The First 5 Things You Should Buy Before Hosting, Nina Dobrev Says

Christmas is coming unapologetically early this year—and we’re on board. Stores are already decked out in string lights and oversized hanging ornaments, holiday sales and deals began as soon as the calendar turned November, and TBH, we’ve never been more excited to begin our holiday decorating. 

The reason for an early start to the season? Everyone is aching for some holiday joy—and Love Hard actress Nina Dobrev couldn’t be more ready herself to settle into the holiday season, too.  

“I think everyone is really looking for that Christmas spirit, happiness, and laughter right now,” Dobrev tells MyDomaine. “They’re already in the Christmas spirit and don’t want to go back.”

Dobrev is a perfect resource to discuss all things holiday. She’s the star of the new Netflix original Christmas movie, Love Hard, a compulsive Christmas decorator herself, and the owner of her own wine company alongside Julianne Hough—read: she knows a thing or two about choosing the perfect bottle for those holiday parties. 

“I'm a psychopath when it comes to decorating and the holidays in general—I love it,” Dobrev shares. “I'm a planner as well, so I like to do things in advance.”

How Dobrev Preps for Holiday Season

Dobrev is thrilled that she gets to host the holidays for the first time in a few years and has partnered with Affirm to help shoppers make their holidays great while still staying on budget. It allows you to complete purchases but choose a payment plan so you don’t have to spend all at once, which is bound to be a huge help with the amount of shopping that comes with the holidays. 

“The holidays are a tough time for a lot of us—you want to celebrate as much as you can, but it's tough when you have a budget,” Dobrev explains. “But that’s what is so great about Affirm. People can enjoy holidays without spending their entire monthly budget, even when it comes to booking flights or accommodations.” 

Dobrev shares that Affirm even partners with Expedia and VRBO, so travelers don't have to stress about costly holiday travel and can pay it off over the next few months.

Another factor in holiday hosting is, most definitely, staying calm and collected while holiday hosting. Between money spending, gift buying, food prepping, and decorating, the holidays can easily become overwhelming—but Dobrev knows just the thing to combat the holiday stress.

"Family time is great, but getting out of the house and taking a quiet moment to just be in nature is also great," she suggests. "Take advantage of a peaceful, snowy environment, which I what I am usually in over the holidays. Play outside, go on walks, and break up your holiday prep so you're not stuck inside with stressed energy."

The 5 Must-Have Holiday Essentials for Dobrev

Dobrev's brain has been focused on holiday entertaining and how to be as prepared as possible for hosting guests. She’s sharing her 5 essentials to make the most magical holiday season—and we promise your home will be guest-ready in no time.