March has arrived and I’ve already set the kitchen table with a “new” Irish shamrock cloth in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day.
I’m actually the 12th Keeper of the Cloth to incorporate and style the Irish linen into a holiday table top.
My blogger friend, Linda of Life and Linda, bestowed me with the honor for 2022. See her Keeper of the Shamrock Cloth post for the origin and complete history of the tradition that began in 2010. There’s also a listing and pictures of all the previous posts as the shamrock cloth passed from one blogger to the next.
Six of those ladies are among a wonderful group of stylists who I regularly join in seasonal and holiday tablescape blog hops. Although I’ve never met any in person, they are all part of a supportive and talented community of acquaintances with shared interests. Sadly, we lost two fellow bloggers and bright lights recently; dear Paula of Virginia Sweet Pea, and Michelle of The Unpainted Hinge.
Lovely Linda sent me the Irish shamrock cloth — and it’s traveling leprechaun companion — all the way across the country from California to Pittsburgh. I’ve waited months for my opportunity to style the St. Patrick’s Day table, and hope you enjoy the results.
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Clovers & Celtic Knots
Having admired seeing the Irish shamrock cloth grace other blogger’s tabletops, I couldn’t wait to see how it would fit on my round kitchen table.
First, I laid a white translucent tablecloth over the clear glass. The square Irish shamrock cloth sits on top, with it’s four corners just reaching the edge of the 60″ round table. A trio of dark green, shamrock-shape placemats (Kohl’s years ago) are arranged like a runner down the middle.
In addition to clusters of three-leaf clovers, each corner of the cloth is decorated with a large Celtic knot. Stylized graphical representations of mostly basket-weave knots, they are widely used for decorative purposes in Ireland. Celtic knots are particularly well-known ornamentation of Christian monuments and manuscripts across Ireland. Most are endless knots — with no beginning or end — representing unity and eternal spiritual life.
I positioned the Irish shamrock cloth so that none of the four place settings would cover the decorative corners.
Ireland Pursuit Styling
As this year’s lucky Keeper of the Cloth, I was able to restyle a holiday setting using tableware and decorations I already have.
There are no other more appropriate and lovely dishes for a St Patrick’s Day tablescape than my Ireland Pursuit (by Kelcraft for Noritake) pattern.
Around the rims are dark green bands and animal medallions. Different hunt and pastoral scenes are depicted in the center of each plate or bowl.
See my entire collection of dishes and serving pieces in, Ireland Pursuit St. Patrick’s Day Table.
For this setting, I’ve stacked a soup bowl on the dinner plate. A small dessert bowl is placed in the upper left of each place setting.
I’ll be serving a St. Patrick’s Day meal of traditional Irish Stout Stew with Herbed Dumplings and Soda Bread. Bee sure to check back next week so see how I blend elements of three recipes for the flavorful stew.
Copper twig flatware (Pier 1 online, years ago) flanks each of the four place settings, including a large soup spoon. To the upper right, are leprechaun gold-colored glasses (Goodwill) and vintage, etched pilsners (for serving dark Guinness Stout) that had belonged to my dear in-laws.
Lucky Clover Folded Napkins
Laying in each soup bowl is a napkin folded in the shape of a three-leaf clover. Centered in each napkin is one of the leprechaun’s precious gold coins.
Last year, I adapted the three-leaf from the classic shamrock napkin fold. See the six-step, fully-illustrated Lucky 3 Leaf Clover Napkin Fold Tutorial to make your own.
It’s one of 20 different Napkin Folds for All Seasons, Holidays & Occasions I’ve incorporated into many table settings these last few years.
Although I love the fabric used in the tutorial, the large 20″ napkins overwhelmed the bowls. I also thought the green and white buffalo print clashed with the lovely Irish shamrock cloth pattern. Plus, the smaller 12″ napkins matched the forest green color of the shamrock-shaped placemats.
Folding a napkin in the shape of a clover or shamrock is an easy and inexpensive way to style a St. Patrick’s Day setting — without the need for seasonal dishes, glasses or linens.
Have Leprechaun, Will Travel
Back in 2014, Mary of Home is Where the Boat Is, discovered an impish leprechaun had joined her St. Patrick’s Picnic on the Porch. She generously sent him along as a guardian and companion to the Irish shamrock cloth.
He happily led a jig with my own two resident leprechauns (Byers’ Choice Kindles) in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day centerpiece.
Centered on the table, the trio of leprechauns are gathered on one of the shamrock-shape place mats. Scattered around the centerpiece are several white candles and more gold coins.
If you like wee green folk, you might also enjoy seeing my Quick and Easy Lucky Leprechaun Centerpiece.
Facing the opposite side of the table is a darling Irish lad (Lizzie collectible figure), gathering a bouquet of shamrocks — innocently unware of the mischievous leprechauns behind him. Laddie was a thoughtful gift I received many years ago from my sister A. Flanking him are small gold pots full of shimmering clover (Michaels, awhile back).
