By Food and beverages for 25 guests

25 shots of Irish whiskey for coffee

12 bottles of wine (each couple should donate one bottle)

2 cases of beer

8-10 large bottles of spring water

1 case soda

3/4 pound corned beef per person

1/2 pound potatoes per person

6 heads of cabbage

Selected guests should bring appetizers and dessert

Tools

Keep a list of partygoers who are able to contribute tables, chairs, stockpots and Irish coffee mugs.

Preparation

Through the years, hosts of the annual St. Patrick’s Day feast in Los Altos have collected the following tips and suggestions, included in a “host box” that is passed from host to host:

The amount of time needed to prepare for the event depends upon how elaborate you plan to make your feast. Diana began preparing at least a month in advance, scouring local grocery stores for the best cuts of corned beef brisket and making table decorations, aprons, invitations and an anniversary photo album. About one week in advance, Diana began calling guests to make arrangements to borrow stockpots, tables and other needed equipment. The cooking should be left for the day of the event, Diana said. She planned to cook the corned beef so it would be ready just about the time her guests arrive. If corned beef is prepared too early, it can get dried out and the cabbage can get soggy, she said.