The top 3 paint in the dark experiences in London
What paint in the dark experience is best for me? That is not something this blog is going to decide
How to organize a paint and sip at home
Always wanted to organize a sip & paint at home but don't know where to start? Find everything you need to know here!
Why host a sip and paint at home?
Hosting a sip and paint at home offers a unique and enjoyable way to bring friends or family together for an evening of creativity and socialising. With the comfort and convenience of your own space, you have complete control over the atmosphere, from the music to the refreshments. This personal touch allows you to create an event that reflects your own style and preferences, whether it’s a sophisticated wine-and-cheese evening (my preferred option) or a playful night with cocktails.
While it’s a wonderful option to host at home, sip and paint sessions can also be enjoyed in other venues, offering the chance to explore new settings and enjoy a creative outing. It’s a activity that works for all types of occasions, from birthdays and hen dos to casual get-togethers. All in all any sip and paint is just the perfect opportunity to unwind, try something new, and bond with others over good drinks and artistic fun.
What do you need for a paint and sip at home?
Well…. paint and something to sip on. But that’s not all, let’s dive in:
Paint and sip kits are a great starting point. These kits usually include everything you need, such as canvases, brushes, easels, and a selection of paints. Many come with step-by-step instructions, making them perfect for beginners. If you take proper care of the materials, you’ll likely be able to reuse them for future events—except for the canvas, of course.
Drinks are essential for the “sip” part of the experience. Wine is a classic choice, with many painters of the past favouring it as their beverage of inspiration. For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, there are excellent non-alcoholic wines available, allowing you to channel the spirit of an 17th-century artist without the hangover.
Don’t forget protection for your clothing. Aprons or old shirts will help shield everyone from paint splatters, ensuring your creativity doesn’t leave a permanent mark on your wardrobe.
A theme can also elevate your event. You might follow a paint-and-sip tutorial online or choose a theme to inspire your group’s creations. For inspiration, check out our paint and sip event calendar and try replicating one of the featured paintings at home.
Music is a vital element that sets the tone for the evening. Create a playlist to match the vibe you’re aiming for, or let your guests take turns choosing songs to keep the energy flowing.
How do we know what works? We organise paint and sip events regularly at our location in London. What makes ours unique is that they take place entirely in the dark! If you’re curious to experience this special twist, come and give it a try. Or read on what painting in the dark even means first.
How to host a DIY paint and sip?
Hosting a DIY paint and sip at home is a splendid way to mingle creativity with camaraderie. Here is the script to the perfect soiree:
- Prepare: Stock up on wine and paint kits complete with canvases, brushes, and a rainbow of paints. Aprons are a must to save your Sunday best, and don’t overlook easels or a cheeky cocktail to keep spirits high.
- Set the scene: Choose a cosy, well-lit spot for your masterpiece-making. Cover tables with newspapers or a disposable cloth to spare yourself a cleaning palaver when the party wraps up.
- Welcome your guests: Cue the music, set a chilled vibe, and remind everyone that it’s about enjoyment, not perfection. Let the paint flow as freely as the wine.
- Paint and sip to your heart’s content: Typically, these events last around two hours, but feel free to tweak the timing based on the painting’s complexity. Fancy impressing your friends? We’ve got an entire article brimming with paint-and-sip trivia that’ll leave your crowd in awe of your expertise.
- Clean-up capers: Once the masterpieces are complete, it’s time to tidy up. Pop brushes in water, pack away the easels, and toss the aprons in the wash. A tip for the wise: soak brushes for a bit before scrubbing off the paint—you’ll save yourself a proper faff.
Feeling less DIY and more “just show me the fun part”? Rembrandt van Wine has you covered. They’ll handle all the nitty-gritty leaving you free to bask in the creative bliss of, cheers to that!
What are some painting ideas for my home paint and sip?
You are lucky, because we have just the inspiration you need as we happen to organize a bunch of paint & sips ourselves as well. You can find all the different paintings we offer in our paint & sip event calendar, or (if you don’t like any of the themes there) see if any of the other paint & sips in London do have something of your liking.
Some examples:
A particularly fun painting if this is your first time organizing a paint and sip at home. Rather easy, and lots of fun variations to create (just add some animals to it!).
Starry night must be an all-time favourite of those organizing sip and paints, it looks super beautiful and this easier version is actually not too difficult to do either. Remember, small brushes and small line strokes will do the trick here. Make Van Gogh proud!
An abstract painting by our very own art instructor Vita. You can closely follow the painting she created or go wild with it (why keep it to only 3 women?). Don’t forget the blue paint!
Where can I get the best wine and sip party kits?
There are a bunch of different sellers of DIY painting kits on the market, and they probably differ from country to country. If you happen to live in the UK however, I can recommend this website.
We will also start selling our own kits very soon! Interested? Send us an email on info@rembrandtvanwine.co.uk and you can be our very first customer!
Table of Contents
About the author:
Sjors Brandsma
Sjors was a painter before he could walk, preferring to hold a brush over his mother's hand. Living in London since 2021, and since tried every artistic experience there.
More paint and sip articles:
Most fun sip and paints in London
Read all about 5 of London’s favourite sip and paints!
Painting in the dark, what’s that?
Don’t you need light to paint? Find the answer to this and all your other questions about painting in the dark here.