St. Patrick's Day the Toddler Way

What color should you decorate with? Green, of course! Use green streamers, green and white cups, plates and napkins, and green and white balloons. "Cut green shamrocks from construction paper or poster board and glue gold glitter on them," says Gladden. "Hang them all around the room."

A simple centerpiece for the table can be made out of a black pot. Simply fill it with chocolate foil-covered gold coins to make that lucky pot of gold. Another easy centerpiece can be made out of a clay pot. "Create an inexpensive centerpiece by sponge-painting or stenciling shamrocks on a clay pot," says Gladden. "Attach several of the glittery shamrocks to bamboo skewers and insert into floral foam in the clay pot. Write Irish messages on the shamrocks, if desired. Cover the foam with Spanish moss."

Matching place cards for the table can be made by sponge-painting smaller clay pots, then writing the children's names on them with a marker. Fill the pots with green jellybeans, lollipops, or Lucky Charms cereal. (Note: Watch children carefully if the item is small enough for them to choke on.)

Don't forget the front door! "Cut out one large shamrock and tape to the door," says Gladden. "Write 'Welcome To The Party' on it with a gold marker. Have the children sign the big shamrock when they arrive and let the host child keep it as a souvenir of the party."