Paint and Sip Ideas (How to PLAN a Paint and Sip)

If you’re searching for paint and sip ideas, you’re probably in the mood for something fun, creative, and low effort. Whether you’re doing it solo or turning it into a chill hangout with friends, paint and sip nights are the perfect mix of relaxing and entertaining.

What is a Paint and Sip?

A paint and sip is an event or activity where you paint something;usually a canvas. While sipping on a drink of your choice. It can be wine, cocktails, mocktails, or even iced coffee, so it’s totally customizable.

The whole point is to relax, have fun, and enjoy the process without stressing about being “good” at painting.

Why I Love a Paint and Sip

One of the main reasons I love a paint and sip is how versatile it is. You can use this theme for so many different occasions and holidays, without it ever feeling repetitive. 

You can host a paint and sip birthday party. Do a Christmas themed paint and sip with hot cocoa. Or even turn it into a cute Galentine’s Day night with pink drinks and valentines themed paintings. It also works perfectly as a casual get together with friends when you just want to hang out without overplanning everything.

Another reason a paint and sip is one of my go-to party ideas, is because it’s activity based. The painting is the activity, which means you don’t have to stress about planning extra games or entertainment. 

Everyone stays engaged and at the end of the night, everyone leaves with something they made. (Doubling as a built in party favor, which I honestly love).

Last but not least, I love that a paint and sip can be done either solo or with a group. For example, if you’re looking for a fun thing to do at home, all you need is a blank canvas, some paint, a few brushes, something to drink, and BAM! you “technically” have a paint and sip.

Paint and Sip Ideas

When you’re looking for paint and sip ideas, the materials are really the foundation of this activity. So once you have those ready, everything else falls into place. Here’s what you’ll need for a simple paint and sip setup:

• Canvases

• Paint 

• Paint brushes

• Paint palette

• Cups (for water to rinse brushes)

• Paint easels (optional, but nice to have)

• Something to drink

You’ll also want a table where everyone can comfortably sit and paint their canvas. Plus, since things can get messy (in a fun way), use a tablecloth you don’t mind getting paint on. 

Easy Paint and Sip Ideas

Whether you’re planning a solo paint and sip or hosting a paint and sip party, it’s super easy to set it up. Here’s a simple breakdown of everything you need for an easy paint and sip.

Canvases (or Something to Paint)

For any paint and sip, you’ll need something to paint. You can paint blank canvases. Or, if you’re wanting an easier and beginner friendly option, you can go with paint-by-number or pre-stenciled canvases. 

You can also get creative and paint items like:

• Clothes (jeans or a plain white t-shirt)

• Canvas tote bags

• Pumpkins

• Wine glasses

• Flower pots

Paint

When choosing paint, make sure it matches whatever you’re painting. If you’re painting tote bags or jeans, fabric paint works best so the design lasts. 

For regular canvases, acrylic paint is the easiest option and dries pretty quickly. If you’re painting wine glasses, glass paint markers are the way to go.

Paint Brushes

To go with your paint, grab a variety of paint brush sizes. Having different sizes makes it easier to paint everything from small details to larger strokes. If you’re hosting a group paint and sip, buying paint brushes in bulk is a budget friendly option compared to purchasing smaller packs.

Paint Palette

A paint palette is the little tray where each person can put their paint samples while they’re painting. It helps keep everything organized and makes color mixing easy. 

You don’t need anything fancy here. Cheap palettes work perfectly fine. And you can find inexpensive options at places like Amazon, Hobby Lobby, or Michaels, so this is not something you need to splurge on.

Water Cups

For cleaning paint brushes between colors, all you need is a simple water cup. Clear plastic cups work great since they’re easy to toss afterward. 

Paint Easels (Optional)

A paint easel is the stand that holds your canvas while you paint. This is totally optional, but it does add to the overall aesthetic and can make painting more comfortable since you’re sitting upright. If you don’t have easels, no worries. You can always place the canvases flat on the table and paint that way.

Drinks

For the “sip” part of a paint and sip, drinks are a must. From wine and cocktails to mocktails and juice, there are so many options to choose from. 

One easy way to elevate the experience is by using cute glass cups or wine glasses. It’ll instantly make the drinks feel more fun and a little fancy while you paint.

Music

Music is another must for your paint and sip because it helps set the mood. Based on the vibe you’re going for, add music that’s going to help enhance that vibe. If you’re going for something chill and relaxing; where people can paint, talk, and relax, add lo-fi and soft instrumental songs so it can be a light background noise.

If you’re wanting something more energetic and upbeat, add popular and upbeat songs that everyone can sing along to while they paint.

Cute Paint and Sip Ideas

Where to Have Your Paint and Sip

When choosing the location for your paint and sip, think about how many people will be painting and make sure you have enough space for both the supplies and seating. You want everyone to be able to sit comfortably together while they paint. For me personally, the dining room table is always a great option because it can usually fit me and about five friends, plus all the paint supplies.

Another place you can host your paint and sip is in the living room. If you have foldable plastic tables, this is the perfect time to pull them out. Add a tablecloth, set up some chairs, and you instantly have a simple and functional painting setup.

You can also do your paint and sip outdoors, which can be really fun, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Be aware of the wind and consider using weights or heavier items to keep canvases and supplies from moving around. 

Personal Charcuterie Plates

Although you have the “sip” component of your paint and sip, if you’re looking for a food idea to go along with everything, I highly recommend “charcuterie plates”.

Set out all the ingredients for a charcuterie board on a different table or on the kitchen countertop. Then have everyone create their own personalized charcuterie plates and bring them back to the painting table. That way, while they’re painting, they can munch on some light snacks.

Pastries

Another food idea is having pastries. Similar to the charcuterie plates, they’re easy to eat, low mess, and don’t require any forks or utensils. That way, people can take a bite with one hand and paint with the other.

Decorate

If you’re having a paint and sip to celebrate something or just as a fun party theme, you can spruce up your space with a little bit of decorations. 

You can add balloons, a cute tablecloth on the table, or any other small touches to make the area feel cute and festive.

Take a Group Picture at the end of the Party

At the end of your paint and sip party, take a group picture with everyone holding up their paintings. It’s a beautiful way to capture the night and snap a little memory of all the artists and their masterpieces.