Catching Up With the Holiday Parties

Maude and Dick Ferry turned on the Christmas glow in their Carol Dudman-decorated mansion. The best of friends were sitting about the red and green chintzes and plaids and ogling Sue Campoy’s hot brie and the shrimp in dill and tarragon--not to mention the warm fruitcakes. Lots of major decision-makers were in the holiday spirit--people such as Peter and Robin Baker, John and Liz Argue, Charles and Bonnie Black, Fred and Susan Christie, Norman and Lisa Clement, Bill and Eileen Zimmerman, Bill and Noelle Siart, Larry and Mary Tollenaere, Peter and Pam Mullin, Frank and Barbara McNamara, John and Pam King, Stephen and Sally Keller, and Jim and Linda Dickason.

A few evenings later in Beverly Hills, the chili was bubbling hot for Kacey and Peter McCoy’s warm welcome. Cozying in around the paintings and collectibles were lots of family--such as her mother and father, Patty and Pat Doheny; Chris and Katrina Cord (she was enmeshed in final details for the Las Madrinas Debutante Ball); Michael and Suzy Niven; and the Bob Nivens. Joining the party were Peter and Joan Graves (later off for skiing in Sun Valley); Honey Bear and Bob Bloomingdale and his mother, Betsy Bloomingdale; Noorna Eversole; the Jim Luckmans; and the Bob Ray Offenhausers. Debby Richards came alone; Bill was duck hunting.

HAPPIEST: Arizona State University President J. Russell Nelson and his wife Bonita are leading the pack of Sun Devils descending on Southern California for the Rose Bowl tiff today with the University of Michigan. They entertained at a small champagne reception at the Sheraton Grande on New Year’s Eve. Then ardent alumni--3,000, we’re told--paid $25 a couple for a Bonaventure shindig later in the evening. Before the game the Sun Angel Foundation, the Sun Devil Club and the ASU Alumni Assn. will co-host a gathering at Brookside Country Club on a fairway. That will enhance cheering, of course. . . .

Lotsie and Fred Giersch have invited friends for a drop-in luncheon following today’s parade. . . .

Ellen and Berny Byrens sent invitational red stop signs for New Year’s Eve that say “1st STOP.”

MERRIMENT: The Roger Burschingers were graciously inundated by more than 400 in the white tent and the nooks and crannies of their Mediterranean home in San Marino. A buffet table actually groaned with the mass of tamales, sausages, lox, bries and chocolate meringue mushrooms. John and Dorothy Shea had Carrie and Maura and several other offspring with them. Harry and Judith McLaughlin had Scott. Without the younger generation: Stafford and Roberta Grady and Doug and Ann Longyear. Also enjoying: the Stan Haydens. . . .

Linda and Don Pennell crowded in friends for Christmas cheer and fa-la-la-ing in their pretty Brentwood home. Mary Alice and Pen Tudor, former Angelenos now in New York, were being greeted, en route to Hong Kong for Christmas and a stop in Bangkok. Fireside were Audree and Stan Penton, Carol and Mike Inman, Joan and Jack Mackey, and William and Marilyn Schulte. . . .

And the flower arrangement hit the ceiling in the dining room when Dee and John Maechling entertained in San Marino. Howard and Nancy Gilmore, down from Hope Ranch, regaled pals with tales. The Norman Mitchells, the Jim Galbraiths, and John and Barbara Poer found a corner and rested their feet from the heavy holiday season.

PARTY CIRCUIT: The nicest part of Harriet and Charles Luckman’s Christmas cocktail party was her fabulous dessert table. She’d baked and concocted nearly every cake, pouf and wonder. Guests at their Sunset Penthouse walked through her arch of needlepointed angels. . . .

And the highlight of the Christmas Tea that Mrs. Richard Steadman Hambleton Jr. (and her Katherine and Rush) and Mrs. Russell Davis Keely (and her Ann) collaborated to host was the moment when the Citrus College Choir asked moms, grandmothers and youngsters to hold hands and sing “Silent Night.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd. Friends such as Marilyn Duque and Susan Borchard exited with ivy Christmas trees, which the hostesses sold to benefit Children’s Chain of Childrens Hospital. . . .

Mardee and Peter de Wetter hosted a family buffet. . . .

David and Gretchen Seager mixed two generations for a nifty soiree that wouldn’t quit and necessitated David’s dash to the Pantry for beverage replacement.

PAST PERFECT: Keith and Bill Kieschnick hosted a buffet at their Palos Verdes Estates home honoring the Encore Circle, a major support group for Palos Verdes’ Norris Community Theater. Gordon Davidson of the Mark Taper discussed the impact and value of a community theater.