Giving Your Anniversary An Irish Flair

emerald-claddagh-ringThere are many ways to honor your beloved spouse on your anniversary.

If you share Irish ancestry, you should consider giving your wife or husband an anniversary gift and celebration that evokes the spirit of the Emerald Isle.

Adding a little magic and Irish fun to your anniversary will make the celebration more meaningful – for both of you!

There are always moments in life that become milestones and fond memories. Be sure you take the time to create a sense of romance and beauty on your wedding anniversary. Here is our list of ideas for injecting a little Irish spirit into your special day:

Scrap-booking – Making a scrapbook of all your days together can be one of the most moving gifts of all. Use an Irish theme for your own scrapbook to make it more original and meaningful.

Choose emerald green, white or pale gold for the scrapbook cover and then add contrasting appliques such as shamrocks, Celtic knot work, Irish Harps, and wild roses.

You don’t need to be a master artist – scrap-booking stores have a million little appliques you can browse through. Or you can make stencils and create your own.

In our computer age, handmade gifts that take time to prepare become rare and treasured symbols of true thoughtfulness. Use all your photos to make pretty montages, and add captions to each photo.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with glitter, special Celtic lettering, and perhaps some lovely words in the Irish language of yesteryear.

Irish poets like W.B. Yeats can also be quoted in your scrapbook for a romantic touch. Even Irish musicians like U2 have extremely romantic lyrics (All I Want Is You would be perfect for this project) you could write in your book.

Consider a Claddagh motif (the crowned heart, gently held by two tiny hands) for the front cover of your anniversary album. The Claddagh Ring is traditionally given as a symbol of love and affection.

Choosing a real Claddagh ring to go along with your scrapbook would be a lovely idea – they are popular with both men and women, and they come in a variety of styles. Some are embellished with diamonds or emeralds, and others are simple and classic.

Other Great Ideas

Many couples celebrate their wedding anniversaries in the summertime. Great weather makes it easy to take your celebration out of doors. Consider having an outdoor festival in your own backyard, surrounded by friends and family.

Decorate the patio or grassy area with torches, play upbeat Irish music on a stereo, and offer guests pub fare and great ales and beers from Ireland.

Pints of Guinness and helpings of Irish stew would be great choices for a nighttime barbecue. For dessert, ice cream topped with a shot of Bailey’s Irish cream will be delicious. You can open your gifts in front of the ones you love, and enjoy the great outdoors in a festival atmosphere.

For a lovely anniversary gift on your celebration night, offer your wife a pair of Celtic Trinity Knot Pearl Earrings. The Trinity Knot is an ancient symbol of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

The vows you exchanged before God on your special day will be remembered and cherished as you let your guests know the significance of your wife’s present.