Check out our extensive overview of Paint and Sip event planning. As we begin, the content features different type of paint and sip class formats, what supplies you need, which you don’t, how much it costs to host a party and an array of details on the planning process. This is a perfect guide to answer all your questions and at least get you grounded on where to start. Creativity activities for groups is so incredibly rewards because of the personally and professional benefits – read on to learn more and enjoy. Use the table of contents below to get started.
Read time: 10 minutes | Skim time: 3 minutes
Planning Overview
We are planners and we think you may be too. From collecting addresses, to selecting a painting inspiration, we got this covered for you.
Virtual vs. In Person Events
Should you host your paint class in the office or virtually? Is one better than another? Does it matter to the group’s experience?
We can help there.
Experience & Benefits
Creativity thinking, problem solving, team bonding, managing change & more. These elements will enhance your team’s creative experience!
Overview of this guide
This guide is designed to inform you of your options to planning a paint and sip event. There is a lot of flexibility, based on your group’s needs, location and budget. This guide covers everything from planning to what you should expect in the experience, also WHY these events are so impact for teams.
With over 6 years experience teaching paint class, I can give you a realistic perspective on in person paint classes and virtual.. and all the things in between. Let’s jump in….!
Different Types of Paint and Sip Events
An important question to ask yourself – what type of paint class do we want to host? Should it be in person or do we host it virtually? You have options and it is good to know the definition of each and flexibility that comes along the way. 5 different models & options are listed below for you to find which is best for your group. [ Virtual Class, In Person Class, Hybrid, Buy Self Led Kits or Instructor only ]
[ 1 ] Virtual Paint and Sip Events
A virtual paint and sip class is a perfect choice for any group – small or large. It is a great way to bring a group together no matter of their location. Paint supplies typically for most businesses can be mailed directly to the participant’s homes or to a place of business. You would partner with the business to determine the day and time, collect the participant’s addresses and select the inspiration. It is very easy and straight forward.
The experience, based on the instructor, is still very positive for the participants. One of the most important things about a virtual event is keeping everyone engaged. Teachers may use ice breakers, have questions lined up to start conversation, etc. Showing off their artwork is another benefit and most instructors build time into the paint class to do that.
Some team members appreciate and prefer the virtual paint class, compared to in person paint and sip events because convenience. Let’s be honest. If someone doesn’t have to get in the car to goto the office, it is preferred sometimes. It is not always their choice, but a worry consideration. For a company, it is still worth the investment to bring the group together, do something fun and learn something new.
We are here to help you along the way.
[ 2 ] Hybrid Paint Classes
A Hybrid paint class is when some employees work from home and some are in the office. Some paint and sip companies provide a hybrid service and some don’t. This format works well when there is remote employees and a group of people want to get together in the office.
Another example of a hybrid paint event is when there are multiple office locations participating in the team event. Say there is a 20 person group in Chicago and another in Dallas and 10 people working remotely. Some paint and sip companies can hold a virtual session, share the connect link with everyone and host a a single paint session to bring everyone together. We have done this many time and it is a great success.
The success to these events is sending the materials to the right places. Dallas receives 20 paint kits, Chicago gets 20 and we mail 10 individual paint kits out to at home painters. A good paint and sip partner can help you with all those details. Another key to the success of a hybrid paint event is making sure each group is engaged and involved with the activity. “Let’s check in on Dallas, how is it going over there?”, etc.
This model is a great option for teams or team members that are all over the country or internationally.
There is usually no extra charge for this model. It actually may save you money on shipping if you are sending 10 kits to a single location.
[ 3 ] In Person Paint and Sip Classes
Some teams are comfortable engaging and looking to setup in person events again. If you team is relatively local, absolutely schedule an in person paint class.
I get asked a lot what is the difference between an in person paint class and a virtual class, here is my take:
- Some people like in person to be – in person – with other people. The hugging, those connections we all called normal before the pandemic. Society is finding that extroverts miss the personal interactions. Introverts are absolutely fine with virtual. They still get their interactions and stimulation just fine.
- The experience is different by walking around the room to stretch, have side chit chat and check out other people’s artwork. The virtual experience will build in ‘show and tells’, casual conversation, ice breakers – it all depends on your paint and sip partner on how they manage the virtual engagement. That is why it is important to do your research – find the best partner either way.
