On St. Patrick’s Day, the world turns green. Or, white or even a bit of gray. Winter 2015 just won’t go away. March and snowstorms? Say it isn’t so! Time to bring on the green of spring even if Mother Nature is not completely on board. As my mother always said, “Fake it ’till you make it!” March 17, just days before the first day of spring, gives us the opportunity to dream of the bright colors and green leaves to come. St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday to brighten the winter weary soul.

Our friends in Chicago know how to celebrate big. Forty-five pounds (yes, 45!) of green vegetable dye is dumped into the Chicago River  turning it vivid green between Columbus and Wacker Drives. Oh, what a sight to see! After the river festivities, revelers party throughout the day and into the night. Everywhere you go, the iconic shamrock will be found.

Tucked into a ruffled cluster of green variegated ranunculus, the shamrock shouts out, “I’m ready to join the fun!” A bouquet is an easy way to share the merriment with friends.

Since the holiday falls on a Tuesday this year, you may have to go to work. Flowers on your desk will keep your spirits up while you countdown to the end of the workday.

If an evening at home with friends is more to your style, a festive topiary tree adorned with shamrocks can set the mood. Invite all of your leprechaun friends over for a festive meal of corned beef and cabbage paired with a side of soda bread.

It seems as though the holiday has grown into a much bigger event than when I was a child. Cutout shamrocks glued with good old Elmer’s onto construction paper is just not enough. Look at all the craft ideas on Pinterest. Inspired? Now, you need the green shamrock PLUS minty green carnations, midori green anthurium and a perky green faux beret to show off your fresh flowers.

Everyone is looking for a bit of the “luck of the Irish” to chase away the winter blues. You’ll find it at a restaurant with a Shamrock Shake or Irish coffee with green whip cream. Visiting your local florist, you’ll find a fabulous array of green flowers to enhance your celebration: bells of Ireland, green carnations and poms, bupleurum, trachelium, anthurium, orchids, ranunculus, tulips and more. Mother Nature has never looked so good when she joins in with the “wearing of the green.” Choose your favorite blossoms, add a festive shamrock and share the holiday joy with family and friends. Florists can help you “fake it ’till you make it” to the first day of spring.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you and yours!