Overhead, I’ve decorated the chandelier with garlands of greenery, and hung shamrock-shaped ornaments — something I do every March.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my latest St. Patrick’s Day table styling.
But or casual March mornings, I set the Irish shamrock cloth table for just hubby and I to share a cup of coffee and maybe a scone.
I picked these two large mugs up many moons ago at Marshall’s. Aren’t they fun?
Over the years, I’ve been discouraged by the lack of St. Patrick’s Day tableware and linens stocked in stores. With the pandemic and Pier 1 closed, I haven’t even bothered to look. I’m lucky to have my decades-old Ireland Pursuit set (retired), which are actually my everyday dishes.
Do you have any St. Patrick’s Day theme tableware or linens? I do have my own authentic Irish-made runner that I frequently use to set a seasonal table. See it in, Ireland Pursuit St. Patrick’s Day Table.
More Holiday Inspiration
Past Keepers of the Cloth (Mary, Sarah, Rita, Jenna and Linda) will join me and eight others on March 10th for When Irish Eyes are Smiling. Included in the blog hop are table settings, vignettes, crafts and foods. Bee sure to check out all 14 posts, including my Easy, Hearty Irish Stew for St. Patrick’s Day.
It’s the second time I’ll be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day theme party. Last year, Linda shared her styling with the Irish shamrock cloth and leprechaun. See it, along with 13 others in St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting Ideas.
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I regularly participate in: Metamorphous Monday, Turn About Tuesday, Centerpiece Wednesday, Whimsical Home Projects, In Link Party, Share Your Style, Tablescape Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Crafty Creators, Fabulous Friday, Saturday Sparks, Happiness is Homemade, and Love Your Creativity.
Just this morning Debbie from Mountain Breaths and were wondering who received the cloth this year! It’s wonderful in your table styling! What an added bit of fun in our world of dish lovers, to pass this cloth among us as keepers. All your styling looks rich with the saturated hues of green. I love it all, and especially your trio of trouble making elves. 🇨🇮🧡🤍💚
Surprise! I’m delighted you enjoyed my styling with the cloth. My younger son will be coming home to see Hamilton on a date with his mom, and I’m looking forward to having him celebrate St. Patrick’s Day dinner at the table.
Beautiful table with the Shamrock cloth. It was my pleasure to pass it on to you Debbee. Your plates. Napkin fold and so much more are a feast for the eyes. Your new mugs are darling. You have fully embraced the traveling Shamrock cloth and are now known as one of the keepers.
Can’t tell you how thrilled and happy I was that you entrusted it to me Linda! So happy to share it with my readers, friends and family.
I had to come over and see the traveling cloth! I remember seeing this in past years. You did the beautiful table cloth justice, your table looks wonderful!!💚☘️💚☘️
Thanks for taking a looksee Ann. It’s such a lovely vintage cloth. I’m gonna miss it, and hope to find something similar when we travel to Ireland this summer.
What a festive tablesetting! I adore the AnnaLee leprechaun! Slainte
Thanks Patti! I have an Annalee Mr. and Mrs. Claus I love, and am resistant to start yet another collection. Not that I haven’t been tempted … lol!
Congrats for being the keeper of the cloth! I had the pleasure in 2018! Your table is so cute with the leprechaun centerpiece and the signature Debbee napkin folds! I love the big shamrock mats and your china. The coffee mugs are super cute and your Irish Stout Stew sounds wonderful!
I’m honored to join the club with you Jenna! My apologies for not mentioning you as a Keeper, and have updated the post to reflect that. Looking forward to hopping with you next week.
Your St. Patrick’s Day tablescape is so festive Debbee! Like Rita, I was wondering who the ‘Keeper of the Cloth’ would be this year. I love how you used the square topper on your round table, so you can admire the pattern of the Celtic knots, shamrocks and border of the cloth. I’ve long admired your Ireland Pursuit dinnerware and I love it topped with your signature shamrock napkin fold. Looking forward to hopping with next week and having a taste of your Irish Stew. ☘️☘️☘️
P.S. Beware the little leprechaun, he’s a trickster and if you don’t keep an eye on him he’ll steal all your gold. 🙂
Thanks Mary! It was awfully nice of you to send the leprechaun along — he adds whimsy. I have it on good authority that he intends to take some of my gold with him along to the next Keeper lol! So long as Whiskey (my Scottish wee folk) doesn’t lay eyes on him, I think the tablecloth and dishes are safe this year!
So fun! I love things that travel, and you did a beautiful job with the table! I especially love your china and of course your napkin fold! Thanks for another round of inspiration – can’t wait to hop with you next week!
Sharing is so much fun, as is seeing the different stylings and table setting ideas. Looking forward to next week, and so happy to have you join in.