[ 4 ] Buy Paint Supplies and Find an Instructor
Everyones budget for team or group events is different. You could save some money by going to your local craft store and buy supplies. The cost of supplies and your time going there – is not far of some buying paint kits that businesses already sell.
If you wanted to buy paint and sip supplies, here is a list of things you would need:
- Paint Brushes – you can usually buy mixed packs for $10-15 dollars with small to large size brushes. The goal is for each person to have 3-4 brushes each ( ranging ins sizes ) for their project. You may have to buy multiple packs of brushes, based on the number of people in your event.
- Canvas / Canvas Boards – The local craft stores sell 5 packs of canvas that you can use for your party in various sizes. You could do 9″ x 12″, 11″ x 14″ or even square shapes like 12″ x 12″. The square sizes are a little bit more money, but you have options. I wouldn’t go bigger than 16″ x 20″ for an event, because of the amount of time it takes to paint. I have switched from the stretched canvas to canvas panels, because they are less likely to damage and easy to store. Please choose what works best for you. There are many options and you can’t go wrong.
- Acrylic Paints – The first part we will share is the quantity the painter will need in the class, it isn’t a lot. When I first started sending paints to my customers I was sending 5ml of each color, which is enough for a 11″ x 14″. That is roughly a tablespoon for comparison. Today, I send 10ml tubes, which is more than enough. The reason I am sharing this is – you don’t need to buy big bottles of paint for your event. For a group of 10 people, you can get by with a 4oz. bottle of each color easily. The craft stores has acrylic paints in many size bottles. You can buy as big of a bottle as you wish, just know each participant won’t use a lot. I hope that is helpful. Here is an example of large acrylic paints for in person parties.
What colors to buy? The primary colors are blue, red, and yellow. You can mix those primary colors together to get a range of secondary colors like green, orange and purple. Always buy the primary colors, as a start. In addition, to the primary colors you will want to buy white and black, so you can have the option to darken or lighten the tones, as needed.
- Optional Items – Not required for the event are easels and aprons. If you do not have the budget to get easels, you don’t really need them. Participants can easily lay their painting flat on the table to paint. Easels are good to have, if you can afford it. Easels will cost roughly $5-$10 each. With regards to aprons, there are disposal and fabric aprons out there. In the local craft store, they will cost $12 each, which is pretty expensive. You can find at other locations for less. I would shop around a bit, if you want these.
- Other Supplies Needed – (1) paper plates for each participant, (2) a roll of paper towels, (3) plastic tablecloths to cover the tables, (4) plastic cups used for water cups to rinse paint brushes and that’s it. If you have any questions about the setup process, you can view a page I wrote up here with all the details. If you need any support, don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. We are happy to help.
[ 5 ] Hire a Private Instructor Only
There are some cases with groups may already have supplies – perhaps from a left over party. You could absolutely hire a private instructor to the lead the class for you.
There is no easy way to find an instructor, but you could search online for art instructors and see what comes up. If you need assistance with a teacher, we may be able to help. Email meagan@paintandsipvt.com to check our availability.
Usually the cost runs $100-$300 an hour.
How can we help you with next steps?
Planning a Paint and Sip Class
Finding a good partner - what to look for?
There are many companies that offer paint and sip services and we will share briefly what the market looks like so you can do your research and find the right partner for you. 75% of the paint and sip companies out there offer, or have offered in the past, in person classes at their studio location. Many sip and paint businesses expanded their offering to virtual when covid hit, because we all couldn’t do in person things. These partners have in person teachers that know how to teach a group of people how to paint – that is what they are good at.
Another element to the paint and sip experience is the entertainment – how to keep a group involved and engaged. Some paint and sip companies teach groups of 1 and 2 that come together, enjoy a beverage and are off on their merry way. So whatever paint and sip service you select, make sure they are good at engagement, keeping everyone involved and focused on the entire experience – no just the painting part. Believe it or not, the experience isn’t about how well a painter does, it is about the process of creativity, experimentation, opening up, letting go and being yourself. Teachers that are focused on this element is what leads to a successful class. Many companies out there I am sure do a great job, but do your research and find the best paint and sip company for you.
The final element to look for when finding the right sip and paint company is – the planning element. Quick and prompt communication is important. Knowing your deadlines, package options, flexibility with shipping and scheduling details. A good partner should be clear with you on these elements. You shouldn’t have to ask for it.
A recap – what to look for in a good paint and sip partner?
