Meet your step-by-step guide to hosting a successful sip and paint night, from beginner-friendly kits to our handy list of supplies.

Botanical paint by numbers in progress
Photo by: Cate Paper Co.

Whether you’re planning a sip and paint party with pals (and plenty of wine) or looking for a sweet new date activity to try, there’s no shortage of ideas and supplies on Etsy to inspire your inner artist. From all-inclusive sip and paint kits to beginner watercolor sets to playful paint-by-number packages, the best part about these sip and paint ideas is that they require little more than some basic planning and an open mind to get you and your crew creating in no time. And nobody has to be an expert to enjoy! Just check out these sip and paint ideas below to get those creative juices flowing.

In this article:

Paint night ideas for beginners

Beginner painting kits from Etsy Photos by: Peak Paper Company, Wildflower Art Studio, and In Home Paint Parties

For all the first-timers out there, Etsy offers a bounty of paint night kits for beginners that include all the inspiration and supplies you need to approach the easel with ease. With everything from simple, no-fuss setups to beginners’ guides to brushstrokes, these easy-to-follow kits are perfect for painting novices, and don’t skimp on style, either!

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Want a bit more structured instruction? Look for a kit that comes with video tutorials that your whole group can paint along with.

Tip: Pick a theme for your paint night. From still lifes to landscapes to unconventional portraits (think: a collection of objects that represent your subject’s personality), having an idea or two in mind will help prevent decision paralysis when you and your guests are facing a blank canvas.

Sip and paint party kits

Sip and paint party kits from Etsy. Photos by: Events at Home, Kayleigh's Kanvases, and Master Piece at Home

Speaking of themes, if you’re hoping to create a particular vibe for your party, look no further than these sip and paint kits that come thoughtfully pre-packaged for a specific type of gathering. Whether you’re throwing an avant garde art night complemented by craft cocktail mixers or prepping for a cozy and mindful tea time complete with guided painting prompts, there’s a bash-in-a-box on Etsy to help you set the desired scene.

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Tip: For a more communal paint night, select the same painting for each attendee and discover how each person interprets the image differently. Alternatively, to encourage individual exploration, let each person in your party pick the painting project of their choosing.

Couples’ paint night ideas

Date night painting kits from Etsy. Photos by: In Home Paint Parties, athome, The Craft Society, and Kartist Kreations

When date night rolls around and you’re in the mood to mix it up, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as creating something special with your sweetie. And when it comes to date night paint kits that are prepped for romantic memory making, our favorites offer that sentimental something, whether it’s decadent chocolates, complementary conversation cards, or prompts to paint your partner’s portrait.

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Tip: No partner? No problem. You can order a custom paint-by-number of the true love of your life: your furry BFF.

Paint night watercolor sets

Watercolor painting kits from Etsy. Photos by: Fairy Tree Studios, Maya x Kiwi, Amy's Art Table, and Little Fine Arts Studio

What could be more soothing than watching a vibrant stroke of color spread elegantly across your canvas? Free-flowing in form with a splash of pigment-mixing technique, watercolors make a particularly charming paint night idea that can be as relaxing or as challenging as you see fit. Accordingly, Etsy sellers offer inspirational, instructional sets for all skill levels, from intros to the basics of blending to intricate floral state maps awaiting your custom touch. Simply dip your brush, dot the page, and enjoy the ripple effect.

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Tip: Watercolors are a great medium for abstract art. Try experimenting with unique compositions of line and shape, and pay attention to the way your colors incorporate.

Paint-by-number kits

Paint-by-number kits from Etsy. Photos by: Perfect Pair Dates, In House Paint Parties, Ember Pearl Co., and Forest Culture

If your DIY crew isn’t quite ready to freestyle, let a paint-by-number template be your guide. Featuring simplified palettes and stunning compositions ranging from modern desert skies to quaint Italian villages, these artisan-designed kits make painting accessible to even the most casual dabbler, and the finished products are nothing short of exquisite. (It’s also the perfect solution for any group of gabby crafters who’d prefer to spend less time painting and more time sipping—and spilling—the tea!)

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Tip: For an unconventional twist on the traditional wall hanging, check out wood slice paint-by-number kits. Once completed, they can be strung up and displayed to add extra depth and texture to any space.

Paint night ideas beyond the basic canvas

Unique painting kits from Etsy. Photos by: Melanie Abrantes, Color Cruiser, Divine NY Co., Jill Makes, Maizen Life, and Hoo Hoo and Mouse

Now that we’re all painting pros, it’s a good time to consider some unique paint night ideas—specifically, swapping your easel for a 3D object. Your guests will be excited to wear home a hand-painted pair of statement earrings or decorate their living rooms with their very own painted fabric. This is your chance to think outside the confines of a conventional canvas and play with different materials and mediums, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Our current fave? These wilt-proof wooden bouquets!

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Tip: Playing with scale is another great way to switch up your sip and paint night. If you have the space, spread out a large roll of paper and make your canvas collaborative. Have each attendee add to the artwork in their own way, building upon each others’ brushstrokes as you work together to fill the space. Just make sure to also scale up your brushes to increase your line weight, and keep the palette limited to make the project feel more cohesive.

Paint night without the pressure (or paint)

Coloring pages from Etsy. Photos by: Dorothy Gilbert Art, Nalipo, The Crochety Pixie, Etta and Odie, Kilyko Studio

Okay, we concede that technically it’s not a paint party without paint, but for a decidedly less daunting date with creativity, you can’t go wrong with a box of markers (bonus points for the scented variety) and a few cheerful coloring pages. Whether you prefer a meditative mandala or detailed terrarium scene, bringing a piece to life one color at a time is a wonderful way to keep your hands busy and your brain occupied when your energy levels are on the lower side.

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Tip: Need a quick and easy paint night idea in a pinch? Search for printable coloring sheets on Etsy and presto! You’ve got yourself an instant canvas.

Sip and paint night supplies

Sip and paint party supplies from Etsy. Photos by: BNCA Pottery, Poems About You, Pintar Art Supply, and Peg and Awl

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How to host a sit and paint night

Wondering what you need for a sip and paint night? Planning doesn’t have to be complicated—once you’ve decided what to paint (and sip), it just comes down to figuring out a few simple logistics. Here’s our recommended checklist:

  1. Send out your sip and paint night party invites.
  2. Assess the seating situation. For small gatherings, your dining room table might suffice, while larger gatherings might require a few folding tables for additional seating.
  3. Use large tablecloths to protect your table and floors.
  4. Opt for stemless wine glasses for the sipping portion of your painting evening to prevent unexpected spills.
  5. Consider investing in tabletop painting easels if this is a regular ladies night event.
  6. Purchase a blank canvas for each guest, or ask guests to bring their own.
  7. Stock up on paint brushes and water-based paints (easier to clean up than other painting styles), or paper and crafting materials that match the theme for the night.
  8. Don’t forget the wine! Essential to any paint and sip art night is a supply of wine—Vinho Verde or Sauvignon Blanc are both crowd-pleasers.

Want more creative craft night inspo for a group gathering? Try easy embroidery kits or unique crochet ideas.