8 Tips on How to Host a Sip & Paint Event
We're at our best when we're laughing with our friends, sharing space and building long-lasting memories. What better way to reconnect with those close to us, and build new relationships, than over a shared activity and beautiful drinks. If you're looking for an idea for your next gathering that's both creative, attainable and inexpensive, consider hosting a watercolor sip and paint event where guests can paint beautiful flower displays as they sip on beautiful blooms. Sink into an event that'll allow you to feel relaxed and mindful with others in a gentle, supportive environment. To get you started, we've come up with eight tips to ensure the evening goes smoothly.
1. Plan Your Vision
All of the best parties start with proper planning. Take time to consider your vision for a paint and sip night. What teas will you offer? What friends will you invite? Will there be a watercolor teacher? An online tutorial you play for guests? Are you freestyling? Consider making a mood board on Pinterest to lock down a larger theme, color scheme, and plan for the night. Order any materials needed and stayed organized. But also, don't forget to let your mind roam. We want you excited, not stressed!
2. Do Your Inviting
After composing your guest list, consider your invitations. Are you requesting a teacher for the night? Maybe you have a friend who paints. Consider sending out cute e-invites or mailing cards. Keep your event small, with no more than 15 people to ensure everyone feels properly attended to, with ample room to paint, spread out and relax. Once your RSVP's are all in, you can start prepping ahead on your menu.
3. Create Delicious Custom Drinks
A night dedicated to sipping starts with beautiful drinks. Ditch the teabags and usual varieties, springing for something special. Offer your guests the option of a hot or iced bev and have enough on handy for plenty of refills. For an iced beverage, we recommend a refreshing Rose Lemonade using Shangri-La Roses, Rosebuds and petite flowers for flower ice if you're really feeling fancy. Give your guests their choice of hot variety with the option to add honey. A cup of Shangri-La Rose, Blue Lotus, or Chrysanthemum Tea make for the perfect nightcap after a cool, sweet drink.
4. Consider Your Spread
No gathering is complete without a little treat. Take the time to think about what flavors will really pair well with your teas and what guests can eat that's mess-free and already portioned out. Consider individually wrapped mochi. Its neutral, subtly sweet flavor, allows it to complement and enhance a wide range of flavors, whether creamy, fruity, or intense. Serve it alongside your teas and for a crunchier variety, offer biscuits or cookies to dip, enhancing the sipping experience.
5. Set The Vibe
Begin setting up on the afternoon of your party. Starting with a tidy, open, arid space, line tables with parchment or disposable tablecloths to preserve and protect surfaces from any paint or spills. Lay out your supplies in advance, making sure each guest has a place to comfortably sit. Set up your watercolor station separately from your tea and snacks. Put on a soft playlist, set mood lighting and display your flowers.
6. Wow Everyone With Your Hosting Skills
To give guests the full experience, have a designated bar area where you're consistently making custom drinks and replenishing teas. Be attentive to your guests throughout the night, checking in on those who need refills and accepting any feedback. As the host, it's your job to keep everyone feeling cozy and at ease.
7. Make Lasting Memories
Focus on enjoying the whole process from start to finish, connecting with others, and fully capturing the moment. Encourage everyone to put their own spin on their paintings, adding personal touches or colors that resonate to make each piece feel special and unique. Snap photos in the moment, capturing others' creativity, laughter and art as it's happening live.Be mindful of the tea offerings and enjoy pairing them with the moment. As the event wraps up, have everyone display their art in a circle and walk through to take in each other's creations.
8. Consider a Goodbye Gift
Leave guests wanting more with a small gesture in the form of a simple gift. Whether it's sending guests home with a variety of flower teas, more mochi or extra paints to continue their creativity, this small added touch will keep friends remembering the night, signifying the start to many more special moments to come.