- Experience teaching
- Experience with the virtual environment
- High quality engagement – focused on the group’s experience
- Flexible on packages
- Offers you support with planning and deadlines
Paint and Sip Supplies - Must have's vs. Nice to have
What paint supplies do you need?
- Acrylic Paints – Colors: White, Black, Blue, Yellow, Red ( at a minimum )
- Paint Brushes – 3-5 brushes for each participant
- Canvas / Canvas Board – something to paint on. Any size works just fine. ( 9″ x 12″, 11″ x 14″, 16″ x 20″ )
- Easels are optional – if you don’t have the budget. Painters can lay the canvas flat on the table, if needed
- Aprons – Some providers sell disposable and others have reusable aprons
- A table and chair setting for each artist to sit
- Plastic Table Clothes to protect the tables
- A TV or Projector to display any virtual needs
What supplies does each painter need for the event?
- A cup of water to rinse your brushes
- A small plate to mix colors
- A paper towel or two
- A pen or pencil for any drawing
Packages and Pricing
Paint and Sip Packages
All paint and sip companies offer different packages – the core of the packages will all contain:
- Brushes ( some packages only include 2, which is not enough and some include a set of 10 ) more is better in our opinion.
- A canvas ( the canvas type and size will vary – this typically isn’t a deal breaker for the experience )
- Paints ( the paint quantity and quality will vary, so do your research )
The question of the day – what do you really need for supplies for a successful paint class? Here is our opinion:
- Brushes – it is important to have at least 3-5 to give the participant options when painting different types of details. The wrong size brush or not having enough options can diminish their confidence because limitations.
- A canvas – any size canvas works well for paint and sip parties, as long as it is no bigger than 16″ x 20″. A bigger canvas will take longer to paint and the group will likely be burned out.
- Paints – There are 2 perspectives on acrylic paints – the quality and quantity – here is a breakdown on both:
- Quantity – you need at least 5ml of each color for a successful class. You use paints to cover large areas, but also to blend new colors and tones. Example; mixing blue and yellow to make green. Mixing blue and white to make light. blue, etc.
When I first started out, I was only sending 2.5ml and it was not enough. I quickly upgraded to 5ml and that worked well. I then found 10ml tubes of a high quality paint and that is the best thing I could have done for my customers. - Quality – let’s keep in mind paint and sip classes are typically recreational. No one is going to sell or display their artwork in a museum, so you don’t need the highest quality of paint. This is a really important detail if businesses are going to buy their own supplies. That being said, you don’t want to buy the cheapest paint either. Low quality acrylic paint – example Tempera paint – may not have enough body to hold the pigment. When you paint, it may show up thin, which will require another layer of paint ( aka more time ) for full coverage. I would not recommend use this type of paint in classes. The type of paint to look for is a high quality acrylic paint, which your service provider should show and describe with the brand. Dick Blick, Reeves, Arteza, Apple Barrel to name a few. You want to use a good quality so it has a solid base and you have good coverage from the start.
- Quantity – you need at least 5ml of each color for a successful class. You use paints to cover large areas, but also to blend new colors and tones. Example; mixing blue and yellow to make green. Mixing blue and white to make light. blue, etc.
Pricing Details
Paint and sip package pricing ranges, based on what you want included in your package. We have done a ton of research and want to provide the following overview. The cheapest we have seen packages is $55 and the most expensive is $95 per person. Some packages include easels, plastic palettes and more. We understand your company has a budget, so it is okay to shop around a little bit.
Keep in mind price isn’t everything. The quality of the service is more important than the materials at times. You could find a $60 package that has everything you need and fits within your budget, but the service provider doesn’t seem that great. We know budget is important, so look around a little bit, contact a few folks and feel out who is the best partner for your sip and paint team event.
Shipping Details
The cost for shipping a single paint kit ranges from $7 to $10, based on your location in the United States.
International shipping ranges from $35-$50 with a 2-4 week arrival.
Some providers offer free shipping or discounts. It is good to connect with your partner to see what deals they are offering.
Vendors will use USPS, UPS or FedEx typically. All the rates vary.
Event Deadlines
There are 5 main tasks the host and the paint and sip partner work together on before the event takes place. The deadlines can shift based on the group’s need, but these are rough estimates to help with your planning process.
It may vary from partner to partner, but this will give you a glimpse.
