Holiday party showcases MacDonalds’ elegant home

Everybody loves a bit of glamour and decadence on New Year's Eve, and the invitation to attend the festive celebration at the new home of Frances and Richard "Mac" MacDonald was most welcome.

The MacDonalds have resided at the top of Turnberry One since it opened, but in December they moved to the building's penthouse and its new elegant surroundings.

The party took place on two levels. The MacDonalds greeted their guests in the home's foyer, where the living and dining rooms, kitchen and bedrooms all had magnificent views of Las Vegas, and where libations were served and canapes were passed. Guests then ascended the wide circular staircase to the MacDonalds' party rooms, where there was a larger bar, a game room and library.

The surrounding private outside terrace offered seating, a swimming pool and spa high over the Strip. It was on the upper level where comedian Peter Anthony entertained with songs and jokes, and music was provided by the couple's son, Doug MacDonald, who played with his band from Southern California, and DJ Larry Taylor. It was also on the upper level where The Butler Did It Caterers set up a carving station offering beef tenderloin, turkey and ham with all the accompaniments, and a dessert buffet of pastries and fresh fruit for chocolate fondue.

Among the throng of new year revelers were Eleonore and Edward Doumani, Joanie Shoofey, Francine and Don Cherry, Phyllis Schwartz, Irene Chenin and Dick Blink, Zoe Brown, Lynn and Bob Pearlman, Bonnie Goldstein, Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Elizabeth Ackerman, Sharlene and Jerry Engel, Thalia Dondero, Helena and Joseph Farrell, Eric Fahs, Jan and John Todd, Mary Pegoda, Lonnie Hammargren, Elaina Bhattacharyya, John Mowling, Mia Rose and Larry Finuf, Cindy and Ted Morino, and Joan and Leonard Kriessler.

At midnight, all gathered out on the terraces of both levels to witness the sparkling and booming fireworks display lighting up the entire Strip.

Football Open House: Nancy Bentley hosted a New Year's Day Football Open House at her Summerlin home from noon to the last whistle for friends, including Mary and Bill Scheer, Mary Gwen Dombrowski, Linda and Dick Hargrave, Vicki Ham, Mary and Bill Curran, Dan Bullard, Marjorie Fields, Carol Harrison, Linda and Ken Givens, Carole and Norm Terry, Joyce and Tommy Thompson, Lois and Jim Zellers, Carol and Bob Maxey, and Joan and Tom Pursel.

Bentley's homemade chili with all the trimmings enticed Vivienne and Tom Ross, Jaymie Morris, Luanne Matteucci, Carole Mogstad, Jack Holmes, and Maria and Ted Quirk as they gathered around the television for an afternoon of football.

Holiday tradition: Carolyn Sparks and her family continued their holiday tradition by hosting a New Year's Day party for more than 100 friends, who look forward to this fun occasion every year.

The Darby Falls home was brimming with guests, including Marilyn and Bill Flangas, Nina and Bill Allen, Peggy Casey, Deanna and Bob Werner, Barbara and Bob Ackerman, Caty Crockett, and Assemblyman Harry Mortenson and Helen Mortenson.

Football fans gathered both inside and outside, enjoying the view of the Las Vegas skyline and the Highland Falls Golf Course as they sat watching the games under a giant white tent with heat lamps.

The dining room table offered a wide selection of party appetizers, while another table featured many tempting sweets.

Guests included Catherine and Ed Curry, Doree and George Dickerson, Gail Anderson, Barbara and Brock Fraser, Deanne Peterson, Betty and Richard Hanseen, Janet and Steve Linder, Eric Houssels, Joyce Modica, Karen Johnston and Steve Hampton, Mary Hausch and state Sen. Bob Coffin.

Additional guests were Denny Weddle and Lou Anne Harrison, Liz and Victor Ruybalid, Helen and Jack Lillis, Jeanne Greenawalt and Irwin Kishner, Sharon and Larry Schmitt, Charlotte Hill, Linda and Mark McKinley, Beverly Daly Dix, Jan and Owen Nitz, Elizabeth Herridge, Brigitta and Karen Fathie were seen socializing between football plays.