Hosting a Sip and Paint party is a fun, relaxing, memorable way to spend time with friends while creating something beautiful. There is an inexpensive and easy way to host a painting party at home without the need of an instructor. Host a Sip and Paint by Numbers Party! Unlike traditional painting parties, where participants paint freehand, using paint-by-numbers kits ensures that everyone, regardless of skill level, can enjoy the process and leave with a finished piece they love. Here’s how to organize a step-by-step paint-by-numbers party.
Step 1: Select Your Paint-by-Numbers Kits
There are a few options here. You could choose a variety of paint-by-numbers kits and let your guests pick what they'd like or you could choose one pattern for everyone to do. If you are inviting mostly beginners, you may want to choose one simple design for everyone to do. If you have friends or family with different levels of painting experience, you may want to ask your guests to choose their own designs.
Step 2: Choose the Venue
Like with any painting party, the space should be well-lit and comfortable, with plenty of room for everyone to paint. If hosting at home, use a large dining or living room, or consider hosting outdoors in a garden or patio if the weather permits. Make sure there’s enough table space for guests to spread out their supplies and paints.
Step 3: Prepare the Supplies:
Our kits include these items:
Canvas with pre-drawn numbers: This is the heart of the project
Numbered paint pots: These are usually provided in the kit, and correspond to the numbers on the canvas
Brushes: Kits typically come with a variety of brush sizes for detail work and larger areas
You’ll also need extra supplies like:
Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing
Water cups for cleaning brushes
Paper towels to dab brushes dry
Plastic palettes (if guests prefer to pour out their paints for easier access)
Disposable tablecloths to cover tables and make cleanup easier
Masking Tape to secure the canvas to the table
Sandwich Bags for guests to take home paints and brushes in case they need to finish their paintings at home
Step 4: Set Up the Painting Space
Before guests arrive, set up each spot with a paint-by-numbers kit, brushes, and paints. Cover the tables with disposable cloths to protect surfaces from spills. If possible, arrange the seats so guests can chat while painting.
If you're offering refreshments, set up a separate area for food and drinks, so guests can easily step away from their painting stations.
Step 5: Plan the Party Atmosphere
Create a relaxing atmosphere by curating a playlist with calming or upbeat music, depending on the vibe you want. Light background music can help set the tone and make the event feel more enjoyable without distracting from the painting process.
If it’s a “paint and sip” party, make sure guests have easy access to drinks like wine, cocktails, or mocktails. Light snacks that are easy to eat without mess (cheese plates, finger foods) are perfect for painting parties.
Step 6: Explain the Process
Even though paint-by-numbers kits are simple, it helps to explain the process to first-time painters. Briefly go over the basics:
Helpful tips: Cut between paint pods so that you can easily work with one color at a time. Use masking tape to secure canvas to the table and keep it flat.
Match the numbered sections on the canvas with the corresponding paint numbers.
Keep the lids on the pods closed tightly when not in use. The paint will dry!
Start with larger areas and work down to smaller, detailed sections.
Use smaller brushes for tight spaces and larger brushes for filling in big areas.
Encourage guests to take their time and enjoy the process!
Step 7: Let the Painting Begin
Once everyone understands the process, let your guests dive into their kits. Paint-by-numbers kits take away the pressure of creating a perfect freehand painting, so encourage your guests to relax and focus on enjoying the experience.
Remind them that they can take breaks, chat with others, or step aside for refreshments. It’s a laid-back event, so there’s no rush to finish quickly.
Step 8: Showcase the Finished Pieces
As guests begin to complete their paintings, create a mini "art show." Have everyone display their finished pieces, either on easels or propped against a wall, so they can admire each other’s work.
Take group photos with the finished paintings to capture the memory of the event. Guests will love seeing how everyone’s pieces turned out, even though they were working on similar designs.
Step 9: Send Guests Home with Their Masterpieces
One of the best parts of a paint-by-numbers party is that guests get to leave with their finished artwork.
Consider sending guests home with small favors, such as mini paint sets or brushes, as a reminder of the fun and creativity they shared at the party.
Hosting a paint-by-numbers party is a fantastic way to bring people together for a fun, low-stress creative event. With a few simple steps and the right kits, your guests will enjoy a relaxing, therapeutic experience and leave with a beautiful piece of art they can proudly display.