The first wine and paint party took place wayyy back in 2007 in Alabama. Since then, the wine and paint party phenomenon has taken the country by storm! I don’t know about you guys, but there was a point when I was seeing these events poppin up everywhere! There are now over 1000 wine and paint business’ including Painting with a Twist, Paint Nite, and Wine and Design.
These companies offer a unique way to relax after a stressful day or bond with your closest friends over wine and art. Honestly, most of these paint and sip parties are fairly inexpensive, costing on average $35-$45 per person. I personally would rather go to a hosted event but there are times when you just want to enjoy the comfort of your own home. Plus, it’s slightly more affordable, you can stop and go on your own terms, and you don’t have to worry about getting home afterward!
I put together a basic guide to hosting your own at-home wine and paint party!
As you’ve probably guessed, my favorite part of planning a paint nite is choosing your wine selection, so let’s start with that!
Choose a Selection of Wine
You should have a variety of wines available for your guests to sample and choose from. Go for top quality wine within your price range – there are many great affordable wines out there, you check out our selection here. If you are unsure of which to choose, don’t hesitate to contact me! Of course, the number of wines you choose will depend on the number of guests attending. However, you should have at least one red, one white, and one pink wine to choose from. If you are getting multiples of the same type of wine, opt for varietals that are quite different from each other. For example, if you are getting two reds, you might want to opt for a combination such as cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir, both of which are accessible, but quite different from each other.
Gather an Assortment of Foods to Match the Wines
Next, you will need some good snacks to cleanse your palate in between wine tastings. There are many foods that go well with wine that are very accessible for parties. A cute and affordable solution is to make your own snack plate with your favorite fruits, crackers, cheeses, and some dark chocolate, and let your guests enjoy the snacks as they taste each wine. Alternatively, you can host a potluck and ask your friends to bring the foods they love to eat while drinking wine. Try to have a range of options to appeal to guests who have dietary restrictions or just different preferences.
Choose Your Painting Project
There are many different ways you can approach the painting aspect of your wine and paint party. There are at-home kits that you can purchase that contain everything you need to set up the painting project. Alternatively, you can find a basic painting tutorial online and purchase all the supplies you need individually at a craft store. This is a good way to save money on the party while still having a fun experience. Make sure you choose a painting that is appropriate for everyone’s skill level and isn’t too complex – after all, you want everyone to relax and have fun while enjoying sip and paint wine night!
Painting Supply List:
- Canvas Panels
- Acrylic Paint Sets to Share
- Paint Brushes
- Paint Palettes
- Plastic Tablecloth
- Plastic Cups
- Paper Towels for Brushes, Spills, and Hands
- Water for Rinsing Brushes
- Aprons to Protect Clothing
Send Your Invites for Your Wine and Paint Night
Last but not least, once you decide on the materials you need, it’s time to send your invitations. A cute art themed card or e-vite is a great way to add a personal touch to the invitation. You can also make an event page on Facebook or another social media page to announce the party to your friends. Make sure you give them the date far enough in advance so they won’t miss it! You will also need to decide who to invite. It can be difficult to socialize if the party is too big, so try to keep it to under 10 people, depending on how big your space is. It’s also helpful to have a mix of friends to liven things up and keep the conversation interesting.
Other Supplies to Consider:
- Tables
- Chairs
- Fun or Relaxing Music
- Candles
Have I inspired you?! Wine and paint parties are a huge trend right now, and having one at home is a great way to celebrate an occasion such as a birthday, or just to do something unique with your friends. You can easily gather all the materials you need on your own, and you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get art supplies or great wine. If you need a great theme for your next party, consider hosting a wine and paint celebration!
If you’re more of the “going-out” type try booking reservations at any of the wine and paint companies or if art isn’t your thing, join us at our weekly wine tastings! Make new friends in a casual atmosphere, learn about wine, and enjoy a little midweek relaxation!
P.S. Check out the breathtaking work of our own artists below!
Cheers!
Jason McClain, Proprietor
McClain Cellars
