DIY Guide: How To Host A Paint And Sip Party

Learning how to host a paint and sip party can be tough because these events are much more involved than your traditional get-together. You need to consider the cost, location and supplies, but more than that, you have to consider the ability of your guests. 

This guide will teach you how to easily host a paint and sip at home for beginners, an elevated event in a booked location and everything in between. Whether you're simply exploring new party planning ideas or testing whether you might someday want to learn how to start a paint and sip business, this walkthrough will help you host confidently from the start.

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• How Do I Host My Own Sip And Paint?
• What Is Needed For A Sip And Paint Party?
• How Much Does It Cost To Host A Paint And Sip?
• Learn From The Pros

How Do I Host My Own Sip And Paint?

Party planning isn't a simple or casual activity. It requires a lot of preparation, an understanding of your attendees, and, in general, many steps. This list will help you learn how to host a paint and sip party without all the stress, especially how to plan for your first sip and paint party. 

1. Choose The Type Of Paint And Sip Party: In Person Or Online

Before you buy a single brush or pick up the wine, decide how you want everyone to gather. Virtual paint parties are great for long-distance friends or guests who prefer staying in their own space. It's easy to ship supplies or share supply lists beforehand. In-person events have the classic paint and sip vibe, where guests easily talk and compare masterpieces in real time.

Hybrid events are the best of both worlds. There's space for guests who can join physically, and then a video call is set up for virtual participants. Choose the format that fits your people and your capacity.

2. Pick The Location, Date And Time

Once you've settled on the type of party, you can choose a space that's suited for painting. Your living room, dining room, or even a cleared-off kitchen island works well as long as everyone has enough elbow room. Each guest, their paint station and their food/wine will take up more space than you think. Plan accordingly. It's better to lean on the side of caution than not have enough space. 

Pick a date and time that works for everyone. You may have to send out a survey or ask around to see when guests will be free. Weekends or early evenings are usually better, so guests have time to linger and actually finish their creations. And remember: lighting matters more than we realize when painting, so try for a place that feels bright from all angles or somewhere you can set up additional lights.

3. Consider Your Painting Theme

The theme sets the whole vibe. Usually, at paint and sip parties, the theme will relate to the painting. This means the theme determines the types of paint you need and the painting your guests will make. This is where you can also consider the paint type, such as acrylic vs. oil paint.

Coming up with theme party ideas is pretty simple. For example, you could have an autumn-themed party, and your guests will paint a gorgeous fall landscape. You could host a love-themed party for a bachelorette. Then, your guest may paint a wedding scene, or you can get a live model to pose in their birthday suit. Cheeky (literally). You could also create paint party ideas for adults based on skill-building, like a class focused on brush techniques or color layering, which works beautifully for more experienced painters.

4. Select The Attendees

Every good sip and paint has a signature guest mix. Are you inviting your most creative friends? Your chatty crew who loves a good laugh? A small, intimate pair or a larger group ready for a night of artistic chaos? Your family or workplace colleagues? 

Pick guests based on your party goals. A solid sip and paint crowd doesn't have to be huge, either. They just need to bring good energy and be excited to try something new.

What Is Needed For A Sip And Paint Party?

Materials are very important; they add to the overall aesthetic of the occasion. One thing to consider when wondering how to throw a paint and sip party is not only the painting materials, but also the range of booze and glassware. Let's dig in...

1. Equipment And Materials

Every sip and paint party starts with the right tools. Acrylic paint is the go-to option, since it dries quickly, the colors are bright and you can easily clean it up with water, if needed. It's also much easier for beginners to use than watercolor or oil paints. That being said, if you're hosting a party with proficient painters, then you can explore more options. 

You'll also need stretched canvases or canvas boards for each guest, plus a few extras in case of major mistakes. These canvases will last a long time, so you can reuse them for your next paint and sip party.

Provide a range of brushes in different sizes, a mixing plate or palette for blending colors and sturdy easels for comfortable painting. Don't forget aprons or smocks to protect clothes from splatters. It's also best to tell your guests to dress in something they don't mind ruining. But there are ways to get paint out of clothes, from acrylic to dried paint and beyond. For an eco-friendly twist, use biodegradable palettes or reusable paint cups. Keep paper towels, extra water cups, and cleaning cloths on hand to easily manage messes.

2. Lighting

Lighting sets the mood of your sip and paint party, but more importantly, it helps your guests see their canvases clearly. While dim lighting might feel cozy, it can make mixing colors tricky, especially for guests with poor eyesight. Natural daylight is best, but if you're hosting at night, you should set up warm-toned lamps or overhead lighting that doesn't cast harsh shadows.

Well-lit doesn't need to mean bad ambiance. You can layer in soft accent lights, including: 

• Floor lamps in the corners
• Battery-powered candles (non-flickering)
• Fairy lights strung across shelves
• Dimmed overhead lighting

You're building an inviting studio, and the sweet spot is lighting that flatters your space and still lets everyone paint without squinting.

