5 Sip and Paint Ideas for Your Next Summer Soirée

There’s something uniquely satisfying about sipping a glass of wine while letting your creativity run wild, especially when the backdrop is a warm summer night. A sip and paint soirée brings together the best of both worlds: the fun of DIY art and the pleasure of an easygoing wine tasting. Whether you’re hosting a group of friends on the patio or setting up a backyard mini-studio, a little planning (and the right wine pairings) can turn your evening into something special.

In this guide, you’ll find creative painting themes, smart setup tips and curated wine suggestions for every kind of canvas, from dreamy landscapes to playful abstracts. Think of it as your blueprint for a perfectly balanced evening: just enough structure to get started, with plenty of room to swirl outside the lines.

Choose Your Painting Theme

When it comes to painting themes, don’t overthink it — the best ideas are often the most approachable. You’re not aiming for museum-quality pieces here (though who knows, you might surprise yourself). Instead, look for themes that inspire conversation, offer a bit of visual variety and leave room for interpretation. Below are some crowd-pleasing ideas, each paired with a wine that brings out its personality.

1. Sunset Seascapes

Nothing says summer quite like a gradient sky fading into blue water. Encourage guests to blend oranges, purples and soft blues with broad brushstrokes — this one’s all about mood over detail.

Wine pairing: Rosé is the natural choice here. Something crisp, dry and fruit-forward complements the vibe without overpowering it. Bonus points if it’s chilled to perfection.

2. Abstract Florals

Let go of outlines and go wild with color. This is a great theme for guests who want to freestyle — loose petals, swirling stems and oversized blooms are all fair game.

Wine pairing: Sparkling brut. The bubbles bring a light, playful energy that mirrors the spontaneity on the canvas. Look for a brut with citrus or floral notes to keep things fresh.

3. Starry Summer Skies

Think Van Gogh with a touch of glitter. This theme works especially well for evening events — paint dark backgrounds early, then add stars and swirling galaxies as the sky darkens.

Wine pairing: A bold red with depth — maybe a cabernet or syrah. It’s dramatic, moody and pairs perfectly with the richness of a night sky.

4. Paint Your Pet Night

Guests bring a photo of their dog, cat or bearded dragon, and attempt a noble portrait. This one’s always good for laughs — and oddly touching.

Wine pairing: A light white, like Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc, keeps the mood relaxed and the brushstrokes loose.

5. Garden Still Life

Arrange real flowers or fruit as models and let guests interpret them in their own style. This theme feels summery, tactile and slightly classic.

Wine pairing: Go with a dry brut or rosé. The effervescence adds a celebratory note and cleanses the palate between paint strokes and snack breaks.

Want to take things up a notch? Add matching playlists, a loose dress code (“wear your best florals” for Garden Night) or themed tasting notes guests can fill out as they paint. The more sensory layers you build in, the more memorable the evening becomes.

Setting the Scene for Summer

A good sip and paint starts with the right ambiance. You don’t need a full art studio or vineyard views; just a bit of thoughtful setup can make your space feel intentional and inviting.

Start with the basics: cover your painting area with a plastic tablecloth, drop cloth or butcher paper. If you’re outdoors (and you should be), plan for a few things — uneven surfaces, wind and fading light. Clipboards or canvas panels work better than stretched canvases when you don’t have easels. Use sturdy cups for rinse water, weigh down napkins or paper towels with something heavy and don’t forget a trash bin nearby.

As the sun sets, lean into soft lighting: café string lights, lanterns and candles in mason jars are all chic options. The goal isn’t to recreate a classroom — it’s to build an atmosphere that encourages lingering. Add background music early to set the tone. If you’re going with a theme, let it inform the soundtrack: indie folk for garden night, instrumental jazz for abstract or even a dreamy 2000s throwback mix.

Comfort matters, too, of course. Cushioned chairs, bug spray, and a station for snacks and wine help keep everyone settled and happy between brush dips.

Curate a Sip-Worthy Wine Lineup

Here’s where things get fun — and a little strategic. Instead of opening one big bottle and calling it a night, use single-serve wines to offer a mini tasting experience that flows with the evening.

Start by curating a mix across the spectrum:

• Something crisp and dry: like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris
• A fruit-forward rosé: great for warm evenings and bright themes
• A bold red: think cabernet or grenache for deeper, moodier canvases

• A sparkling option: either brut or a lightly fizzy rosé for a festive touch

Single-serves are a game-changer here. They stay chilled longer, reduce waste and let guests sample multiple varietals without needing to commit to a full pour. Plus, they’re easy to pass around — no corkscrew or aerator necessary.

Set up your wine like an artist’s palette: arrange chilled bottles alongside tasting cards where guests can jot down impressions. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can pair wines with painting styles or even specific colors (a rosé for every pink brushstroke?). Either way, variety is key! The best creative energy comes when people can sip what suits them.

Make It Easy for Everyone

Not everyone shows up to a sip and paint night with a background in fine art, and that’s the point. The best events are low-pressure, high-fun and accessible for total beginners and confident creatives alike.

If you’re leading the group, keep instructions simple and paced. Offer a few easy reference images, or print out a step-by-step guide for those who like structure. You can also queue up a short video tutorial on a tablet for guests who prefer visual demos — just hit pause when needed and let everyone work at their own speed.

Encourage guests to break the rules: switch up the colors, leave out the background or paint something completely different if inspiration strikes. Having a few extra canvases on hand helps anyone who wants a second go (or a creative do-over).

Ultimately, your job as host isn’t to run an art class — it’s to set the tone. If you’re relaxed and having fun, everyone else will follow your lead.

Try Single-Serve Wines for Your Sip and Paint Soirée

There’s a reason seasoned hosts swear by single-serve wines, especially for creative gatherings. They take the guesswork out of pouring, let guests explore different varietals at their own pace and keep your wine perfectly portioned from first sip to last brushstroke.

No need to commit to one bottle per theme or worry about waste if someone only wants a splash. With red, white, rosé and sparkling options all neatly chilled and ready to go, your guests can sample, swirl and settle into whatever inspires them — whether it’s a bold cabernet or a crisp glass of brut under the string lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What wine should I serve at a sip and paint night?

Offer a variety to suit different palettes — white, red, rosé, and sparkling all work well. Single-serve bottles make it easy for guests to try multiple options.

2. Do your wines need to be chilled before serving?

Yes, especially white, rosé and sparkling wines. Chill them for at least two hours before your event to ensure optimal flavor.

3. What kind of paint is best for beginners?

Acrylic paint is the most beginner-friendly — it dries quickly, blends well and cleans up easily with water.

4. How much wine should I provide for each guest?

Plan for about 2–3 single-serve bottles per guest, depending on the length of your soirée and what other beverages you’re offering.