How to organize a sip and paint 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 events can also be enjoyed in other venues, offering the chance to paint in a real art studio. It’s a activity that works for all types of occasions, from team socials 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 favoring 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 these 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. We set up a bunch of playlists for any type of Sip and Paint at-home night; find them here and enjoy.

How do we know what works? We organize paint and sip events regularly at our location in London. To make it even more special, we paint under blacklight using a combination of neon and acrylic paint. 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.

The ultimate DIY paint and sip supplies checklist

• Canvases: Standard 30x40cm or 40x50cm stretched canvases are the "sweet spot" for a 2-hour session.
• Acrylic Paint Set: You’ll need the primary colors (Red, Blue, Yellow) plus plenty of Black and a double portion of White, as it’s used for mixing almost every shade.
• Brushes (The Trio): Each guest needs at least three types:
• The Flat Brush: For large areas and backgrounds.
• The Round Brush: For general shapes and blending.
• The Detail Brush: A tiny, pointed brush for those final highlights.
• Tabletop Easels: Essential for posture and to prevent "perspective distortion" (where your painting looks weird once you stand it up). It also just looks very professional if you want to impress your friends.
• Palettes: Professional plastic palettes or even sturdy paper plates work perfectly for mixing colors.
• Water Jars: Large glass jars or plastic cups to rinse brushes. Pro tip: Use two jars—one for the "dirty" first rinse and one for "clean" water._

The "Sip" is just as important as the "Paint." It keeps the atmosphere relaxed and the creativity flowing.

• The Wine Selection: A mix of a crisp White (like a Chenin Blanc) and a smooth Red (like a Malbec).
• The "Sober Artist" Options: High-quality non-alcoholic wines or sparkling botanical sodas so everyone feels included
• Glassware: Proper wine glasses. Avoid plastic solo cups if you want to maintain that "Rembrandt" elegance.
• Easy-to-Eat Snacks: Think "one-handed" food. Charcuterie, olives, or cheese cubes. Avoid anything too greasy or "finger-staining" (like Cheetos), you don't want orange dust on a masterpiece.

Acrylic paint is permanent once dry. Protect your home and your guests.

• Aprons or Oversized Shirts: Protection is vital as having an ever lasting memory in the form of a stain in your clothing is not always desired. Plus canvas aprons give a great "professional artist" feel. Otherwise old oversized shirts will do as well.
• Table Covers: Heavy-duty plastic or old newspaper to protect your dining table from "enthusiastic" splatters.
• Paper Towels/Old Rags: For dabbing brushes dry after washing. A damp rag is also the only way to "undo" a mistake on the canvas before the paint dries.
• Baby Wipes: The secret weapon for getting paint off skin quickly.

The ambiance, this is what truly separates a "craft project" from a "Paint and Sip event."

• The "Rembrandt Vibe" Playlist: Use our playlists to really get everyone in the right mood.
• Reference Image/Tutorial: Whether it's a printed photo on the table or a video tutorial on a big screen, guests need a "North Star" to follow. You can check out our event calendar for inspiration.

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”? If you live in London then Rembrandt van Wine sip and paint has you covered. Hosting regular public events on the weekend, you only have to come by, Paint, Sip and enjoy!

Book a private Sip and Paint

• Painting event with art instructor
• No stress about the preparations or cleaning up
• At home, in a cafe or anywhere else Contact us

What are some Sip and Paint ideas for my home Paint and Sip?

You are lucky, because we have just the sip and paint ideas 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 and Sips in London do have something of your liking.

Some Sip and Paint idea 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 Paint 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, we 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!