3. Atmosphere And Vibe

The atmosphere is the secret ingredient that makes your sip and paint feel polished and intentional. This is where you get to express yourself, and some reinforce your theme. Atmosphere inspirations may include:

• Minimalist chic
• Cozy boho
• Candlelit Roman art moment
• Harlem Renaissance theme
• Rainbow explosion

A curated playlist goes a long way, too. Choose soft music that fills the quiet moments without overpowering conversation or directions. You should also keep your seating arrangement comfortable and communal. Remember, you want each guest to have the space they need to create, but not so far that they can't chat. 

Make sure everyone has plenty of space for drinks, snacks and elbow room. The goal is to create an environment that feels relaxed and just a little elevated.

4. Mood Enhancers

Mood enhancers are small touches that take your party to the next level. Those little details that turn a regular gathering into a full-on experience to remember. Decorative touches like: 

• Table runners
• Themed props
• Small floral arrangements
• Playful art-themed accents 
• Name cards
• Mini paint water cups

You can lean into the "sip" part and create a drink station with garnishes and fun glasses. These small elements make guests feel welcomed and cared for, and they photograph beautifully, too.

5. Food And Drinks

Painting works up an appetite, and any good cocktail party needs snacks. The goal is choosing foods that are easy to grab and won't turn your party into a mess, or be stressful for guests to eat. Stick to bite-sized options guests can pop into their mouths between brushstrokes like finger foods.

Some great grab-and-go snack ideas include:

• Fresh fruit platters with berries and grapes
• Cookies and macarons
• Veggie skewers or small kebabs 
• Empanadas or mini hand pies
• Mini sliders that don't drip or fall apart
• Sushi rolls with fish and veggie options

Avoid anything sticky, saucy, or greasy. Items like wings and queso are delicious, but will have your guests washing their hands every 30 seconds, and that's no way to enjoy a paint night. For drinks, offer a balanced mix so everyone feels included. Don't assume all your guests will want to drink alcohol. 

• Wine or bubbly cocktails for those who love a traditional sip
• Flavored seltzers or sparkling cider for a crisp, alcohol-free option
• Mocktails like berry spritzers, nonalcoholic mojitos, or citrus coolers
• Fresh fruit spritzes with herbs like mint

You don't need a full bar. The goal is just to provide guests with enough options that they can all enjoy something. Just two wine options and two mocktail options would work. 

How To Host A Paint And Sip Fundraiser

Hosting a paint and sip fundraiser is relatively simple and follows almost the exact same steps as hosting a regular paint and sip party. You'll still need to pick the right number of guests, pick the right venue and prep all the decorations and food. You'll still need to pick out the right number of paints and canvases and ensure that your painting of choice matches your guest's skill level.

There are, however, a few extra details that you'll need to consider. 

• Pay to Paint: Your invitation will come with a price tag. Invitees will need to pay more to raise money for your fundraiser. Make this payment clear on the invitation and direct guests to the best payment method. 
• Event Donations: Explain on the invitation what you're raising money for and provide a separate option for extra donations if guests are so inclined.
• Raffles: Host a raffle or another fundraising activity at the event itself. This is a great way to encourage guest participation and raise some extra funds. You can raffle off the best painting, create a few raffle basket ideas or give away fun artistic supplies, or even wine. 
• QR Donation Codes: Beside every painting station, print out a QR code for extra donations and a nearby box for checks and cash. 

During the paint and sip party, you'll want to take time to discuss your cause and to request donations. Explain the donation options and reiterate to your guests why this fundraiser matters and how their donations will support a greater cause. Then, use the rest of the time to have a fun paint and sip experience. 

How Much Does It Cost To Host A Paint And Sip?

You may be wondering, "Is paint and sip worth the money?" Whether these parties are "worth it" depends on how much you're willing to spend. Hosting a paint and sip can be pricey, so hosts usually request a minimum supplies fee from each guest. 

You can also host a private event at a paint and sip studio. These prices typically range anywhere from $35 to $65. If you're hosting without any monetary support from guests, you can expect to pay at least $35 per person. The price skyrockets if you need to rent a studio. 

Learn From The Pros

If you're feeling a little nervous about hosting your own sip and paint, or you just want to level up your skills before inviting friends over, start by learning from the experts. Professional instructors know the tips, tricks and shortcuts that make painting feel approachable, even for total beginners.

Taking a guided class, like the ones offered through Classpop!, gives you insider knowledge on everything from brush control and color blending to how to set up a smooth, stress-free painting environment. It's also a great way to see how pros structure lessons, pace sessions and keep everyone engaged. This is excellent preparation for hosting your own creative gathering and gives you some sip and paint ideas.

Plus, it lets you "test the waters" without pressure. Discover if you actually like participating in a paint and sip class, much less hosting one. You'll get inspired and walk away with a finished piece and the know-how to help your guests do the same. 

Check out paint and sip classes all around the U.S. like paint and sip classes in Chicago, paint and sip lessons in Sacramento, sip and paints in Boston, paint and sips in Denver and just about anywhere in the country and beyond.

Paint and sip parties are fun occasions where your guests bond over shared creativity and the joy of creating something new. Guests leave with their own treasured painting to add to their home and continue to remember this event fondly. Learning to host a paint and sip party comes with a little trial and error, but over time, you'll become an excellent host.

Find out how to host a paint and sip party from the pros, join some experiences happening on Classpop!