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Holidays

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A splash of paint, a dash of gin, and a gaggle of your favorite friends and you have a recipe for a super fun ladies night in. Host a painting night (also known as a Sip & Paint) with your favorite gal pals and give the gift of a fun evening in and a party favor that’ll decorate their homes! Read on to see my recent Galentine’s Day version of a painting party along with some tips to host your own!

This party certainly doesn’t have to be done as a Valentine’s Day celebration. However, since this party happened to be near the day of hearts and love… I decorated the party space to reflect that. I kept it mostly simple using graphic black, white, and pink elements. Xs and Os and hearts helped move the theme from the painting space to the bar and food space.

How to Host a Painting Party

The supplies for a painting party can be as simple as a painting surface and some acrylic paint. Fingers make great brushes! However, if you want to keep it a bit more clean, paint brushes are a good addition. To keep costs down you can even just grab the essential colors of paint (black, white, red, yellow, and blue) and let guests mix their own combinations.

I knew I’d be hosting more than one of these events, so I picked up some easels, larger boxes of paint ranging colors, prepped canvases, and paint brushes. The below links are to the actual items I got for my painting party and are affiliate links which means I get a small payment if you make a purchase (at no additional cost to you).

Painting Party Supplies (affiliate links):

Tips for Painting

I really love the idea of going to one of those Paint and Sip venues with friends. I’ve been several times and always have a good time. However, one of the things I don’t like about it is I’m often left with a piece of art that I probably wouldn’t have chosen to decorate my house with if not for the cost of the party. So, when I host a painting party… I sorta let everyone do their own thing. I love how creative everyone gets!

Not everyone loves to paint like I do and some people majorly underestimate their skill. So, the below tips are how I encourage people to paint.

  1. Stick with abstract. Unless you are great at drawing…abstract is where it is at.
  2. Pick colors that go with your home decor already.
  3. Search for artwork in that color scheme to inspire your painting. For instance, if you decorate in blue and yellow do a Pinterest or Google search for “abstract art blue and yellow” and see what comes up!
  4. Don’t try to copy. Look a the shapes and brush strokes on the art pieces you are drawn to and imitate that, but don’t hold yourself back.
  5. Stop throughout your painting to let paint dry and to step back and see how it is shaping up. If you feel stumped…. turn your artwork on its side or upside down and see if that inspires you.
  6. Don’t be afraid of white space. Seriously… sometimes less is so much more!

The Extras… Food & Drink

I hosted this party during the dinner hour so I wanted to provide some hearty snacks that could substitute as a meal, but was also able to sit out a bit so people could snack throughout the painting process.

Ladies Night Menu:

  • Romaine Lettuce and Spring Greens Dressed in Vegan Caesar Dressing and gluten free croutons with sides of Parmesan cheese and grilled chicken for those who wished to add them.
  • Tuscan White Bean Italian Salad (a hit!)
  • A charcuterie platter featuring Trader Joe’s Gormet Deli Selection (3 types of meats), unexpected cheddar, goat cheese stuffed peppers, blue cheese, fontina cheese, apples, strawberries, crackers, and gluten free baguette slices.
  • A vegetable platter featuring carrots, cucumbers, radishes, cherry tomatoes, hummus, and spinach dip.
  • A sweets platter with cream puffs, eclairs, macarons (from Trader Joe’s), meringues (from Trader Joe’s), berries, and candies.

Belly Up to the Bar at Ladies Night

I think the beverages are always my favorite part of parties. If you look through my blog you’ll notice that I have more beverage recipes than anything else. They are such a FUN way to give a little something extra to a party. I always make sure there are a selection of fun non-alcoholic beverages at every party including water. For this party I served some cucumber water along with a selection of Bubly sparkling waters and sparkling grapefruit juice. I also had a bar with the makings for martinis and gin & tonics.

Martini Bar Ingredients:

  • Coupe Martini glasses (affiliate link)
  • Shaker & Jigger (affiliate link)
  • Ice
  • Vodka (yes, you can totally use gin, but I’m a vodka martini gal)
  • Dry vermouth (store that in the fridge!)
  • Olive Juice
  • Olives
  • Lemon Twists (Citrus Peeler – affiliate link)

Make sure you add the directions for making a martini so your guests can make their own.

A Gin Dependent Woman Gin & Tonic Bar Ingredients:

  • Glassware – I used rocks glasses (affiliate link)because I like them, but traditionally high ball glasses (affiliate link) are used.
  • Ice
  • Cocktail spoon (affiliate link)
  • Jigger (affiliate link)
  • Gin
  • Tonic Water
  • Sparkling Grapefruit Juice
  • Blood Orange simple syrup
  • Citrus (lime, lemon, grapefruit, blood oranges)
  • Herbs (Thyme & Rosemary– though, basil would be a great addition!)
  • Cucumber slices
  • Strawberries

Make sure you add directions to this as well and add in some ideas for combinations!

Gin & Tonic Bar Directions:

  1. Fill glass with ice
  2. Add 1.25 oz of Gin to glass
  3. Add in your mixers – squeeze citrus, crush herbs, mash berries/cucumber, etc.
  4. Add in any simple syrup or juice (half an ounce or less)
  5. Top with tonic water

Suggested combos:

  • Strawberries, thyme, grapefruit slices, grapefruit juice, gin, & tonic.
  • Lime, cucumber, gin, & tonic.
  • Blood orange simple syrup, rosemary, blood orange slices, gin & tonic.

