When I think of Ireland, I think of green fields and beautiful women, like Maureen O'Hara in The Quiet Man. I think of quaint accents, pastoral settings, and . . . sheep.
For the last couple of years I've begun collecting them, and now I seem to have acquired a small flock.
These are called Irish Galway Sheep from Colin's Creatures. Colin goes all over the world studying sheep. Besides the Galway, he reproduces other kinds as well, like the Cotswold, Dorper, Shetland, and many others. They are made of porcelain, castable stone, and imported woven fur, chosen to best imitate the sheep.
Baby lamb is sticking close to mama.
There were only five of us this year, composed of those in our “pandemic pod.” There's a light at the end of the tunnel, but we still need to keep safe a little bit longer.
Plaid napkins in the Irish National Tartan pattern, an Etsy find.
I gave these mini books with Irish blessings away as favors in a previous St. Pat's luncheon, but I had a new guest, my friend Fran, and she had never received one, so I set one out for her.
Irish Mules! Who knew? Simply substitute some Irish Whiskey for Vodka for an Irish twist. I used Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey and Rachel's Handcrafted Ginger Beer, along with freshly-squeezed lime juice. They were delicious!
Here's the basic recipe:
- 4 oz. ginger beer
- 1½ oz. Irish whiskey
- ½ oz. freshly-squeezed lime juice
- 1 T. sugar (optional) - I didn't use any because Rachel's Ginger Beer is already sweetened
- Ice, for serving
- Fresh mint, for garnish
- Lime rounds, for garnish
In a chilled copper mug measure out the ginger beer, vodka and lime juice. Add ice and stir with a cocktail spoon. Garnish with lime rounds and mint and serve immediately.
We served Shepperd's Pie, and, unfortunately, as it frequently happens, I got so busy that I forgot to take pictures of the food. Friends sent me their pictures afterwards.
I'd never made Shepherd's Pie before, so I spent a few days researching it beforehand. Alton Brown's recipe was wonderful. Everyone loved it and I highly recommend it.
And for dessert . . . Apple Pie! It just so happens that March 14th is Pie Day (π Day - 3.14). Served with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. The pie came from Jarosch bakery, my favorite crack dealer.
Walkers Shortbread Cookies in the shape of sheep.
A pot of gold at the end of a rainbow hung from the chandelier.
The Irish Whiskey Mules were so good that we hardly touched the wine. They were so refreshing!
Friends Angela and Leo, and my own husband, also a Leo, wore funny hats, and they insisted that we needed to as well, so I photoshopped a bow on my head, and a beret on my friend, Fran. You'd have to have been there.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! May the road rise to meet you and all the rest!
Joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. Please stop by to see the amazing work of some very talented table stylists. Enjoy!
5 comments:
Thank you, Maria!
Maris, thank you for your sweet visit and kind comment. Your St. Patrick’s table is lovely. I adore your collection of sheep, I might be stealing your idea. The tartan napkins tie in everything. Such sweet little books for a favor. Your menu sounds delicious. I shall look into Alton’s recipe. A pleasure to visit. Thanks for sharing your lovely table.
HA - I love your photoshopped bow. :) And such a wonderful table - those sheep are darling! Thanks for the wonderful inspiration Maria. Happy Thursday!
Maris, I also appreciate your visit to my Irish stew post. I'm green with envy over your sheep collection, lol! They are fab-u-lous! My list for items to bring back from Ireland keeps getting longer and I think I'm gonna need to bring an empty suitcase. We are spending a day and sharing a meal at a sheep farm when we visit Ireland this summer and I can't wait!
Maria, I absolutely ADORE your sheep collection. I have had Colin's Creatures as a favorite for years, ever since he was featured in one of the Hoffman Media magazines years ago. I never sprung for them, as they are pricey, but only because they are handmade by the artist and unique in design. I really love how you've used them in your tablescape. So tasteful! And that tiny pot of gold on the chandelier sure does add whimsy to the fact that that pot of gold is an ever-elusive symbol, isn't it?! Thank you so much for visiting and leaving your blog link so I could respond to you personally. Please email me so I can have your email in my contacts. wvpanoply@gmail.com Thanks, and I hope you have a great weekend. We have snow again today in zone 7a West Virginia! Winter and spring have collided! We had 65° and sunshine yesterday!
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