Ready For A ‘Tini Bit Of Fun? Host Your Own Martini Hour
Tips & tricks from the Summer House Parties & Catering Team
Lettuce guests across the country love Summer House‘s Martini Hour, available Monday – Friday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, exclusively in the bar area at all locations. Bring some of that martini magic home by turning your next get-together into your very own Martini Hour, inspired by tips and tricks from Megan Lacy of Summer House – Lincoln Park’s Parties & Catering Team!
Make a reservation at the Summer House location nearest you.
Check out the top ‘tini’s at a Lettuce restaurant near you.
Batching FTW
One of Megan’s best hosting tips is to prep the cocktail you’ll be serving ahead of time. You don’t want to be playing bartender the entire event—you want to be able to have as good a time as your guests do! For your Martini Hour, try out a batched cocktail and keep it cool in your fridge or freezer. Or, batch up a base mixture, then put out different spirits and mixers to allow each guest to customize drinks to their liking. For example, have some Baileys Irish Cream out if you know some people like their espresso martini on the frothier side, or offer sparkling lemonade to splash into a spritz. If you have friends who you know won’t be drinking, Megan suggests making “Summer Water,” a pitcher of water with fresh herbs and citrus, or another non-alcoholic option.
Dream Up A Theme
The best part about Martini Hour is that it can be customized to fit a different theme and any season, from summertime spritzes, to holiday cocktails and birthday bashes. Like Megan and her friends, turn Martini Hour into a fun new regular tradition and take turns hosting. Go for a Palm Springs theme, with everyone donning tropical mumus and sunnies and toasting with Cosmos, channel your favorite femme fatales for a noir movie night while sipping classic martinis, or host a holiday pajama happy hour with Peppermintinis. The possibilities are endless! It’s a great way to get the group together and lets everyone take turns showing off their creative hosting chops.
Keep Snacks Simple
When hosting at home, Megan recommends serving a variety of dips like hummus and guacamole with chips and veggies on the side. This is a simple way to accommodate a lot of different tastes and dietary restrictions. Get inspiration from the Summer House – Lincoln Park Martini Hour menu, which offers elevated bar bites such as Tostadas, mini tortillas topped with guacamole and pico de gallo, Truffle Fries, Lobby Cut Tavern-Style Pizza and a warmed First Class Mix Nuts bowl.
DIY Done Right
Let your creative juices flow to make your Martini Hour one to remember! Use Canva for premade menu templates that are fool-proof and plug-and-play, or add a homemade touch by handwriting your menu on cute paper. Stop by a local boutique for cocktail napkins that match your theme, add personalized touches to your friends’ glassware by tying bows around each glass, or even make it an interactive “paint and sip night,” where you all create your own custom-painted martini glasses.
Prioritize the Fun
Hospitality and party experts like Megan know that being a good host comes down to anticipating all the little things that make people comfortable. “Having a place for everyone to put their coats, adjusting the temperature of the space, making sure everyone has a place to sit and socialize are all little touches that go a long way!” she says. Ensuring you plan ahead on these things means that you get to be present and enjoy the party just as much as your guests.
Group Chat –> IRL
The first step to making your Martini Hour dreams come true? Setting a date! Get the group chat together IRL at Summer House’s Martini Hour and talk planning and inspiration while you sip craft cocktails. Martini Hour at Summer House is available Monday – Friday from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM in the bar area only, and seating is first come, first served.
Want to leave the party planning to the pros? We’ll never blame you! Visit Summer House’s Parties & Catering page to inquire about how Megan and the Summer House team can help you host or cater your gathering.
