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Inside Halstead’s festive re-creation of Studio 54

Halstead hosted its annual holiday party at Guastavino's

UPDATED Thursday December 5, 2019, 5:51 p.m.: There was no sign of the struggling residential market at Halstead’s annual holiday party — only optimism, camaraderie and glitter.

Tables with casino games (no real money was involved), a decadent candy table and a station dishing out freshly roasted chestnuts were among the highlights at the residential brokerage’s 2019 party.

As it was a year ago, the event was held in the landmarked halls of Guastavino’s, a venue nestled under the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. The theme this time was Studio 54. (The concept was borne almost a year ago when one of the brokerage’s party planners watched an old clip of Madonna.)

The pinnacle of the night was a professional dancer dressed as a life-sized disco ball doing a routine in roller skates. (Last year’s event featured performers on stilts.) The firm declined to disclose the cost of its annual fete but noted that it has been steady for years.

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Agents and executives alike got into the theme and dressed to impress with professionally done makeup, sequined vetements and vintage accessories.

Matt Leone, the chief brand and marketing officer, donned chunky white heels for the occasion, while agent Ray Keller sported a glowing boa and a cape bedecked with lights. CEO Diane Ramirez was a glittering mainstay on the dance floor.

Halstead’s other top brass, including a handful of the firm’s owners, stuck to less flamboyant party attire. Terra Holdings co-chairman David A. Burris chatted by the bar with Robin Schneiderman, business development director for Halstead’s new development division. The firm’s president Richard Grossman and head of new development Stephen Kliegerman, wearing dark suits, mingled with the hundreds of agents on hand.

Correction: The casino tables did not involve any real money. A previous version of this article incorrectly stated money was involved and proceeds were donated to charity.

Write to Erin Hudson at ekh@therealdeal.com

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2019 In ReviewHoliday Parties