Designed as a festive nightcap to the political season, according to Politico executive director of events Beth Lester, the party turned out as planned, with guests mingling between the two floors. The main level sported identical setups in the two open-air atriums, with a large frosted-glass dessert table offering sweet bites from Ridgewells Catering in the center and a long bar along the rear wall. Up above, guests could take a seat on one of two S-shaped white leather couches and people-watch, or grab a drink from another bar.
Ridgewells passed a variety of passed hors d'oeuvres as well, from onion rings and sliders to fried macaroni and cheese and pigs in a blanket. When it came to entertainment, much of the attention was focused on party sponsor Coca-Cola’s large white bear, who roamed the main level of the hall. Beyond posing for photos, the bear also was on hand to highlight Coca-Cola’s partnership with Toys for Tots, as all attendees were asked to bring gifts for children in need. By night's end, the party had garnered several thousand dollars' worth of gifts.
While the party served as a wrap-up to the 2010 political season, it also was a launching point and part of a stepped-up event calendar for Politico, which plans to increase the number of events it hosts in 2011, Lester said.
