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 paint night ideas and supplies to inspire your inner artist on Etsy. From all-inclusive sip and paint kits to beginner watercolor sets to playful paint-by-number packages, the best part about these unique paint night ideas is that they require little more than some basic planning and an open mind to get you and your crew painting in no time.

There's just one golden rule for hosting a sip and paint night: enjoy! Regardless of whether you and your guests consider yourselves artistically inclined, keep in mind: this is all about connecting over a relaxing and engaging activity. Take this opportunity to chat, catch up, and explore new creative interests in a judgment-free space—complete with snacks and wine pairings! Finishing your first display-worthy masterpiece? That's just the icing on the cake. Ready to give it a go? Here are 35 paint night ideas and supplies guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing.

A candid shot of a woman working on a painting during a sip and paint party.
Photo by Master Peace at Home

Paint night ideas for beginners

Beginner painting kits from Etsy SHOP (clockwise from top left): Beginner's watercolor kit and virtual class from Peak Paper Company, $96; beginner adult painting kit from Wildflower Art Studio, $55; beginner canvas painting tutorial from In Home Paint Parties, $29; easy paint-by-number kit from In Home Paint Parties, $15

Fun fact: You don't have to have a practiced hand in order to put paint to paper. 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!

Want a bit more structured instruction? Look for a kit that comes with video tutorials that your whole group can paint along with. Or keep things neatly between the lines and try a paint-by-number option. Likewise, if you're willing to just see where the colors take you, we say dive right in.

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. SHOP (clockwise from top): Hygge-inspired sip and paint kit from Events at Home, from $33; adult paint party kit from Kayleigh's Kanvases, from $12.50; landscape painting kit from Master Piece at Home, $35

Speaking of themes, if you're hoping to create a particular vibe for your sip and paint party, look no further than these comprehensive 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.

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. SHOP (clockwise from top left): Couples' canvas painting kit with video tutorial from In Home Paint Parties, $50; date night sip and paint experience box from Events at Home, from $31; date night portrait painting kit with conversation cards from The Craft Society UK, from $67; custom pet portrait paint-by-number from Kartist Kreations, from $25

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 couple-friendly kits that are prepped for romantic memory making, our favorites offer that extra-sentimental something, whether it's decadent chocolates, complementary conversation cards, or prompts to paint your partner's portrait.

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. SHOP (clockwise from top left): Crystal watercolor painting kit from Fairy Tree Studios, from $12; DIY watercolor window cat kit from Maya X Kiwi, $30; floral watercolor mini kit from Amy's Art Table $12.50; mountain watercolor painting kit from Little Fine Arts Studio, $18; state flowers intermediate watercolor kit from Maya X Kiwi, $30

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.

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. SHOP (clockwise from top left): Date night paint-by-number plants from Perfect Pair Dates, $18; beginner-friendly paint-by-number chicken from In House Paint Parties, $15; desert stars paint-by-number kit from Ember Pearl Co., $26; wood slice paint-by-number wall hanging from Forest Culture, $53

Here's an idea: 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 country-chic chickens, 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!)

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. SHOP (clockwise from top left): Wooden swallow bird kit from Melanie Abrantes, $33; DIY batik oranges fabric painting kit from Color Cruiser, $16; silk scarf painting kit from Divine NY Co., $65; DIY earring painting kit from Jill Makes, $30; DIY acrylic coaster kit from Maizen Life, $56; wooden flower painting kit from Hoo Hoo and Mouse, $20

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 extra-excited to wear home a hand-painted pair of statement earrings or decorate their living rooms with their very own set of acrylic swirled coasters. 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 faves? Wilt-proof wooden bouquets and exquisite silk scarves splashed with purple posies.

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. SHOP (clockwise from top left): Black girl magic coloring book from Dorothy Gilbert Art, $25; printable coloring page from Nalipo, $3; printable owl mandala coloring page from The Crochety Pixie, $1; printable topographic coloring page from Etta and Odie, $1; printable terrarium coloring page from Kilyko Studio, $2.25

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.

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.

Explore more sip and paint party supplies

Sip and paint party supplies from Etsy. SHOP (clockwise from top left): Ceramic paint water cups from BNCA Pottery, $25 each; make-your-own mineral watercolor set from Poems About You, from $7; set of 24 watercolor pens from Pintar Art Supply, $28; wood paint palette from Peg and Awl, from $54

How to host a paint night

Wondering what you need for a 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.