The holiday season is going to be here before you know it, and what better way to celebrate than by hosting a festive art party for your friends and family? As an artist (and full-blown creative), I've found that combining the joy of the holidays with the magic of art-making can create unforgettable memories and spark creativity in everyone involved. In this post, I’m sharing exactly why I think hosting a holiday art party is one of the best ideas during a busy holiday season, and share some tips and tricks you need to make it a success. 

Why Hosting a Holiday Art Party is a Great Idea

If you’re reading this, you probably don’t need convincing, but I’m going to give you a little extra motivation anyway. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of planning your holiday art party, let's talk about why this is such a wonderful idea:

1. The holidays are a great time to get creative! An art party lets everyone have fun with their artistic side without any pressure.
2. Art has this awesome way of bringing people together. Whether you're doing your own thing or working on something as a group, creating together builds cool memories and connections.
3. The artwork from your party will be a perfect keepsake, giving everyone a reminder of the good times shared during the holidays.
4. Holidays can get crazy, but doing something creative is a great way to chill out. While it might feel counterintuitive to host something extra during a busy season, the reality is that a holiday art party can offer up the perfect break from all the holiday madness.
5. Lastly, the pieces made at your party can double as thoughtful, handmade gifts for loved ones. This is probably one of my favorite reasons to host a holiday art party!

OK — enough telling you what you already know. Here’s how to plan one.

1. Set a Date and Time

The first thing to do when planning your holiday art party? Pick a date and time that works for you and your guests. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Go for a date a few weeks before the big holidays, so people can use their art as decorations or gifts.
• Plan for 2-3 hours. That gives everyone enough time to finish their projects without feeling rushed.
• Weekends are usually best, but a weeknight party works too—just prepare to keep it short and sweet.

While there’s never going to be a “perfect time,” the goal should be to pick a time where your guests can unwind and enjoy the creative fun without stressing about other holiday stuff.

2. Invite Your Guests

When putting together your guest list for a holiday art party, I want to encourage you to consider inviting a fun, diverse mix of people—family, friends, neighbors, maybe even a few coworkers. It can be tempting to invite a group of people you know from the same place (ie. all family or all coworkers), but in my experience, a variety of guests always leads to more interesting conversations and interactions. It’s also a good idea to invite people with different artistic skill levels. That way, everyone can learn from each other, and it creates a supportive, encouraging vibe.

With that said, try to avoid having your guest list spiral out of control. Depending on how much space you have and how complicated your projects are, aim for a group size that feels comfortable, like 6-12 people. If you want to make it a family-friendly event, don’t forget to invite the kids! They tend to bring a whole lot of creativity and excitement to any art project. 

3. Have a Theme!

Lastly, adding a theme to your holiday art party can make the whole event feel even more fun and pulled together. Think about going with something like Winter Wonderland, Retro Christmas, Rustic Holiday, or even a Colorful Yule vibe. You could also draw inspiration from nature or explore global holiday traditions for something a little different. Your theme can totally shape everything—decorations, snacks, and even the art projects you plan. So don’t be afraid to get creative and run with whatever inspires you!

 Fun Projects for Your Holiday Art Party

Now for the heart of your party – the art projects! Here are some fun and festive ideas that are work for any skill level:

 1. Holiday Ornaments

Creating custom ornaments is such a timeless holiday activity, and there are so many fun ways to get creative with it. One idea is to use clear glass ornaments and acrylic paints—guests can swirl paint inside for a cool effect or paint designs on the outside. Another option is making clay ornaments with air-dry clay, which can be shaped and then decorated once dry. Or, if you’re into textures and patterns, try decoupage! Just grab some wooden ornament shapes and decorative paper, and let everyone go wild with their designs. 

 2. Painting Holiday Wreaths

I might be biased, but this is one of my favorite ideas. Watercolor wreaths are always a beautiful and relaxing project. All you need is some watercolor paper, paints, brushes, and then you're off to the races. If you want a simple tutorial to follow, here’s one of my favorite wreath tutorials.

 3. Handmade Cards

Lastly, if painting on a canvas feels like a bit much and you want an easy art project, making handmade cards is a perfect option. It’s fun, simple, and practical since your guests can use their creations to send out holiday greetings. Win-win!

Tips For Planning Your Holiday Art Party

To make sure your holiday art party is a success, a little planning goes a long way. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

1. Set up plenty of table space (ideally in a spot with good lighting)
2. Offer finger foods and drinks with lids
3. Create a fun holiday playlist
4. Encourage guests to share their work
5. Have extra supplies on hand
6. Plan for project drying time
7. Keep the mood light and fun
8. Have packaging for take-home creations
9. Take photos to capture the fun moments

 Wrapping Up Your Holiday Art Party

Putting my artsy hat here for a second. As your holiday art party comes to a close, take a moment to appreciate the creativity and joy that filled your space. Each piece of art made at your party is a unique way to celebrate the holiday spirit and the fun of coming together to create. Don’t worry about everything being perfect—those little imperfections are what make handmade art so special. Have fun with it and enjoy your holidays!