CHRISTMAS AT A COUNTRY ESTATE

Rural revelry

Guests from far and wide celebrate season at Elberta Bend Plantation

At the end of a winding gravel road off Arkansas 7 outside the town proper of Dardanelle, Dr. Chris and Elizabeth Stinnett's antebellum mansion was a visual feast for guests attending the couple's annual Christmas cocktail party Dec. 17.

Chris Stinnett, a psychiatrist with a practice split between Russellville and Little Rock, and Elizabeth have been throwing the party for 20-plus years, with some guests from Little Rock making the trip by limousine. The home, bright with Christmas lights against the backdrop of a dark winter's night, is known as Elberta Bend Plantation.

The house, restored to look like it was erected in the 1840s, held 10 large Christmas trees, including three in the foyer that were packed with sentimental ornaments from family trips and ones that were made by or picked out by their children, Thomas, who lives in Dallas, and Christina, who passed away in 2007. Smaller decorated trees, ornate garlands, lights, cotton snow and nativity scenes bedecked every corner of the house. Each room's Christmas decoration had its own color scheme but was otherwise eclectic in its holiday embellishments.

The couple does the majority of decorating themselves -- beginning after Halloween -- with help from professionals for their two mantels downstairs and staircase leading to the third floor.

An expansive cocktail buffet prepared by Elizabeth and two caterers was served in the couple's dining room. Desserts including candies made by Elizabeth and fudge by her mother, Pat Woodson, were served in a breakfast area off the kitchen.

The couple's two rescued dogs, Vader and Cosmo (appropriately dressed for the occasion), roamed the party seemingly unaware of the 225-250 guests snacking, chatting and sipping their way through the house.

High Profile on 12/25/2016

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