Meet Melissa Leung, a recipe developer, content creator, and cookbook author based in Vancouver. She enjoys cooking, gardening, hosting parties, and decorating her home for every season.
In this chat with Oris, Artist & Designer, Breathe Live Explore.
Oris: What does this season mean to you? Are there any personal rituals or simple joys you look forward to around this time of year?
Melissa: In the winter season, I really look forward to holiday celebrations. Getting together with friends and family, eating good food, and enjoying all of the beautiful decor really makes this season special.
After the holidays are over, I really look forward to the calm and peacefulness that January and February brings. It’s a time of rest and getting ready for new beginnings coming in the spring.
Oris: When you think of “a season to share,” what comes to mind first? Is it food, stories, time, space, or something else?
Melissa: It’s obviously food! I love to cook and share my recipes with others, from my family to friends, and I’ll even bring some food to our local butcher staff that we see every other day.
I really enjoy sharing and adding a little excitement and joy to someone’s day, especially if they weren’t expecting it.
Oris: How do you create a sense of intention when gathering with others, whether big or small?
Melissa: I like to do a few things.
First is to cook a nice meal that I know they will enjoy. I put a lot of thought and intention into planning what I will make for someone depending on what’s in season, what I know they will enjoy, or if there is a type of cuisine they are willing to explore. Besides the food, I love to decorate my dining table, and add a few decorative touches around the house.
For the table, I love a bouquet of flowers anchored on a table runner, or in the centre of several placemats. Candles are also a must! I always light tea candles and save tapered candles for more elaborate celebrations. Cloth napkins are also a must if I am hosting guests. I know people don’t use them every day for dinner, so it’s nice to be a bit fancy and use them to add to the decor and add a pop of colour!
Oris: What’s a recipe, ritual, or creative practice that feels especially meaningful to you right now? (This could be something seasonal, comforting, or just purely joyful.)
Melissa: Right now, I am focusing on establishing a ritual to write a bit every day. I really enjoy writing - I do it for my full time job, I write for my website, and I even like to write so much that I started my own digital magazine, Season & Serve Magazine. I will find some time after dinner and before bed to write out a recipe, write a blog post, or a magazine article. I do it based on what I am feeling inspired to write about, not what needs to get done. I think that is what makes this daily ritual so relaxing for me!
Oris: How do you approach styling your space or table during this time of year? Do you lean into mood, color, texture, or something else?
Melissa: As we get into the holidays, I like to stick to traditional colours like reds, golds, greens, and whites for a timeless holiday look. I decorate with dark green garlands, and use fresh cedar, pine, and incense cedar in floral arrangements or outdoor planters. However, once all of the holiday decorations are taken down, I like to go for more colour in the new year. Not only does it look beautiful and vibrant, it is really cheery and uplifts me during the dark and rainy Vancouver winter.
I spend lots of time in my kitchen so I like to accessorise with tea towels (the Tabi, Ododo, Bibo from the Breathe Live Explore collection are my favourites), and will display winter produce such as oranges, pomegranates, and lemons in bowls casually on the counter. I will also pick up a few bright flowers from my local florist and have them around the house for pops of colour where I need it!
Oris: What makes a shared moment feel truly special to you? Is it about slowing down, being present, or something in the details?
Melissa: For me, it’s about being present and thankful for what I have, and all the experiences that brought me here to this moment. I am always looking forward to what’s next as I earlier said, but recognizing the present moment is what really makes these shared moments with family and friends special.
Oris: What’s something you’re learning (or unlearning) about slowing down or living more intentionally?
Melissa: I'm learning that it's okay to simply be - to rest, to reflect, and to fully enjoy the present moment without feeling guilty for not being “productive.”
In our fast-paced North American culture, there's often a pressure to constantly do more, achieve more, and accumulate more. But I’m beginning to understand that life isn’t just about checking things off a to-do list. It’s about pausing to appreciate the everyday beauty around us. Life is unpredictable, and I’m learning to embrace the joy of now and truly savour the season I’m in.
Oris: Is there a small act of beauty, care, or creativity that’s been bringing you joy lately?
Melissa: Lately, I have found so much joy in making homemade butter. It’s random, and something I never expected to fall in love with! It’s surprisingly simple to make, but what really excites me is getting creative with it.
I have been experimenting with different flavours, incorporating edible flowers, and even pressing the butter into beautiful molds. It brings me happiness not only in the making, but also during the week when I get to enjoy a little pat of fancy, homemade butter with my meals. It’s a small act of creativity and care that makes ordinary moments feel a bit more magical.
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