She lays out her serving platters and serving pieces in advance and even runs her menu through AI to figure out exactly when everything needs to go in the oven. That way, once people arrive, she can enjoy herself. “I definitely learned the importance of preparation from my mom,” she says. “She makes entertaining look effortless, but that ease comes from having thought through every detail beforehand.”
Annie’s formula for a good party? “Enough food, good music, and an interesting mix of people.” “I don’t like overly formal or stuffy bouquets,” she continues. “I prefer flowers that feel loose and natural.” When asked about the best party her mom has thrown, she immediately mentions her wedding, held in this very backyard. “It was, without a doubt, the most memorable and meaningful party she has ever thrown, in my opinion!”
As I maneuvered around the sea of Brentwood moms, I started asking people a question: If I came over to your house, what’s one thing your home would tell me about you?
The artist Alex Israel told me that he sleeps in on Sundays. So I guess if I came over that day, I would have found him asleep in bed.
Meyers-Shyer said her home would tell me that “our rooms don’t feel fussy. Relaxed. We have kids.”
Hairstylist Chris McMillan said his house would reveal that “I love color, I love green, and I think the outside should match the inside.”
Jeweler Jennifer Meyer noted she was in the middle of packing up her things for one child to leave for college, while a baby mat sat in the living room. “That pretty much sums up my life right now,” she said, having recently welcomed a new daughter with her fiancé.
As for Nancy Meyers herself? “I have a calming house because life is hectic and difficult.” We can all agree on that.
