To inaugurate the holiday season, the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia held its seventh annual holiday party in the classical, high-ceilinged Atrium Hall of the Bolshoi Theater on Dec. 8.

Approximately 150 AmCham members and their guests enjoyed an evening of holiday elegance, with equally tempting dining and dancing. The event was a semi-formal affair, suiting the refined surroundings.

Guests mingled to the accompaniment of the Lucky Club band during the welcoming cocktail reception and holiday dinner. The four-course dinner was prepared by catering service Potel & Chabot.

The festivities continued with the Scolder Blues band, which entertained the crowd with both oldies and current hits, drawing many guests onto the dancefloor and entertaining the rest of the audience.

At the celebration, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Alexander Vershbow addressed the assembled crowd. He noted that the American Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Embassy are "joined at the hip," and added that cooperation was so great that "at times it is difficult to tell whether the Chamber is part of the Embassy or if the Embassy is part of the Chamber."