Beads for Every Party

Green Throws for St. Patrick's Day Parades and Parties

By Mardi Gras Beads Factory ·

Green beads, gold coins and a green hat for St. Patrick's Day
Photo: Autumn Martin / Unsplash

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the greenest days of the year in South Louisiana. People wear green from head to toe, and parades roll in several neighborhoods. You do not need to ride in a parade to join the fun, though. A pile of green beads can turn any backyard, office, or living room into a St. Patrick’s party.

This guide covers three things. First, what people wear and catch at the parades here. Next, which green beads to pick. Last, easy party ideas for home.

What do people catch at St. Patrick’s parades around New Orleans?

St. Patrick’s parades here have their own special throws. The best known is cabbage. Float riders at the Irish Channel parade toss cabbages and potatoes to the crowd. News reports call it an Irish American twist on the Louisiana habit of throwing beads and treats from floats.

Other vegetables fly too. Guides to the local parades list potatoes and carrots, plus MoonPies.

The walking clubs bring their own tradition. Members carry canes full of paper flowers. They hand a flower to someone along the route in exchange for a kiss. Some clubs also hand out beads. One long-running Irish Channel club is known for giving out beads, especially pearl beads, along with its flowers.

So if you go, bring a big bag. You may come home with green beads, a paper flower, and dinner.

What do people wear on St. Patrick’s Day?

Green, and lots of it. Many people wear a green shirt and then pile on green beads. Some add a green hat, green socks, or a shamrock pin. The more green, the better.

Beads are an easy way to add green without buying new clothes. Put a few strands over a white T-shirt, and you are ready.

Which green beads should I pick?

Green comes in more than one shade, so it helps to mix a few.

  • Bright kelly green. This is the classic St. Patrick’s green. It shows up well in photos.
  • Dark green. A deeper green looks nice next to the bright one. Two shades together look fuller than one.
  • White and gold. These go well with green. White and gold strands mixed in make the green stand out more. Pearl-look beads fit right in, like the ones the walking clubs hand out.
  • Shamrock and themed beads. Some beads have shamrocks, hats, or other charms on them. These make a nice gift for the host or a prize.

You can find fancy and themed beads in the store’s specialty beads section. For plain green strands in bulk, look at throw beads.

How do I throw a green party at home?

You do not need a parade route to have fun. Here are some simple ideas.

  • Bead basket at the door. Put green beads in a bowl or basket. Each guest grabs a few on the way in.
  • “Pinch” pass. Some people say you get pinched if you do not wear green. Keep spare green beads by the door so nobody gets pinched.
  • Flower-and-bead swap. Borrow the walking club idea. Make paper flowers ahead of time. Guests can trade beads for flowers, or flowers for a hug or a high five.
  • Green table. Lay green and gold strands down the middle of the food table. Drape some over the backs of chairs.
  • Best green outfit. Near the end of the party, give a fancy strand or a boa to the guest who wore the most green.

How do I know how many green beads to get?

Start with your guest count. Add a few extra people for friends who drop by.

Then decide how many strands each guest gets. One strand is fine for a small office party. A few strands each looks more festive. Multiply guests by strands, and add some extra for decorating the table and chairs. Beads are often sold by the dozen or by the case, so round up to a full pack.

Are green beads safe for small children?

Kids love St. Patrick’s Day too. Small beads and small parts can be a choking hazard for young children. Always follow the age label on the product. For the littlest guests, a green hat or a soft toy is a safer choice.

Where can I get green beads in Louisiana?

Mardi Gras Beads Factory has two stores in Louisiana, in Bridge City and Houma. You can order online and pick up at either store, so your green beads are ready before the party.

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