Paint and sip evening

What it is

A relaxed art class at home. A host (you, a friend or a hired instructor) shows each step of a simple painting, and guests follow along with a drink. No skills needed - everyone ends up with a painting, and they are all different. Great for birthdays, hen parties and bridal showers.

Plan ahead

• Two weeks before: pick a simple painting with clear shapes: a sunset over the sea, a tree in autumn, a cocktail glass, a lemon. Search “easy acrylic painting tutorial” for free videos.
• One week before: practise the painting yourself so you can explain it, and photograph each step.
• One week before: buy canvas panels, acrylic paints (white, black, the three primaries plus the colours you need), brushes, palettes (paper plates work), and aprons.
• The day before: set up tables with a canvas, palette, two brushes, a water cup and paper towel at each seat.

Set the scene

Cover tables with plastic or paper. Prop the finished example on an easel at the front. Play a chilled playlist. Put drinks on a separate table so no one dips a brush into their wine.

How to run it

1. Background: demonstrate blending two colours across the canvas with a large brush. Let it dry - a hairdryer speeds it up.
2. Main shape: draw it lightly in chalk first, then fill in with paint.
3. Details: add highlights with white, shadows with a darker mix, and finish with a signature. Show each step on your own canvas, then walk around to help.

Food and drink

• Easy finger food: cheese board, charcuterie, crackers, grapes
• Wine, prosecco or a signature cocktail, plus alcohol-free options
• Small sweet treats like macarons or brownies

Tips

• Use acrylics; they dry fast and wash out of brushes with water.
• Hand out painting names cards (“Sunset with Prosecco”) as a joke label.
• For a hen party or bridal shower, paint something tied to the couple, like the wedding venue or their dog.