Checklist for Hosting a Painting Party

Send an invite. Make it as appealing as possible. While some friends might be willing to pitch in out of the goodness of their hearts, others may need incentive before they’ll roll up their sleeves. Sending an e-mail promising pizza and beer is perfectly acceptable, but you could up the ante by promising a gourmet barbecue or pasta spread. Morning hours tend to be the most productive so consider asking folks to arrive by 10:00 or 11:00 A.M. Also, keep in mind that multiple paint coats require drying time, so you may want to schedule a shift change.

Fill nail-holes. 

Tape walls with painters’ tape. 

Purchase refreshments. It’s a good idea to set out a station loaded with soda, ice, bottled water, cups, and snacks like pretzels and M&Ms. That way, everyone will feel free to help themselves throughout the day.

When guests arrive, delegate the work—nicely, of course. Assign two people max per wall or ceiling, with one “cutting in”—using brushes to apply paint in all the corners, where the rollers won’t reach—and the other half using rollers.

When the room is painted, clear out en masse. Let the fumes subside while you celebrate elsewhere.