Historic Fort Smith House Decks Out In Christmas Finery

One of Fort Smiths most popular and important pieces of history will transform into a Victorian-themed structure for holiday fans, said one official.

The Clayton Houses second annual Gaslight Gala will be 7-10 p.m. Nov. 22 at the historic home, 514 N. Sixth St., and each room will boast Victorian-style Christmas decorations to impress guests, said Julie Moncrief, executive director for the Clayton House. Those attending the fundraiser will be transported back to the 1880s, an era when history, style and entertainment frequently merged, she said.

Were excited because last year, the Gaslight Gala was really enjoyed by everyone who attended, Moncrief said. Last years event told us that the Clayton House is the perfect place to have a Christmas party, and this year, we are repeating some of the wonderful elements that were offered last year.

Hosted by the Fort Smith Heritage Foundation and set to raise money for the maintenance and preservation of the Clayton House, the Gaslight Gala will include the presence of Victorian-style Christmas decorations throughout the historic home. The decorations are provided by area designers Burns Carousel of Flowers, Inviting Interior Designs, Expressions Flowers, Tates Flowers & Gift Shop and Marcia Cooksey Interiors, Moncrief said.

One thing were doing different than last year are the seating arrangements, so that will be fun, she said. Well have a large buffet in the servants quarters, and there also will be several smaller tables in our large dining room and the parlors.

The menu will include rosemary chicken strips, marinated grilled pork tenderloin on toast points with cranberry chutney, cheeseboard with grapes and strawberries, baked brie with apples, vegetable spring rolls with hoisin sauce, chili cheesecake with chips, layered Mediterranean dip with carrots and pita chips, mini puffs with strawberries and whipped cream chocolate drizzle, and Kahlua chocolate chip cookie bars.

Last year, everyone loved the menu they loved the gourmet cooking of Suzy Smith of Beland Manor so were sticking with that again this year, Moncrief said.

Also on tap for the 21-and-older event will be live music from a quartet from the Fort Smith Chorale and from pianists Robert Huston and Rachel Townshend, she said.

Robert Huston loves to interact with the crowd, and he has such fun playing, and Rachel Townshend is a music major at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith and has been volunteering for us a lot, Moncrief said. Its great to have them with us this year.

The FSC members will stroll throughout the home while performing some of the most popular Christmas carols, and a silent auction will be equally as popular with those attending, she said. Silent auction items will include a framed painting and drawing by local artist John Bell Jr., a limousine ride and other perfect Christmas gifts, Moncrief said.

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Historic Fort Smith House Decks Out In Christmas Finery