Holiday Parties at Stone House

End-of-year parties have a reputation problem. Done badly, they’re just another obligation on a crowded calendar. Done well, they’re a chance for people to exhale, feel appreciated, and remember why they like working together in the first place.

A historic venue like Stone House sets you up for the good version: warm lighting, stone and timber, multiple rooms, and a kitchen already dialed into farm-to-table menus with both zero-proof and classic cocktails.

Here’s how to build a holiday party that feels generous instead of forced.

Step 1: Choose Your Party Format

Ask what your team realistically wants:

Cocktail-style mixer with heavy appetizers, dessert, and dancing
Sit-down dinner with a short program and then social time
Hybrid – a shorter seated segment followed by open-format mingling

Match that to Stone House’s spaces:

Parlour and Patio for cocktail hour
Great Hall for dinner
Showroom for music and dancing
Lounge or Cavern for quieter conversations and nightcaps

Step 2: Build a Seasonal, Flexible Menu

Holiday doesn’t have to mean heavy. Stone House’s restaurant menu is built around shareable small plates, local produce, and thoughtfully balanced entrées, making it easy to craft a spread that feels both indulgent and clean.

Consider:

Small-plate stations with roasted vegetables, salads, charcuterie, and warm dips
A main-course bar that includes plant-based options, clean proteins, and cozy sides
A dessert table with smaller bites so guests can graze

Ask the kitchen to highlight seasonal ingredients on the menu—it adds a sense of place and time to the night.

Step 3: Design an Inclusive Bar

Not everyone wants to drink at a work event—and some can’t. Stone House’s bar program is designed to offer thoughtful zero-proof options alongside classic cocktails as part of the overall dining experience.

For your party:

Feature two signature cocktails and two signature zero-proof options
Have servers offer zero-proof drinks with the same enthusiasm as alcoholic ones
Consider a hot drink station—cider, tea, or coffee—as the night goes on

It sends a clear message: people are free to enjoy the night in whatever way feels right for them.

Step 4: Program Lightly—But Intentionally

You don’t need a long agenda, but a little structure helps:

A brief welcome from leadership
A short moment to recognize wins (not a slide-by-slide quarterly recap)
Optional light awards, appreciations, or a short video

Then let the rest of the evening belong to conversation, music, and movement.

Step 5: Make Room for Different Comfort Levels

Use the building’s layout to your advantage:

Showroom – higher volume, dancing, and more extroverted energy
Lounge / Parlour – softer light and lower volume for deeper conversations
Patio – weather-permitting space to step outside and reset

This allows everyone to find their own “right” level of engagement throughout the night.

Stone House

If you’re ready to upgrade your Nevada City holiday party—from obligatory to genuinely enjoyable—Stone House can help you combine historic atmosphere, thoughtful food, and inclusive drinks into one seamless night.