Don Johnson and wife Kelley cuddling at the Aspen Peak Magazine party.

From Christmas parties at private homes to special events at shops and establishments around Aspen, the surge of activity on the social front stretched throughout the month of December.On Christmas Eve, Mike and Lisa Haisfield of Aspen hosted their annual holiday party. Family members arrived early for dinner; friends dropped by throughout the night for cocktails and appetizers. Since two little children were fast asleep upstairs in anticipation of Santa's arrival, most guests politely left before midnight.

Vogue's Editor at Large Andre Leon Talley and Aspen magazine's Editor in Chief Janet O'Grady. The stars came out in droves for private getaways as well as public engagements over the holidays. Aspen Peak magazine hosted a reception at the Hotel Jerome on Wednesday, Dec. 28, celebrating its fall/winter issue with the community. Jason Binn, Chairman and CEO of Aspen Peak and five other magazines within Niche Media's portfolio, floated around the room as the consummate host. Aspen Peak Publisher Alexandra Halperin and Account Manager Cheryl Foerster welcomed guests at the entrance. Cover stars for the current issue, Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, were guests of honor. Local band Take the Wheel played an opening set, followed by a DJ who kept guests on the dance floor. The following night, Vogue's Editor at Large, Andre Leon Talley appeared in PRADA for his second visit, this time presenting images and anecdotes from his new book "A.L.T. 365+." Paying tribute to icons in his life such as Rosa Parks and Oprah Winfrey, Talley also spoke of his fashion inspirations including Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada and the late Diana Vreeland. Recalling interesting scenes from his colorful life, Talley kept the audience rapt for over an hour. He reminisced about his first job in New York City working as Andy Warhol's assistant in the 60s.

For a mere $25/week, Talley "swept floors and answered phones by day and went to the best parties at night." Crediting Warhol for launching his career, Talley deferentially described the eccentric artist's impact on his life. Through "A.L.T. 365+," Talley introduces readers to the extraordinary people and places he has encountered around the world through candid snapshots. Talley's new coffee-table book is essentially about style and how it transcends fashion every day. "Presentation is everything in life," Talley noted. "The most important advice I can give is to be who you are and full of grace."Also that evening, Grand Classics presented their debut screening in Aspen.

Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn hosted the critically-acclaimed film, "To Kill a Mockingbird" at the Wheeler Opera House. The Grand Classics film series, launched by Katrina Pavlos and Vanessa Wingate of Indyssey Entertainment in the spring of 2002, features a selection of the world's most renowned filmmakers and actors who present the films that have inspired them. The series originated after September 11 as a way to bring creative minds together to celebrate the power of motion pictures. The series also benefits motion picture preservation through contributions to the American Film Institute (AFI) and the British Film Institute (bfi). Both organizations play an important role in raising awareness and supporting film preservation. Sponsored by Infiniti, J Mendel and The Week, the screening of "To Kill a Mockingbird" starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, also benefited Hawn's Bright Light Foundation charity. Grand Classics films are currently showcased in New York, London, Los Angeles and now Aspen and will soon include Miami and Paris. Grand Classics hosts have included Michael Caine, Kevin Costner, Jude Law, Alec Baldwin, Natalie Portman, Luke Wilson, and many more. Most recently, Gwyneth Paltrow hosted a London Grand Classics screening of "Annie Hall." For more information, visit www.grandclassics.com.

Whose to blame?

Dear Editor: What a great answer Jill St. John had when asked by Aspen Peak magazine, "Having been famous residents (with Robert Wagner), for so long, would you say you're partly responsible for Aspen's celebrity reputation?"

Jill St. John: "Count the movie stars and then count the nouveau riche in town, then you tell us!"I will tell you - you are not, and you are right on the money (if I may use the term loosely!) about the nouveau riche!

Ruth Harrison Aspen

Out in Aspen, Colo., we got frequent phone calls about the stars there.

Celebrities drift to Aspen or to the island of St. Barts if they want to be seen during Christmas week. And so Don Johnson threw a big party with the help of Niche Media/Gotham magazine and Jason Binn