Checking in with us this morning is man-about-town Steven Heller, who filed this report from amidst the throngs at Art Basel Miami Beach/ Design Miami. But he’s not just there to party, oh no: He’ll also be moderating a panel about the intertwining of art and design.

Figured out the best way to go to all these hip parties yet not be jostled, hassled, tussled, and otherwise part of the madding crowd. Go early.

We went to the Yoko Ono party smack at 7 pm as the invitation noted, and only a handful of guests showed up at the ultra modern hotel (can’t remember the name) pool area. [The Sagamore. -Ed.] Yoko had not arrived either, but appeared repeatedly on a video loop, showing off her ONOCHORD, a small flashlight – given to all party goers – that when clicked in succession, comme ca: 1 click, 2 clicks, 3 clicks, signified I LOVE YOU. Picking up on her perennial Give Peace A Chance and All You Need Is Love theme, the flashlight conceit is designed to telegraph eternal love to all who see it. Anyway, back to the point. Since Yoko was not yet there, all the comfy chairs and couches were empty, the liquor (and seltzer) flowed – and there were no lines at the bar – so the atmosphere was blissfully easy going. By the time we decided to leave Yoko had arrived, as did all the extremely well made swells and their entourages. We listened to Yoko give a few choice words of wisdom, but left before the throngs, and before she gave a speech, which we saw on video anyway. What a way to parteee.

The other best way to party, is go late. We went to the Moss opening in the design district of Miami, and the throngs had moved elsewhere. While the traffic was horrible, at least one could see the work of designers like hella jongerius and Constantine Boym without being annoyed by other attendees.