We had a fantastic time at this painting party and plan to make crafting/painting parties a regular occurrence after this event. Honestly, I think an event like this would be great for a birthday party or shower as well. Wouldn’t it be awesome to host a painting party baby shower and have the guests paint abstract paintings in the colors of the nursery? Or, perhaps a wedding shower where guests paint paintings for the couple’s home together or for the wedding tables! The ideas are endless.

Have a great painting party!

Would you go to a painting party? Share in the comments what would draw you to a party like this or what else would make it a great event!

I’d love that if this idea inspires you that you share it with me by tagging me on Instagram or Twitter (@JenniBost).

Are you like me and are still finishing up some holiday shopping for neighbors, employees, clients, or business partners? While some are already finished for the holiday season… I am not! However, I am just a little bit closer after creating these fun pear themed holiday gifts for my husband’s team at work.

Holiday gift idea for employees free printable tags

We needed several holiday gifts that were fairly affordable and ran across these beautiful boxes of Harry and David pears from Trader Joe’s.The addition of some cute printable gift tags and these were personalized and made for a great employee gift.

You could absolutely do something similar with a gift box, tissue paper, and beautiful pears from your grocery store if your Trader Joe’s doesn’t have these in stock or you are not near a Trader Joe’s store.

I had made these with no intention of sharing on the blog simply because life has been busy and I was working at 10 PM getting these projects done. Not the best lighting for photos! However, after posting photos in a Facebook group several of the wonderful members of the group requested tags.

I created tags that will work for employees, neighbors, clients, teachers, and more. All are free for personal use. However, if you’d like to help my blog, please share this post by pinning it on Pinterest or sharing on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Instructions:

  • Download the design of your choice by clicking on the link below and saving the file to your computer. The 5 inch tags are the size that are pictured. I did make smaller tags as well so you could get more tags per page if needed.
  • For Tags: Print on 8.5X11 cardstock in full color. Cut out along black lines. Punch a hole in the corner and attach to your gift with ribbon or string.
  • For Labels: Print on 8.5X11 page-sized label paper in full color. Cut along black lines. Adhere to your package.

Pear Themed Gift Ideas Free Printables

I hope that these help make someone’s holiday just a little more pear-fect! 😉 Happy holidays to all! And, one last request to please share this post by pinning it on Pinterest or sharing on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. It really helps a gal out!

Want more?

It is party season! This year I am dealing with feeling overwhelmed and excited for what the holidays are going to bring. Due to the late Thanksgiving our normal routine for holiday decor, parties, and fun are being thrown up in the air a bit. I’m catching what I can and letting the rest fall aside. Okay, metaphor over… you get the idea though!

So, whether you are hosting a gift-wrapping get-together with friends or an elegant holiday party… you’re going to want something to feed your guests. Explore some of the blog’s most popular holiday appetizers below.

Ginger snap cookies make this appetizer even more delish!

Apricot & Honey Goat Cheese Balls

Goat cheese mixed with honey, apricots, and (optional) almonds is rolled into balls and served on top of ginger snap cookies with a drizzle of honey for this quick Apricot & Honey Goat Cheese Balls appetizer. You can also make this into a log or larger ball and serve on a platter with cookies for an even easier display!

This appetizer is ready to travel! Add in the final touches right before serving.

Caprese Wreath Appetizer

Appetizers for parties often end up being pretty rich and heavy. I always try to serve salad of some sort along with a crudites platter. This Caprese Wreath Appetizer is a good bridge for both and is a fantastic thing to bring to another person’s house!

You don’t have to bring serving utensils (or hope your guests have them) and it travels great! Simply prep everything and wrap in plastic. Add in olive oil and balsamic vinegar after you get to your location and you are done!

A little something for everyone!

Holiday Grazing Table

This picture is from one of my first forays into creating a grazing table rather than just a platter of meat, cheese, crudites, and fruit. I’ve improved since on the display, but I still love this because it was just as impressive in person as I hoped it would be. Our guests LOVED it.

So freaking decadent!

Blinis with Creme Fraiche and Caviar

I have a slight obsession with caviar during the holiday season. I love it so much. It feels so decadent! Often expensive, it is nice to use caviar as almost a garnish for your appetizers rather than the main event. Blinis with Creme Fraiche and Caviar is one way to wow your guests without entirely wiping out your bank. Another way is whipping up a batch of my favorite creme fraiche and chive dip with caviar and serving it with kettle chips!

Scallops and bacon with fig spread make for a festive appetizer or dinner option.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Fig Spread

Figs, bacon, and scallops are rich and wonderful each on there own, but even better together. Use this Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Fig Spread recipe as single bites of heaven or serve on skewers for a more hearty appetizer.

Oysters, ’nuff said.

Oysters with Tabasco Shaved Ice

I obviously like seafood over the holidays. My favorite recipes seem to have all types of delicacies from the sea. I know Oysters are not for everyone, but for those who this does appeal to… take your oysters to the next level with flavored granitas or shaved ices. Whether it is a Tabasco Shaved Ice or Champagne Granita your guests will be in awe.

More great appetizer ideas

If you love a good round-up of recipes then for sure jump on over to a previous post with some more delicious holiday appetizers. These were recipes created by friends of mine that are sure to make your holiday party extra special.

What is your favorite go-to appetizer for a holiday party? Share in the comments below!

Photo creds: Two amazing professional photographers are featured above: Mary Boyden (oysters and the featured image of the holiday party scene) and Macey Snelson (blinis). In addition the bloggers that contributed recipes to the holiday appetizer round up are linked within that post. Go check it out!