Boston may celebrate all the holidays, but there’s one we have a particular affinity for: St. Patrick’s Day. And that isn’t only because we consistently rank as one of the most Irish cities in America, but due to Boston’s history. In 1737, we were the place in the 13 colonies to host a recorded celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

But don’t have to be of Irish descent to get into the spirit of the day. Whether you’re staying in and having some mates over to celebrate, or heading out on the town, here are a few ideas to make the day and night shine.

Going Out: Emerald City

Step one: Be sure and secure your tickets or reservations (like, right now) at some of the most sought-after events.

Rebel’s Guild in the Revere Hotel Boston Common, for example, will be rolling out a feast of scrumptious Irish faves: everything from Guinness-braised lamb shank to Irish soda bread. Grab a reservation at rebelsguild.com.

In Watertown, Buttermilk & Bourbon will dish out its Luck of the Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. The three-course dinner includes specialty libations courtesy of Teeling Irish Whiskey. Tickets are $75 a person and can be found at www.buttermilkbourbon.com

What to wear? How about the 100% Cashmere Women’s Turtleneck Cable Knit Sweater ($179 on cbcashmere.com). Its high-neck design and ribbed hem and cuffs combine classic Irish texture and elegance that also keeps you toasty while walking from pub to pub. Even in the most crowded of rooms, it’s a standout.

Staying in: Green Party

Since warmth and hospitality are hallmarks of Irish life, why not put them into practice and have a wee gathering in the comfort of your home?

First, you’ll need to give your place the St. Patrick’s Day treatment. Start by hanging up long strings of St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Cutouts ($8.99 for a set of 45 on amazon.com), or use them individually to decorate walls, scatter on a buffet table, or glue onto invitations.

Being the host, no one’s going to raise an eyebrow if you take a slightly glam green route, and opt for a pretty satin dress like the Women’s Cypress Dress ($69 on macys.com) from Petal and Pup. Its asymmetrical hem hits at a midi length, and the cowl neckline combined with adjustable straps makes for a soirée-ready silhouette.

And since you’re staying in and avoiding the famously unpredictable weather of March, you’ll have the luxury of sliding on a pair of snazzy New Moon Circle Leather Sandals ($375 on neimanmarcus.com) by Bernardo 1946. Hand-stitched in green vachetta leather, they focus on a cool circle-cut geometric leather pattern for style, and a block heel.

And then there’s the drink. Assuming you’ve already stocked up on the obvious (that means plenty of Guinness), that leaves room to explore something special in the cocktail realm.

So here’s one to try: It’s inspired by the historic Irish custom called “Drowning the Shamrock,” in which a real shamrock is placed in a glass of whiskey and drunk as a toast. Instead, grab a package of Four Leaf Clover Drink Tags: St. Patrick Glass Toppers ($11 on etsy.com) and use them to crown a Shamrock Sour — mix 2 tbsp. lime juice; 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice; 1/4 cup simple syrup, and a tiny drop of green food coloring with 2 oz. of your favorite Irish whiskey.

And it’s no secret how fundamental whiskey is to Ireland — the word originates from a Gaelic phrase meaning “the water of life”  after all. The one that fuses both Irish tradition with the farm-to-bottle dedication of an innovative New Hampshire distiller is Tamworth Distilling Chocorua Rye Straight Whiskey ($55 on shop.bigthirst.com). It’s made from a single crop of organic rye grain, and for every bottle sold, $1 is given to support local conservation. A winning outcome for all.

The Women’s Cypress Dress from Petal and Pup. (Photo macys.com)
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Cutouts (Photo amazon.com)
Four Leaf Clover Drink Tags: St. Patrick Glass Toppers (Photo etsy.com)
New Moon Circle Leather Sandals by Bernardo 1946. (Photo bernardo1946.com)