Tasks
1. Selecting a Day / Time
2. Collecting Addresses
3. Selecting Painting Idea
4. Mail the Paint Kits
5. Zoom / Connect Details
Timeframe
As soon as possible
2 weeks before the event
3 days before the painting event
10 days before the event
3 days before the painting event
Collecting Addresses
This is a fairly straight forward process. Once you have reserved a day and time with your paint and sip company, you want to start collecting the addresses immediately. The sooner you can send this information to the sip and paint business the better. The information they need is First Name, Last Name, Street, City, State, Zip for each person.
If you are mailing International paint kits, they will also need a phone number, as it is a requirement for international shipments.
Some provides will send you a template to input the painter’s shipping information. If a template isn’t provided, you can send them a word doc or csv file.
Selecting a Painting Inspiration - What do we paint?
This is the fun part. All paint and sip studios will have an array of inspirations and original work to share with you. Some paint studios have a collection or art gallery for you to choose from.
As the host, you have a few different ways to proceed choosing what to paint. Here is what we have seen as different options:
- Ask the paint and sip partner to share 2-4 ideas with you around a theme. Example: 4 examples around landscapes and mountains. From there, you can share those painting ideas back with the team to get their buy-in.
- You, as the host, review the ideas they have – and you bring back 2-3 ideas to the team to vote.
- You, as the host, consult with 1-2 people to make a decision. That sometimes seems to be the easiest.
- Surprise the group! Hosts love to pick something and surprise the group!
What may work the best for you? Don’t forget to have fun with it.
What are the most popular paintings?
Here are our Top 8 Themes and painting ideas:
- Landscapes ( Seasons – Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall )
- Trees ( Birch Trees, Maple, Pine, Abstract, and more )
- Flowers ( Wildflowers, Abstract, Tulips, Peonies, Daisies, A vase )
- Animals ( Cats, Dogs, Sheep, Cows, Deer )
- Still Life ( Fruit, A Vase, A Plant )
- Skylines ( Boston, Portland, Local Mountain Ranges )
- Sunset and Sunrises
- Clouds
Which of these inspire you?
How does the sip work?
Most companies like ours who offer virtual paint and sip classes are not licensed alcohol distributors, so they can not mail you wine or beer within the kit. Some have partnership with other vendors.
The cost for wine or beer typically runs an additional $15 – $35 based on the product selection.
If you do not have budget for a beverage, you can ask the group to bring your own beverage. That works well most of the time!
Execution of a Paint Event
When should I receive the kits?
The kits should arrive at least 7 days in advance. If you schedule a party quickly and the timeline is close, that is okay. Our advice is to partner with the host. Sometimes a host likes for kits to arrive well in advance, so everyone has their paint and sip supplies before the team paint event.
Paint supplies – non holiday – take 2-4 business days to arrive. The paint partner will make sure the items are delivered on time and in advance. Holiday timeframe it could take 4-6 business days depending.
How long is a sip and paint event?
Paint and sip events typically last 1.5 to 2 hours.
We have worked with many partners that may only have a 1 hour window, perhaps 1.5 or 2 hours. They typically block time on the team’s calendar and that works great.
2 hours is a maximum during – people start to feel burned out or tired, so we like to keep it at the 90 minutes or 1 hr and 45 minutes. That is the sweet spot for people.
1 hr classes tend to not be enough time, unless the painting is simple.
Connect Details; Zoom, etc.
Most paint and sip companies are flexible with what platform they use. Some have licenses to Zoom and may prefer to use that. Other companies may be flexible.
From our experience, we typically use whatever platform is best for the team. Whether it is Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, or Amazon Chime – most partners can use any type of platform.
No special setup is required. The instructor typically shows their video as the painting demonstration – just like a member of the team.
Additional Activities for your Paint Event
Some paint and sip studios offer additional activities, if you want to engage the team further:
- Team Trivia
- Popcorning
- Ice Breakers
- Name Your Favorite
- Holiday Themed Conversation
- Show Off Your Work
Day of Event - Expectations and Details
What supplies should I have ready to go?
For Virtual Paint and Sip Classes – everyone will need:
- A cup of water to rinse the acrylic paint off your brushes
- A small plate ( paper or plastic ) to mix paint colors and blend new tones
- A paper towel(s) for messes and clean up brushes
- Open the paint kit mailed to them
- Open the brushes
- Remove the plastic from the canvas, if present
For In Person Events – everyone will need:
- a place to sit – a table and chair with a little elbow room
- A plastic table cloth should be put down on the tables to protect from the paint. ( the acrylic paint will come off the tables, but it helps for easy clean up )
- 3-4 brushes each
- Acrylic paints ( black, white, red, yellow, blue ) as basics
- A plate to mix colors
- A canvas, canvas board – something to paint on
What to expect from a private instructor?
