View more photos from this event.

The developers of the new Ritz-Carlton Residences, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, wanted to celebrate the topping-out of the construction phase of the luxe new property, so they invited 600 of their friends and associates to come downtown and party with them. They chose an “underwater” theme to tie in with their newly announced partnership with The Pearl Spa, which will be opening up as part of the new condominium compound. After dropping cars with the valet, guests walked a red carpet to gain entrance to the Jim Rouse Center at the American Visionary Art Museum, which is just across the street from the rising 192-unit Ritz-Carlton complex.

Once inside, they could mingle with the sparkling crowd, sip the custom Ritz-tinis (each garnished with a bright-blue maraschino cherry), sample the passed hors d’oeuvres, and pick up copies of the latest issues of Style and Capitol File magazines, who were media co-sponsors of the party.

After the cocktail hour, guests were guided to the upper level, where a dramatic underwater-themed fantasia awaited. With glowing service bars carved from ice, and overhead lamps crafted from balls of ice, the space sparkled with icy-blue reflections. Guests could choose from fresh raw bars and buffets, and groove to the sounds of the band SouLive.

Though the temperature outside remained chilly, inside, the feeling was toasty, warm and convivial. 

the party line

occasion: Celebrating the topping-out of the construction of the new Ritz-Carlton Residences, Inner Harbor.
theme: An underwater extravaganza.
venue: The Jim Rouse Building at the American Visionary Art Museum.
decorations: Strings of white lights beneath translucent white fabric, bars crafted from large blocks of carved ice, suspended overhead table lamps of real ice, projected aqautic images.
guest list: Ritz-Carlton condo owners, developers, representatives from The Pearl Spa, Federal Hill neighbors, VIPs.
special touch: Ritz-tinis and Pearl-tinis were served with bright blue maraschino cherries.

selected fare

Jumbo crab cakes
Jumbo shrimp with cocktail sauce
Hand-shucked oysters
Lobster medallions
Carved roast beef
Fresh raw bar
Assorted chocolates

plan

event coordinator: Plan It Perfect, 410-685-4765
catering: Carlton & Co., 410-484-6110
custom ice carving:  Hot Ice, 410-269-5315
music: SouLive, http://www.soulive.com
publicity: Weinberg Harris & Associates, 410-427-0123
venue: American Visionary Art Museum, 410-244-1900