If you child and their friends love art and all things creative, I’ve got a great birthday party idea for you.
A Paint & Sip party is not just for adults anymore. Kids can get in on the fun with personal art stations, a Sipping Station with sparkling juices and crafts sodas, and a guided painting session!
Designed for young artists aged 9-12, this party theme promises laughter, creativity, and a dash of sophistication they’ll absolutely adore.
Let’s dive into making this party a masterpiece!
Decor
Set the stage for creativity with a decor that’s as bright and joyful as a splash of paint on a canvas.
1. Colorful Entryway: Welcome your young artists with a vibrant entryway. Hang a banner that reads “Welcome to [Child’s Name]’s Art Studio” and line the path with colorful footprints or handprints on the ground, guiding them into the party area.
2. DIY Palette Welcome Sign: Create a large, palette-shaped welcome sign at the entrance. Use cardboard and paint to craft this creative sign, complete with a few “blobs” of color (paint) and brushes. Personalize it with the birthday child’s name and the date for a keepsake.
3. Art Supply Centerpieces: For table centerpieces, use clear jars or vases filled with colorful art supplies like crayons, markers, and colored pencils. Not only do these add a splash of color to your tables, but they also highlight the theme of creativity.
4. Interactive Art Wall: Set up a large canvas or paper wall where guests can leave their mark upon arriving. Provide stamps, stencils, and washable paints for a fun, interactive experience. By the end of the party, you’ll have a collaborative piece of art!
5. Art Gallery Wall: Dedicate a wall or a section of your party space as an “Art Gallery.” Use string lights and clips to hang up blank canvases or paper. As the party progresses and artworks are completed, display them here. This not only adds to the decor but also gives the young artists pride in seeing their work showcased.
Art Stations
Creating an art station for each young guest not only makes them feel special but also helps in organizing a smooth-flowing party where creativity knows no bounds. Here’s how you can set up individual art stations that will make each child feel like a true artist:
- Name Each Station: Personalize each art station by including a small, colorful name tag or placard at each spot. You could make these resemble mini easels or palettes for an extra creative touch.
- Create a semi-circle: Arrange the seats and stations in a semi-circle or U-shape around the instructional area (if following a guided painting session) so every child has a clear view without feeling isolated.
- Provide a Canvas: Provide a pre-primed canvas at each station. Opting for a medium size (like 8×10 inches) is perfect for this age group, balancing manageability with enough space for creativity.
- Variety of Brushes: Include a range of brush sizes and shapes at each station, from wide brushes for broad strokes to fine tips for details. This variety encourages experimentation with different painting techniques.
- Palette of Acrylic Paints: Pre-prepare small palettes or disposable plates with a selection of acrylic paint colors. Consider adding a few unexpected colors to inspire creativity. Ensure there’s enough of each color for the project at hand to avoid mid-party refills.
- Water Cups & Paper Towels: Place a cup of water for rinsing brushes at each station, along with a stack of paper towels or an old rag for drying brushes between colors.
- Table Protection: Cover each station with a protective tablecloth or newspaper. Consider using disposable plastic tablecloths for easy cleanup or reusable cloths for an eco-friendly option.
- Aprons or Smocks: Have aprons or smocks available at each station to protect the children’s clothing. Personalizing these can also add a fun, memorable touch to the party.
Pro Tips:
- Pre-Party Setup: Arrange all materials at each art station before the party starts. This helps in minimizing setup time during the event and keeps everything running smoothly.
- Safety Considerations: Ensure all materials are non-toxic and safe for children’s use. Keep a first aid kit handy, just in case.
- Space Between Stations: Allow enough space between each station for freedom of movement. Kids should be able to get up, move around, and view their work from a distance without bumping into each other.
Sipping Station
Instead of wine, serve up fun and fruity mocktails and craft sodas. This is a kid’s party’s after all!
- “Creative Juices”:Add a banner above the Sipping Station that reads “Creative Juices.”
- Drink Dispensers: Use clear drink dispensers for different types of juices and sodas. Label each dispenser with fun, creative names that tie back to the art theme, like “Picasso Punch” or “Monet’s Melon Mix.”