Really adorable, Debbee! I love the beautiful table topper. It immediately grabbed my attention. And the napkin folds are perfect with all of the other shamrocks on the table. So bright and vivid color of green. The leprechauns are so sweet. I love your Ireland Pursuit dinnerware. It is so elegant and really is exquisite for this holiday table. I didn’t know what you meant in your emails about Keeper of the Cloth, but now I know. Definitely, you were very fortunate to have such honor. Now I could go for some Irish Soda Bread.
Thanks for checking it out Marsha! Without the cloth and leprechaun, I think I might have been stumped to style a new setting this year. And, I really liked how it worked with my dishes and emerald green napkins.
Debbee, it’s great to see the Traveling Shamrock Cloth under your care. Your table is fabulous as always. The Keeper of the Cloth is such a fun idea and way to spread our love of tabletop details. Using the square on your round table was a great idea. It really shows off the Celtic knots. It’s such a pretty piece of fabric with it’s vibrant greens against the white. It’s fun to see that smiling Leprechaun too. I was honored to have the cloth visit and look forward to who will style it next year. Looking forward to our blog hop tomorrow.
Ah, thanks Sarah, it was my great pleasure to be Keeper #12! It’s a lovely and fun tradition to be a part of. The pretty cloth would have been lost on the dining room table, and I was relieved/happy to see how it fit on the round kitchen table. We are actually traveling to Ireland this summer (2 years later than originally scheduled because of the pandemic). I’m hoping to bring home a piece of Irish linen and/or Belleek.
Debbee, I know… There just isn’t that much out there celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. I have a couple of shamrocks with vintage style pics on them and a musical ceramic doll from my childhood, but that’s it! I need to pull mine out and use the cream tablecloth I found in England but is Irish (lots of clovers on it!) to make a pretty table. Maybe tomorrow after school… 🙂 I have been TERRIBLE about not writing this whole winter. Too much going on with moving Charles’ mother here and now into her new home! 😉
Happy almost St. Paddy’s Day,
Barb 🙂
If you have time this next week Barb, I’d love to see your shamrocks and musical doll styled into a little vignette or table. I love vintage things, which is why it was so nice to incorporate the traveling cloth into a table setting.
p.s. I totally forgot… I featured your post this evening at Share Your Style #338 for you! <3 I love that the little leprechaun came with the tablecloth! ;)' Makes this traveling cloth even more special!!!
Thanks ever so much Barb! I know the 11 previous Keepers are delighted to see word of the cloth and leprechaun spread far and wide.
Hello Debbee, the Irish stew looks amazing! I was Keeper of the Cloth in 2019, I love its tradition. My husband and I traveled to Ireland in 2015, we loved our trip and hope to go back one day! I will be looking forward to your posts when you return. I am so sorry I couldn’t join in on the hop ☘️💚☘️
I loved your styling with the cloth in 2019 Pam, as I do all your table settings. I’d appreciate you passing along any Ireland travel tips as we have some extra days on our own to explore. I’ll also be shopping for Belleek, linens, and more!
Some things are timeless. That cloth is beautiful. How blessed to be trusted with such a treasure.
I was just thinking about you and all the wedding “Buzz”
Pinterest had over the top crystal bows as napkin rings.
Hi Myrna, sorry for the delayed response, we were in DC for 5 days visiting family. I sure felt lucky when the cloth arrived in the mail from Linda. Am looking forward to seeing it shared for the 13th year this Friday — part of the Lucky Charms seasonal hop I am hosting. Since we are hosting the welcome party/rehearsal dinner in a barn, the vibe will be more rustic chic, no bling. Can’t wait to share all the details next fall.
Beautiful tablescape! I love your lucky clover folded napkin. Perfect for St.Patrick’s Day. Thanks for sharing it @Happiness Is Homemade, Debbie. Hugs
Thanks Mel, so happy you like it! Hope you give the folded clover napkin a try. Yesterday I shared my, Easy, Hearty Irish Stew for St. Patrick’s Day that I’ll be serving.
Debbee, you did the group proud with your lovely shamrock table setting. Enjoy your Irish stew for dinner tonight, and thanks for sharing what is happening in your world at the FWF link party.
Ah thanks Rachelle, they were a tough act to follow! Had the stew last night and my son’s girlfriend made it too to surprise him. Hubby is delighted we have enough for another meal this weekend. Instead of dumplings this year, I made Irish soda bread and scones for dessert. I’m still stuffed lol!
I’m a tad late, but enjoying St Patrick’s tables nonetheless! I may lobby for a week for the holiday, lol. Your mix of impish leprechauns and stately hunt scenes is marvelous!
Surely a week is called for to celebrate any holiday? I decorate for about up to a month ahead and set tables for most holidays. Glad you stopped by Sandra!