(Family Features) - I don't know about you, but after a long winter, I'm ready to celebrate spring! So St. Patrick's Day comes at just the right time - plenty of good cheer, good food and bright green to perk things up.

*If you want to add some green to your table, try dying cut flowers.

*Take white flowers, such as daisies or carnations, and trim a little bit off their stems.

*Add a few drops of green food coloring to a vase filled with water. (The water should be medium to dark green.)

*Put your flowers in the vase and let them sit in direct sunlight for a day or two. The flowers will absorb the colored water through the stems, giving you a St. Patrick's Day bouquet to be proud of.

If you're looking for a sweet way to finish off your St. Patrick's Day, try an Irish twist on bread pudding. This Chocolate Shamrock Bread Pudding has a touch of Irish cream liqueur for a fun, yet sophisticated, flavor. You can always leave out the liqueur - it's still delicious!

No St. Patrick's Day is complete without an Irish toast or blessing. So here's one just for you:

May your day be touched by a bit of Irish luck,
brightened by a song in your heart,
and warmed by the smiles of the people you love.

For more ways to enjoy St. Patrick's Day, visit VeryBestBaking.com