You know how there are certain types of people you want to be best friends with? That's how you'll feel about Annie Gabillet once you get to know her a bit — and it's not because she's POPSUGAR's own living director. It's no understatement when we say this girl really knows how to entertain her friends and family like no one else can. (Just look at her stunning Provence, France, wedding for proof.)
That's part of the reason she and her husband fell in love with their new two-bedroom San Francisco home: its open floor plan makes it so easy to host friends. And considering Annie likes to throw a cocktail hour or dinner party around three times a month, it was a match made in entertaining heaven. Some of her favorite hosting memories in the space include an Italian pasta cook-off for her husband's birthday, a fun game night with friends, and whiskey and wine tastings from her large collection.
Where did she learn how to play hostess, and why does she love it so much? Part of it was passed down from her mom, who once hosted her own pasta cook-off years ago. Mostly she just enjoys spending time with loved ones. "My ideal Friday night isn't going to bars, but hanging out at home with friends and having intimate convos," she says.
Still, there's more to it than that. Annie's entertaining style is unique because she makes sure that when guests come over, they have an interactive experience, that they do something they can't do at a restaurant, and that they experience a "wow-factor," as she calls it. What, exactly, does that mean? Let's find out.
— Styling by Emily Bibb
