The Wells Estate · Seasonal Event Inspiration 2025
When winter settles over the Finger Lakes and Rochester begins to sparkle with twinkle lights and candlelit windows, there’s no better place to celebrate than The Estate House.
With the ease of Partyman Catering’s all-inclusive service and the warmth of a countryside estate, the season’s most memorable gatherings unfold here—equal parts cozy and elegant, intimate, and effortlessly styled.
Whether you’re planning a small holiday party for your team, an evening of cocktails and cheer with friends, or a relaxed family feast, The Estate House turns holiday hosting into something truly seamless.
A Home for the Holidays — Without the Prep or Clean-Up
Forget crowded restaurants and sterile hotel ballrooms. The Estate House offers the comfort of a home paired with the polish of a private venue. It’s an intimate hideaway designed for gatherings of 30 to 55 guests—with space for 14 overnight.
Each rental includes the venue’s all-inclusive Wells Estate amenities:
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- Planning and day-of coordination support
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- Tables, chairs, and linens
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- Décor and styling assistance
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- On-site bar and lounge areas
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- Weekend-long or single-day booking options
The result? All the charm of celebrating “at home,” but without the grocery lists, vacuuming, or post-party dishes.
Catering Made Simple by Partyman Catering
Holidays are busy enough. That’s why Partyman Catering—our exclusive culinary partner—makes hosting here feel effortless.
They offer several levels of service:
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- Full-Service Events: Complete staff, setup, bar service, and curated holiday menus.
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- Casual Catering Service: Freshly prepared dishes delivered and displayed beautifully, ready for your event.
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- Pickup & Drop-Off: “No-muss-no-fuss” options for hosts who just want chef-level food without the logistics.
From family-friendly buffets to elevated plated dinners, Partyman creates experiences that balance convenience and style. Their Corporate Services and Seasonal Holiday Menus make it easy to match the culinary experience to your gathering’s tone—whether that’s festive sweaters or formal wear.
Inspiration for Your Holiday Gathering
1 · Fireside S’mores + Hot Cocoa Night
Vibe: Relaxed, cozy, and family-friendly.
When the snow starts to fall, think comfort over couture. Gather by the patio fire pit for a laid-back evening that feels straight out of a holiday movie.
Menu Pairings:
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- Live chef-attended “S’mores Served Up” station
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- Hot cocoa bar with Baileys and peppermint schnapps add-ons
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- Mac & cheese cups and slider trios
Add-Ons:
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- Warm blanket rentals or fireside lounge packages
Fun Idea:
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- Host a family gift exchange or company white-elephant game around the fire—comfort food in hand.
2 · Champagne & Candlelight — New Year’s Eve at The Estate
Vibe: Sparkle and celebration in an intimate setting.
Bid farewell to the year with a party that balances glamour and intimacy. Soft music, gold accents, and a bit of sparkle go a long way in The Estate House’s candle-lit dining room.
Menu Pairings:
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- Champagne tower centerpiece
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- Beef tenderloin crostini, lobster rolls, chocolate mousse desserts
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- Midnight toast and balloon drop
Add-Ons:
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- Mini disco balls, confetti poppers, and a custom photo backdrop
Fun Idea:
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- Set a “sparkle dress code” and personalize your cocktail menu with signature New Year’s drinks named after your guests or team inside jokes.
3 · The “Mini Gala” Holiday Celebration
Vibe: High-end look, intimate guest list — glam without the crowd.
For corporate teams or friend groups who want to go all-out without a ballroom, this concept turns The Estate House into a boutique holiday soirée.
Menu Pairings:
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- Seated plated dinner with fine wine pairing
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- Passed appetizers and signature cocktail hour
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- Elegant desserts and espresso martinis
Add-Ons:
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- Live string duo or holiday jazz playlist
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- Statement centerpieces and custom lighting
Fun Idea:
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- For smaller guest counts, invite a local artist to capture the dinner in real time—guests can watch the painting evolve as they dine, and the finished piece becomes a memory frozen in time.
A Few More Ideas We’re Personally Excited to Chat About:
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- Private Gift Exchange Party · Boutique and playful with close friends or team members
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- Brunch & Bubbly· Relaxed, bright, and elegant — perfect for morning celebrations
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- Holiday Open House · Drop-in style mingling for families or teams
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- Cocktails & Cheer · Intimate, stylish, and social — perfect for 40–50 guests
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- The Cozy Holiday Dinner Party · Candlelight, laughter, and good company around a family-style table
- The Cozy Holiday Dinner Party · Candlelight, laughter, and good company around a family-style table
Whether it’s a brunch, cocktail hour, or open house, our team can help you bring any idea on this list to life—each with the same signature blend of ease, beauty, and seasonal spirit.
Why Guests Love the Estate Experience
Hosting at The Estate House isn’t just about where you celebrate—it’s how it feels. Here’s why so many local families and companies return year after year:
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- All-Inclusive Ease: From planning to cleanup, every detail is handled.
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- Flexible Design: Choose your layout, your menu, your vibe.
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- Exclusive Catering Partner: Partyman Catering means exceptional food and seamless service.
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- Intimate Luxury: Perfect for 35–55 guests who want comfort and style without the crowd.
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- Overnight Stay Option: Turn a single night into a weekend retreat for up to 14 guests.
- Overnight Stay Option: Turn a single night into a weekend retreat for up to 14 guests.
It’s a holiday destination that feels personal—crafted for hosts who want to celebrate without lifting a finger.
Celebrate Your Way — Book Your Holiday at The Estate House
Whether you see yourself toasting with champagne at midnight or sharing s’mores by the fire, your holiday story belongs here.
With limited dates each season, now is the time to reserve your celebration and let our team handle the rest.
Celebrate the holidays your way—without the stress.
Warm fires, good food, and effortless hospitality await at The Estate House.
A holiday this magical starts with a spark—let’s create something unforgettable together.