The private instructor should arrive 10-15 minutes early to test the connection and make sure everything is setup on their end. When you and the group arrives, he / she / they will be there to welcome you and the other participants.
You as a host, don’t need to do anything on the day of the party. The instructor will be there to welcome, lead, engage and entertain the group.
We hope you can join the class, as well. You have worked hard!
Time Management Details for a Positive Class Experience
If you are a planner and curious how paint and sip teachers manage the time of the events, these details are for you. Here a few things instructors manage throughout the class to ensure the best experience for your team.
- Introduction and Welcome to the Activity
- Explaining the process and supplies
- Breaking the ice – making sure people feel comfortable – no previous experience required
- Be yourself – we all have our own styles and speed in which we paint – take your time and enjoy the process
- Coaching and Sharing Techniques – how to hold your brush, what brush to use, what colors to use, etc.
- Show Off Our Work – at least once during the class
- Building in time for conversation and Ice Breakers – we monitor the team’s conversation and engagement
- Down time is good – A quiet group [usually ] means they are relaxing and unwinding into the activity. That is exactly what they need. A good instructor will find a balance of ‘down time’ and letting meaningful conversation happen.
- Group Photo at the end!
The Paint and Sip Class Experience
Team Bonding & Building Trust
A creative art class – like a paint and sip – allows individuals to be themselves, take their guard down and think differently. Participants will get to know and bond with their team members in new ways, which help to develop relationships, build trust and identify individual’s personality traits. This leads to a more effect work environment and greater productivity.
Problem Solving
For individuals who are not artists, this class – looking in – may seem like a challenge. ” I have no idea how to paint “. We hear a lot of that. Being a part of an art class like this helps individuals think different – “what brush do I use”, “how do I hold the brush”, etc.
This perspective is ultimately flexible their ‘problem solving muscles’. Instructors in these classes are coaching them, but the individual does figure it out. When happens when they do – a boost of confidence and a new perspective on ‘oh I can do this’.
This practiced skill of problem solving continues with them to the office, with friends and family. It is all about challenging someone in a new way to exhibit growth – and it is still fun!
Personal and Professional Benefits
There are many skills that are practiced and challenges faced during these classes – all for the good! No one leave crying, no worry.
Here are a few that come to mind:
Relating to others
Not every one is good at everything. A bit of empathy is recognized for not own their own skills, but the skills of others.
Being able to put yourself in someone else shoes goes a long way and a good perspective to have when you are in a collaborate team setting and beyond.
Humility
No one is perfect and we all work through challenges. In the instance of a paint class, they tackle it on their own – yet as a team. This relates
Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Participants in these classes learn so much about one another in these classes. While you paint, you are in the zone and you are typically listening as you paint. The extroverts in the group will keep most of the conversation going.
You may hear people talking about ‘wow, I did it’ – verbal reflections of confidence or fear. Inside your own head, you are learning a lot about yourself – maybe you have a positive approach to the class or being mindful of others.
As you start to reflect on your own, you listen to those around you. You get to know how others hold and carry themselves, in a different scene. This goes a long way for getting to know someone – especially if you are working with them everyday.
The benefits in our habits and how we carry ourselves allows us to grow, as leaders and collaborators.
Expanded Creative Thinking
A group of individual said it well by identifying these benefits of creativity thinking and ties to the workplace.
- Intellectual Challenge – Stretch them intellectually
- Freedom to Choose – the instructor will set goals and we let the participants choose how to accomplish them.
- Supplying the right resources – give them the tools to succeed. [ Supplies, coaching and support ]
- Effective design of workgroups – aka programming of paint and sip class
- Encouragement & Support – creating a ‘safe’ and ‘open’ atmosphere for experimentation and curiosity.
A unique and meaningful team building event - that everyone can enjoy with the right instruction and support.
The Finale'
Remaining Questions
If you have any follow up questions about this article, please contact meagan@paintandsipvt.com.
It would be a pleasure to speak with you.
Advise on Paint Supplies
If you are navigating to buy supplies and have questions. Please reach out.
Support in Planning Process
If you have specific questions about the paint and sip planning process, please reach out. You are not in this alone – we are happy to help.