Trend of the moment – entertaining after the holidays

The stress of the holiday season has led some, particularly in the professional world, to a movement that is sure to catch on ”“ the post-holiday party. Why crowd everything into December when January looms before you like a vast icy desert? 

Tyler Gerry ”“ owner of Torrison Stone & Garden in Durham, a landscape construction company that serves all of Connecticut ”“ said the trend of hosting post-holiday office parties has many organizations looking to book a space after the New Year. Additionally,”¯employers are back to throwing the caliber of holiday parties that were planned pre-pandemic,”¯according to”¯HR Dive. Companies are using their annual parties as morale boosters, toasts to surviving Covid-19 and opportunities to reunite or even meet coworkers for the first time in person. 

Pent-up demand for in-person parties has many event venues in Connecticut booked solid well into next year. For those looking for an outside-the-office space for a corporate meeting or a spot for a soirée, Gerry has come up with a creative solution.”¯Businesses and families can host any size event at the”¯Tap Room, Fire Room or Outdoor Showroom”¯at Torrison Stone & Garden. www.torrisonstone.com”¯”¯ 

“Our indoor showrooms are so impeccably appointed, they offer an inviting, cozy spot for any type of gathering,””¯Gerry said.”¯“We have hosted professional workshops, networking events and retirement/birthday parties, as well as bridal and baby showers.” 

The idea to offer Torrison”™s spaces for events resulted from the construction of a 10,000-square- foot outdoor showroom in 2019. The initial purpose was to allow customers to see Torrison”™s materials used in real-life displays. Gardens and landscaping surround walking paths leading to several different fireplace and firepit areas with seating. 

“After we completed the design, we thought it was a great place to host a party,” said Gerry. “We added a pavilion with full kitchen, a pub shed and even a putting green and cornhole boards to offer guests of all ages some fun activities.” 

The outdoor space has been in high demand with many businesses and families opting to gather outside due to continued health concerns. ”¯ 

That same year, in response to the explosive popularity of craft breweries, the Torrison Tap Room was built. The rustic, paneled 500-square-foot room has a 12-foot bar with stools and garage-style doors that open to a patio area for indoor/outdoor parties in warmer weather. There is also a large conference table, with access to a keg cooler, a coffee/water station and an audio/visual setup for presentations. 

Last year, Torrison opened the Fire Room to showcase its natural stone veneer fireplace surrounds and immediately started booking events. With leather couches and a spacious fireplace, the 1,000-square-foot room has a fully-equipped bar/kitchen, a Sonos system and an audio/visual setup for any winter celebration. 

To make party planning stress-free, Torrison”™s event coordinator is available to assist with every detail. 

“Hosting events has become an integral part of our operation that we all truly enjoy,” Gerry said. “With our central location and flexible spaces, we encourage anyone who is hosting a special celebration to come for a tour.” ”“ edited by Georgette Gouveia