How to Host the Ultimate Wine & Coloring Party

 

If you had asked me a few years ago, what would become one of the hottest activities for adults in 2015, I probably would have said something like naked skydiving.

But, coloring?

“Oh suuuuure. Let me just grab my box of chocolate milk and my cabbage patch dolls, and I’ll meet you there.”

I have to say though, now that I’ve actually sat down and colored my 27 year old heart out, I stand VERY corrected.

IT’S SO MUCH FUN.

Let’s get one thing straight, adulting can be very hard. There’s so much pressure to feed myself and do my own laundry and NOT look like I’m wearing the same bra for the 3rd week in row. Sometimes it’s just nice to sit down, zone out, and pat myself on the back everytime I color within the lines. There is something about it that is oh so satisfying and, well, adult like.

I find that it’s actually a great social activity, too. You can chat with someone while coloring and the pressure to fill in every minute of conversation is taken off. You can share your masterpieces and best part, it’s yet ANOTHER reason to get together and drink wine. (Not that I really need one.)

So, with that being said, here’s my guide to throwing the ultimate adult coloring party. After all, why do 5 year olds get to have all the fun?!

1. Create a Facebook event a couple weeks beforehand and encourage everyone to get their own coloring books.

Coloring books are all the rage right now, and while it might be hard to get your hands on Secret Garden by Johanna Basford (who sold out last Christmas season), there are PLENTY of other gorgeous books out there.

Here are some of our favorite recommendations:

For the folks with major wanderlust, you can’t go wrong with Arttapi’s awesome travelscapes:

From gorgeous Thai islands to idyllic bays in New Zealand, this coloring book will help transport you to somewhere magical.

For those who have an inner geometric zest and can appreciate gorgeous patterns and bursts, the mandala coloring book Color and Chill is perfect.

The color combinations are endless!

Finally, The Tattoo Coloring Book is PERFECT for all your friends who secretly wished they had a tattoo but can’t even commit to a TV show on Netflix.

This is probably better than the results of a crazy night in Vegas.

2. Pick up some coloring pencils + markers for the group to share, but encourage everyone to bring their own, too.

This will help with preventing color pencil envy, color pencil hogging, and other color pencil terms I’m making up as I write.

Not sure where to start? Can’t go wrong with the basic Sargent 50 Pack: It’s cheap, good quality, and has a pretty decent array of colors. For the color pencil enthusiasts, check out our list of the best colored pencils, if you really want to be hardcore.

3. Keep decor, appetizers, and cocktails bright and colorful.

For the DIY party planner, you can make a pretty nifty banner like the one below for cheap:

For displaying all your coloring utensils, use cups like these to keep things festive:

Or, if you really want to impress your guests, consider quitting your job and cashing out your 401K to create this fun display instead:

As far as food goes, most party’s tend to have cupcakes which imply an inner Martha Stewart. For an easy, healthier treat, try this awesome rainbow salsa:

 
And you certainly can’t go wrong with nature’s skittles:

But, let’s not forget the MOST IMPORTANT reason for throwing this party in the first place: The Booze.

Try crafting this delicious looking colorful masterpiece:

Not only is it delicious and colorful, but it’s easy to make too!

4.  Print out some free coloring pages for noobs.

Inevitably, there will be some first timers in the group who will have forgotten to buy their coloring books but still want to join in on the fun.

5. Suggest some coloring challenges to keep things interesting.

For example, try a 3 color challenge, where you can only use three colors in your entire image. Or, encourage everyone to play with blending.

Consider bringing some baby oil and q-tips, so that everyone can try this fancy technique:

6. Make sure you’re playing some awesome jams to zen out to.

This video has a great mix designed to spark creativity: 

7. Don’t forget to take tons of photos!

Post photos in the Facebook group, but don’t just leave it at that. Encourage everyone to continue posting their creations to the group. You can also share your photos on Instagram!

In fact, consider making it a regular thing. Even if you don’t want to go through the hassle of planning events like this on a regular basis, there are plenty of already established clubs and meetups that you and your friends can enjoy.

If you do want to start your own club though, check out this handy guide.

Now go color like it’s 1999!

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Stephanie Simon is a freelance copywriting consultant and content strategist. When she’s not kicking major butt as a content ninja, she’s actually training to be a real ninja in Chiang Mai, Thailand at her local Muay Thai Gym. You can check out her daily musings here.

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