- Fancy Glasses: Instead of traditional cups, opt for plastic champagne flutes, martini glasses, or other mock sophisticated glassware that is kid-friendly. You can decorate the rims with colored sugar or salt to add an extra fancy touch.
- Signature Mocktails: Create a small menu of signature mocktails that kids can choose from. Include options like a “Sparkling Sorbet Soda” (sorbet with sparkling water) or a “Tropical Canvas” (a mix of pineapple, mango, and coconut water).
- DIY Mocktail Bar: Allow kids to mix their own creations by choosing from a variety of juices, sodas, and sparkling waters. Include instructions for simple mocktail recipes they can follow.
- Fruit Slices and Berries: Offer a selection of fruit slices (like oranges, lemons, limes, and strawberries) and berries for garnishing. Kids can enjoy adding these to their drinks for a pop of color and flavor.
- Edible Glitter & Sprinkles: For an extra touch of fun, have edible glitter or colorful sprinkles that can be added to the drinks or to decorate the rim of the glasses.
- Mini Umbrellas and Stirrers: Provide mini umbrellas, fun stirrers, or cocktail picks that kids can use to embellish their mocktails. These little details can make the drinks feel even more special.
- Water Options: Ensure there’s also plenty of water available, perhaps infused with fruits like cucumber, lemon, or berries, to keep everyone hydrated in a flavorful way.
- Art Palette Coasters: Use coasters that mimic the look of painter’s palettes, or create them as a fun DIY project before the party.
- Chill Zone: Painting masterpieces can be intense! Have a cozy corner with cushions and bean bags where kids can relax, chat, and sip their mocktails.
Activities
1. Guided Painting: Hire a local artist or follow an online tutorial where kids can paint along step-by-step to create their own masterpiece. Choose a simple, fun subject that allows room for creativity.
2. Free Paint: Encourage kids to express themselves freely in a session where they can paint anything they wish. This encourages creativity and gives them a chance to showcase their unique style.
3. Themed Background Music: Play background music that matches the theme of the free paint session to help inspire creativity. For example, if the theme is the ocean, play sounds of the sea and beach-themed music.
4. Sharing Circle: At the end of the free paint session, organize a sharing circle where kids can voluntarily show their paintings and talk about what they created and why. This encourages appreciation for each other’s work and boosts confidence.
5. Collaborative Mural: Set up a large canvas or mural paper where all the kids can contribute to a single, large piece. This collaborative project can be a fun way to end the party, with everyone adding their touch to a collective masterpiece.
6. Art Quiz or Trivia: Organize a short, fun art quiz or trivia game related to famous paintings, artists, or art techniques, with small prizes for correct answers. This can be a lively group activity that mixes learning with fun.
7. Photo Booth with Artistic Props: Create a photo booth area with props related to painting and art, such as oversized frames, palette cutouts, and mustaches like famous artists. This can be a fun way for kids to remember the event.
8. Pictionary: Pictionary is a fun game that goes well with a Paint & Sip Party theme. Create a word list with categories like animals, foods, etc. Set up a large easel or whiteboard where everyone can see the drawers. Have plenty of markers or chalk on hand. Divide into teams. Each team takes turns drawing while their team tries to guess the word. Use a timer to limit each turn to 1-2 minutes, keeping the game pace lively. The “artist” can’t use letters, numbers, or verbal cues while drawing. If the word is guessed correctly within the time limit, the team earns a point.
Snacks
Keep the snacks simple, mess-free, and colorful. Think fruit skewers, mini sandwiches, vegetable sticks with dip, and cupcakes with vibrant icing. Arrange the snacks on platters like a palette for an added thematic touch.
Favor Ideas
Send your little artists home with a favor that reminds them of the fun they had. Goodie bags can include mini canvases, a set of watercolor paints, or personalized aprons.
You could also give each child a set of paintbrushes tied with a ribbon and a tag that says, “Thanks for adding color to my day!”
And remember, they also get to keep the paintings they created, ensuring they have a keepsake from the party.
Conclusion
A Paint & Sip party for kids is a celebration of creativity, expression, and unforgettable fun. It’s a chance for kids to feel grown-up while exploring their artistic side in a vibrant, joyful setting.
So, grab your brushes and let the colors flow!
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
