for your sit down lunch/dinner table and everyone will feel "richer" for being having the opportunity to sit at your festive table ;)

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