Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough share 9 essentials for throwing great parties this holiday season
How do you feel about hanging out with Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough? Put it this way: When two busy actresses arrive in the same city at the same time, they try co-host elegant House parties.
With a wide variety of wines.
From their own line.
“That was the great thing about our relationship,” Dobrev (“The Vampire Diaries”) said of the former “Dancing With the Stars” pro. “Whenever we’re in the same room, it’s like no time has passed and we just keep doing it. So of course we like to party.” In fact, she added that after Hough returns to New York City from Nebraska (where she’s currently filming), the two plan to collaborate on a Festival of Friends and a gala for the holiday. Vacation. (Dobrev is currently in NYC with her boyfriend, famous skier Shaun White.)
Fresh wine is a natural extension of friendship. Officially launched in 2019, the collection includes low-carb, low-calorie, low-sugar and gluten-free premium wines made in Napa, California. “The idea was born because we both have active lifestyles but have trouble finding the balance between enjoying a good time and then taking a Pilates class at 8,” explains Dobrev. o’clock in the morning,” Dobrev explained. “We learned that you can mix the right grapes without sacrificing flavor. Now that’s all we serve.”
Dobrev admits she and her best friend of a decade – they were introduced through their joint hairstylist! – are all Type A people who know that love is in the details. She said: “We both really, really, really love a plan and think of every little thing when it comes to throwing a party. “We will prepare and send out the e-invitation, then follow up and make sure everything is perfect. And if one of us doesn’t have the bandwidth for something, we support each other. It’s great to have a partner who is also your best friend.”
To start the party, Dobrev and Hough made a holiday party to-do list for CNN Underscored. And yes, they even checked it twice.
Hough chose this bottle for the season because “it’s perfect for any toasting occasion,” she says. “It has a fruity, sweet taste and the long-lasting sparkling nature of the bubbles accentuates the bright flavors. It is sure to please the crowd. ” Dobrev, meanwhile, sings out a glass of Fresh Vine Wine Cabernet Sauvignon For heavier meals like Thanksgiving, because its rich, energizing flavor pairs well with turkey, cranberry sauce, and other holiday additions.
In the post-pandemic era, a wine charm is a “fun way to make sure everyone knows whose glass is whose,” says Hough. “My guests love them. Anyway, people have become more aware of germs.” Her choice was a set of six rainbow hues by designer Joanna Buchanan.
“I have a million of them!” Dobrev confessed. “Someone needs to intervene with me because whenever I go out and see a nice sign, I have to buy it. My kitchen is overflowing. She decks out her Williams Sonoma favorites with a variety of cheeses – think blue cheese, goat cheese, “sharp” cheddar and Gouda, which she heats in the oven before guests. arrived – along with blanched almonds, crackers and jam. This one is made from acacia wood and includes bamboo serving accessories.
To complement all that elegance, Hough chose this “beautiful” stainless steel bowl by Michael Aram, which also happens to make a delicate decoration in the center of the table. “People love snacks!” she explained. But instead of high-calorie guacamole or ranch dipping sauce, she’s served with hummus.
Now hear this: Dobrev insists that her sleek Sonos speakers are essential to creating a distinctive vibe in any room. “You can customize each playlist on your phone and make it easy,” she said. Go to her: Spotify Dinner curated by chef Mario Carbone (taken from his NYC restaurant of the same name) featuring classics by Tony Bennett, Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles and Otis Redding.
“Games are a must-have when I’m throwing a party because it’s a fun way to get to know people and break the ice while also having a good time,” says Hough. Since Trivial Pursuit is 1998, she chooses this adults-only entry – in which the player combines a humorous caption with a wild photo card. An appointed judge chooses the winner. The core game features 360 subtitle options and 75 thick, glossy photo cards.
Light a candle. In fact, light up a bunch of them. “The more, the more!” Dobrev went crazy. “Adding candles allows you to tone down the venue and set the mood with this romantic space. This is 100% a big event for me. She loves the Baies/Berries scented candles by French brand Diptyque: “They are beautiful, smell good, and make the room look luxurious.” Don’t forget to blow them off before the show ends.
The partners agree that riedel wine glass – used in most high-end restaurants – are the clear winners in this category. “This is OG!” Hough said. “They set the stage and laid the groundwork for what it means to enhance the flavors of wines through glassware.” Seconds Dobrev, “They are very well made and beautiful. It reminds me of the great times when I saw the logo.” She estimates that she has around 16, depending on accidental drops.
Cleaning up after a party can be a dirty job, but someone has to do it. Dobrev jokes that her sister-in-law is a teacher in Greece and swears by the Greek philosophy that Windex is the ultimate end. “I applied Windex as a whole when it comes to the surface,” she says. But for stains on carpets and couches, she sprays with Folex. As she said, “I’ve seen that it’s magic.”
