Escaping the cold is just part of the reason I head south from New York to Miami as often as my schedule allows, which is about once a month, twice if I’m really lucky. When I do make it down to my apartment in South Beach, I feel relaxed the moment the plane lands and I see the gorgeous, sparkling blue water and feel the balmy weather on my skin. Regrettably, I’m only able to spend a few days at a time, and whether 2, 4 or 10 days over the holidays, it's always too short for my liking; but a little R & R is better than none at all.

When I am coming to town, I like to invite houseguests as often as possible to spend the weekend with me. It gives us a chance to play house, catch up on one another’s lives, and reconnect. Being on the run as much as I am and traveling so often for work, staying in touch with the people I care about takes a little extra effort, but it’s well worthwhile. I always make a point of doing something special to introduce my friends to one another and celebrating life, whether I’m serving lunch on the patio, dinner in the living room or even just getting together for a quick drink and an appetizer before a night on the town. I definitely enjoy the sun and sand, and the Miami nightlife, but I prefer having friends over to the apartment much more than going out.

This gathering was extra special, and as they say, the stars were aligned for a fantastic evening. I had fabulous houseguests from LA staying with me, and by chance, friends from all over the world happen to be passing through the city that weekend for an art fair. And on top of that, the weather was sublimely gorgeous as well.

Guests were invited for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. It was a casual yet chic evening for 50 of my most fabulous friends. Invitation time was 9 pm, and in Miami that means come by around 10. The clock definitely beats to a different drum in South Beach, and punctuality isn't part of the heavy Latin influence that dominates the scene. About 40 friends arrived "on time" at 10 pm, and just as they were about to leave around midnight, another 10 friends arrived with an entourage of 20. It’s a go-with-the-flow city, and all I could say was “welcome” and get everyone a drink. We had a blast.

On the patio off the living room, I set up a bar with my favorite cocktail of the season in a large two-gallon beverage server I designed for HSN. I filled it with vodka infused with pineapple, ginger, lemongrass, and jalapeño. The cocktails were spicy, sweet, tropical, and potent. I don't think anyone refused and I assure you, everyone was definitely feeling very “Friday” after drinking just one. Somehow some of my friends even enjoyed a second and a third. The weekend was off to a good start.

I filled the living room with gorgeous flowers; long stem Amaryllis with a cuff of tropical leaves in a tall vase on my dining table, and on one of the other coffee tables, I packed white calla lilies with greens in a low amber glass vase that friends sent me as a housewarming gift when I moved into my apartment a few years back. Also on the coffee table was a selection of artisanal cheeses including Triple Creme, St Andre, Stilton, Epoisse, Manchego, and a pyramid of Chevre, dried apricots, fresh grapes, and marinated olives alongside baguettes of crispy bread. On the shattered gold glass dining table was a glamorous display of freshly poached jumbo shrimp on ice with homemade cocktail sauce.

Shiraz Catering, my favorite Miami caterer, prepared a selection of wonderful tray-passed bites that waiters passed all night. Whether hungry and looking for a meal or only in the mood for a light tasting, there was something for everyone. The menu included bowls of shrimp in a delicious coconut curry sauce served over basmati rice, a delicious Yellowtail Ceviche with papaya, green apple, lime, chili, and cilantro on a taro root chip, five spice-seared Ahi tuna on a fresh cucumber square with mango wasabi salsa, and skewers of seared beef sirloin with a selection of mustards. For dessert, fresh strawberries filled with a dollop of homemade cheesecake.

The lights were dimmed, candles lit, and the room was bathed in a glamorous, amber glow making everyone look sun kissed and as if they had just come from the beach. Add to that the great music courtesy of my friend the talented DJ Coleman, and we had all the crucial ingredients for a great party. There was a buzz in the air as everyone enjoyed themselves. The combination of delicious food, groovy music, and a great group of gorgeous and kind friends enjoying themselves at 120 mph, made it a wonderful evening that we’ll all remember for a long time.