The most celebrated ethnic holidays of the year are upon us. In a little over a week, the luck of the Irish and the delicious sweets of Sicily will grace our tables and homes. It’s time to plant your clovers, bake some soda bread and gear up in green for St. Patrick’s Day. But don’t forget good old St. Joe, the step-dad of Jesus Christ. The Feast of St. Joseph and Saint Patrick’s Day, both fall within the days of one another. So get ready to embrace two heritages who wrote the book on celebrating in style, with some local treats, decoration inspiration and more.
Pot of Gold
Paint a terracotta pot with black spray paint or chalkboard paint. Once dried, add gold glitter glue around the rim and a four-leaf clover in the center. Fill the pot with golden wrapped rolos. This little accent is tasteful and fun to leave out for friends and family.
Lucky Home Accents
Paint extra mini terracotta pots white with gold accents and plant clover leaf plants or cat grass. Most local grocery stores sell clover plants for under $5. We found ours at King Kullen. Arrange the planters around the house for a pop of spring green!
Golden Nuggets
Collect and clean some rocks from the yard and let them dry completely. Using metallic gold spray paint, coat each rock on one side. Dry for 30 minutes minimum. Turn over and repeat steps. Once Rocks are fully dried, arrange in a decorative vase, apothecary jar or a seasonal pot of your choosing. Tip: Write words (luck, Irish, fortune etc.) on a few of the larger rocks using a acrylic paint pen.
Gourmet Treats From The Local Bakery
Three-generation family operated Garguilo’s Bakery, may be just across from St. James Train Station. However, with recipes so authentic, you’d swear you were in Europe. Pick up a wide variety of St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Pastry, Breads and other Confections in time for the Parades! St. Patrick’s delights include; Gluten-Free and Regular Irish Soda bread, Irish Cream Infused Cheesecake squares, decorative cupcakes and cookies. Celebrate the feast of St. Joseph with authentic Sicilian Sfinge (cream puffs), Zeppoli or pick up some traditional favorites like cannoli and pignoli (macaroons). Garguilo’s Bakery has been a favorite among Smithtown residents for over 60 years. Garguilo’s Bakery is located at 503 Lake Avenue, St. James (631) 584-9400
St. Joseph Lilies
It is good luck to keep fresh Lilies arranged in the home during the Feast of St. Joseph. This arrangement is three or four stems of cut white lilies in a fish bowl. Wrap a large Bamboo leaf around the inside of the vase to hide the stems. The green and white array is a beautiful spring accent and smells invigorating.