Paint & Boba Setup
Complete guide for setting up and hosting Paint & Boba events.
Event Overview
Paint & Boba is our signature event where customers paint a canvas while enjoying drinks and light snacks. Events typically last 2-3 hours and accommodate 15-30 participants.
Before the Event (1-2 days)
Confirm Details
- [ ] Number of attendees (final count)
- [ ] Painting subject/theme
- [ ] Instructor confirmed
- [ ] Dietary restrictions for snacks
- [ ] Special requests or customizations
Prepare Materials
- [ ] Count canvases (number of attendees + 2 extras)
- [ ] Prepare paint palettes
- [ ] Check paint supply levels
- [ ] Count brushes (3 per person: small, medium, large)
- [ ] Water cups for rinsing (1 per person)
- [ ] Paper towels and napkins
- [ ] Aprons or smocks (optional)
- [ ] Easels or table space
Menu Planning
- [ ] Pre-select drink menu or offer full menu
- [ ] Prepare snack platters
- [ ] Set up drink station
- [ ] Stock cups, lids, straws
- [ ] Ice bins filled
Day of Event (2 hours before)
Room Setup (60 minutes)
Tables and Seating:
- Arrange tables for painting (6-8 people per table)
- Cover tables with plastic sheeting or newspaper
- Set up chairs (comfortable, right height)
- Leave walkways for staff to deliver drinks
Painting Stations:
- Each seat gets:
- Canvas on easel or table
- Paint palette
- 3 brushes (small, medium, large)
- Water cup for rinsing
- Paper towels
- Small paper plate for mixing
Instructor Area:
- Easel at front of room
- Large canvas for demonstration
- Microphone if needed for large group
- Example painting visible
Drink/Snack Station:
- Set up drink preparation area
- Arrange snack platters
- Stock napkins and utensils
- Water pitchers available
Test Equipment (15 minutes)
- [ ] Test music system
- [ ] Check lighting (bright enough to paint)
- [ ] Test microphone if using
- [ ] Verify climate control (AC/heat)
Final Preparations (30 minutes)
- [ ] Lay out all materials
- [ ] Prepare first round of drinks if pre-ordered
- [ ] Set out snacks
- [ ] Put up welcome sign
- [ ] Take "before" photo of setup
During the Event
Guest Arrival (First 15 minutes)
- Greet guests warmly - "Welcome to Paint & Boba!"
- Check in guests - Verify payment/registration
- Direct to seats - Help them find their painting station
- Take drink orders - If not pre-ordered
- Explain facilities - Restrooms, exits, where to get refills
Event Flow
Opening (10 minutes):
- Instructor introduces self and theme
- Overview of what participants will paint
- Safety: Keep drinks away from paintings
- Encourage creativity and fun!
Painting Session (90-120 minutes):
- Instructor guides step-by-step
- Staff circulates for:
- Drink refills
- Snack replenishment
- Cleaning spills immediately
- Answering questions
- Taking photos for social media (with permission)
Breaks:
- Natural breaks in painting process
- Encourage guests to socialize
- Good time for refills and snacks
Closing (15 minutes):
- Final touches on paintings
- Group photo with paintings
- Cleanup instructions
- Thank guests for coming
- Remind about future events
Staff Roles
Barista/Drink Server:
- Take and prepare drink orders
- Deliver drinks to tables
- Handle refills promptly
- Keep drink station stocked
Event Coordinator/Host:
- Greet and check in guests
- Assist instructor as needed
- Handle questions and issues
- Take photos for marketing
- Coordinate timing
Runner/Support:
- Deliver snacks
- Clean up spills immediately
- Restock materials if needed
- Help guests as needed
After the Event
Immediate Cleanup (30 minutes)
- [ ] Help guests package wet paintings
- [ ] Clear tables of materials
- [ ] Dispose of paint palettes (or clean if reusable)
- [ ] Collect and count brushes
- [ ] Gather water cups and trash
- [ ] Remove table coverings
- [ ] Wipe down tables and chairs
Deep Cleaning (30 minutes)
- [ ] Clean paint spills thoroughly
- [ ] Mop floors
- [ ] Clean sink area
- [ ] Wash reusable items
- [ ] Take out all trash
- [ ] Vacuum if needed
- [ ] Reset room to normal configuration
Equipment Check
- [ ] Count canvases (note any damaged)
- [ ] Count and clean brushes
- [ ] Check paint supplies remaining
- [ ] Note any broken or missing items
- [ ] Restock for next event
Post-Event Tasks
- [ ] Take "after" photos of paintings
- [ ] Post photos to social media (with permission tags)
- [ ] Send thank you email to participants
- [ ] Request reviews/testimonials
- [ ] Note any issues for improvement
- [ ] Complete event report for management
Supply Checklist
Art Supplies (per person)
- 1 canvas (11x14 or 16x20)
- 1 paint palette
- 3 brushes (small, medium, large)
- 1 water cup
- 2-3 paper towels
- Access to paint colors:
- White (lots!)
- Black
- Red
- Blue
- Yellow
- Green
- Purple
- Brown
Venue Supplies
- Table coverings (plastic or newspaper)
- Aprons (optional, recommended)
- Smocks for messy themes
- Easels or canvas stands
- Instruction easel for teacher
- Extra rags and paper towels
- First aid kit (for minor cuts)
Food & Beverage
- Boba drinks (variety)
- Alternative drinks (tea, coffee, smoothies)
- Snack platters:
- Fruit
- Chips
- Cookies/pastries
- Cheese and crackers (if applicable)
- Water pitchers
- Ice
Timing Template
| Time | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| -2:00 | Begin setup | 60 min |
| -1:00 | Final prep, test equipment | 30 min |
| -0:30 | Staff briefing | 10 min |
| -0:15 | Doors open, guest arrival | 15 min |
| 0:00 | Event start, intro | 10 min |
| 0:10 | Painting begins | 90-120 min |
| 1:45 | Wrap up, final touches | 15 min |
| 2:00 | Event end, guests depart | 15 min |
| 2:15 | Cleanup begins | 60 min |
| 3:15 | Cleanup complete | - |
Common Issues & Solutions
Not Enough Brushes
- Rinse and reuse between colors
- Share brushes at tables
- Keep extras on hand always
Paint Spill
- Clean immediately with damp cloth
- Use paper towels first, then wet cloth
- Don't let it dry - harder to clean
Guest Unhappy with Painting
- Remind them it's about fun, not perfection
- Offer instructor help
- Encourage creativity ("There are no mistakes!")
- Offer to retake with new canvas if serious issue
Running Out of Drinks/Snacks
- Always prepare 20% extra
- Have backup supplies ready
- Can always make more drinks
- Keep emergency snacks available
Marketing & Photos
Social Media Gold
Paint & Boba events are highly shareable! Take lots of photos:
- Setup shots (before guests arrive)
- Action shots (people painting)
- Close-ups of paintings in progress
- Finished paintings
- Group photo at end
- Always ask permission before posting!
Private Event Variations
See also: Private Venue Booking for:
- Birthday parties
- Corporate team building
- Private group bookings
- Custom themes
Questions about events? Email [email protected]
