As an artist and collector, I know how important it is to create meaningful moments with the people you love—especially around the dinner table. For this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, I wanted to bring a bit of Irish tradition to our kitchen with a cozy, delicious meal. We enjoyed corned beef, cabbage, and delicious soda bread, all served up with laughter and connection.
While I’d love to host this dinner in my dream dining room (which, by the way, doesn’t have furniture yet), I wasn’t going to let that stop me. The evening was still special, and it was a beautiful reminder that hosting isn’t about perfection—it’s about bringing people together to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
The Perfect Corned Beef Recipe: A Happy Kitchen Surprise
I started with this slow cooker corned beef recipe but ran into a small snag—I couldn’t find my slow cooker! So, I decided to make the corned beef in a Dutch oven instead, and it turned out to be the best decision.
For six adults, I used 5 lbs of corned beef from Walmart (which came with the spice packet mentioned in the recipe). To enhance the flavor, I added a few generous dashes of Worcestershire sauce to the cooking liquid, and the result was a perfectly tender, flavorful roast that was a total crowd-pleaser.
The Best Irish Soda Bread Recipe (Moist & Delicious)
Soda bread often gets a bad rap for being dry, but I’m happy to report that this recipe is the exception! This Irish soda bread recipe came out moist and absolutely irresistible. It paired beautifully with the savory corned beef and cabbage, and we all found ourselves reaching for more.
Soda bread is often the perfect side to a hearty meal, but this recipe has taken the classic to a new level—proving that even simple dishes can be elevated with the right ingredients.
Hosting in My Kitchen: A Beautiful, Simple Setup
While my dream dining room may not be ready yet, I made the evening as special as I could with the things I have. We gathered around my kitchen table, which has become the heart of our home, and I used what I had on hand to create a cozy, festive vibe.
I set out a green vase, added some cute shamrock picks to the tulips, and set the table with my everyday blue and white dishes. My sister baked a delicious cake, and we spent the night laughing, chatting, and making memories together.
It was a reminder that no matter what your space looks like, hosting a beautiful meal is all about the joy of connection—and a few thoughtful touches go a long way in making any meal feel extra special.
Why Hosting Matters for Building Connection
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply sharing a weeknight meal with family and friends, creating meaningful moments around the table can bring so much joy to your life. As an artist, I’m constantly thinking about how to create beauty in the everyday moments. Just like in my art, I believe it’s the small, personal touches that make a space (and a meal) feel special.
Bring Beauty Into Your Home with Original Art
As I reflect on this lovely St. Patrick’s Day dinner, it makes me think about the beauty we create in our homes—whether through a thoughtful dinner setting, a personal touch, or the art on our walls. I believe your home should reflect who you are and feel like a place that brings joy every single day. That’s why I create original, colorful abstract art—to help you transform your space into something that speaks to your soul.
Do you love creating memorable moments with family around the table? What’s your favorite dinner tradition? Let me know in the comments!