Paint and sip parties seem to be all over recently and they come in a variety of styles and sizes.  If you haven’t tried one yet, you absolutely should.  They are a great way to socialize and have fun as well as get a few kid-free hours.  These are being used for bachelorette parties, birthdays, girls’ nights, and even work events.  There is no one-size-fits-all party and it is worth it to try out a few different ones to see which is right for you.

 

 

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I have attended 2 paint and sip parties this year and each was vastly different from the other even those the basic premise remains the same.  In case you have never heard of these or you have but aren’t sure what they entail, they are exactly as they sound.  A group of people get together at a venue and paint a design on canvas at the directions of an instructor.  While painting, you enjoy adult beverages or any drink of your choice.  Although this is how each of the ones I attended was run, they were still each starkly unique.

 

The first I attended was for a friend’s birthday party.  The venue was a local art store and I knew everyone in attendance.  It was led by the store owner and you were responsible for bringing your own drinks.  We had a ton of fun together but it was a quieter and more low-key affair in comparison with the second one I attended.

 

The most recent paint and sip party was equally fun but held at a local bar and grill.  I only knew a handful of the people and none as closely as I did the ones at my friend’s party.  Even though I am generally quite shy and socially awkward, it was absolutely worth going.  If you are like me and don’t know anyone and do not have a friend to tag along don’t let that keep you from trying one of these.

 

 

 

Taking place at a bar and grill obviously made it louder overall and the attendees of the party were not the only people there.  However, in anticipation of the general chaos such a venue can create, the instructor also had assistants that came around frequently to answer questions, refill paint, or anything else needed.  They were also great about timing and breaks.  It was an equally awesome experience however, after attending these, I have some tips to help you with your paint and sip parties.

Venue Matters

If you know you get distracted by music and crowds, be sure to opt for a smaller, more intimate venue for your party.  In contrast, the larger ones can help if you feel self-conscious and want to blend into the crowd.

Think About Your Outfit

You might be tempted to dress up, especially if you’re going alone.  Don’t go overboard.  You will be leant an apron but accidents happen.  Don’t wear your favorite cashmere sweater because chances are you’ll swipe your sleeve at least once even if they are rolled up.

Beginners Can Do This

No matter what your skill level, the instructors do a great job and have catered the painting to newbies.  Don’t be intimidated by the reference painting.  You will create awesome artwork easily with these parties.

Don’t Forget a Corkscrew

If you bring your own wine don’t forget a cup and a corkscrew.  Trust me.  You may think that someone else is bound to have one but I’m here to tell you that in a group of 15 women, only one of us thought to bring a corkscrew.  Don’t risk being caught without.

 

Now that you know more about paint and sip parties, start looking in your area to find one that’s right for your style.  If you’re in the greater Cincinnati area you can check out the instructors I’ve dealt with at Adam’s Art & Supply and at RMD Arts.  If you’re still on the fence about attending one of these parties, ease in by hosting your own at home.  Invite some girlfriends over and try your hand at making this easy Marriage Wall Art.

See where I’m linking up!