Holiday Hosting with Mélanie Masarin
For Mélanie Masarin, the enterprising founder and creative spirit behind Ghia, a line of beautifully designed non-alcoholic aperitifs, the art of hosting and gathering was instilled in her from a young age.
Having spent her childhood summers in the South of France (“where aperitivo culture is a way of life”), she picked up much of her grandmother’s knack for effortlessly entertaining along the way. Mélanie now resides between Los Angeles and Paris (where she recently renovated a 600 square-foot apartment), spending her days dreaming up new formulas for Ghia, embarking on a seemingly endless quest for the perfect Bellini Bambole sofa in an original striped fabric from the ‘70s for her new home, and, when she finds the time, documenting her extensive travels (Costa Rica for surf trips, Tokyo for design inspiration) in her Substack, Night Shade—where she also dutifully divulges shopping finds and outfit links.
We met up with her on a sun-dappled afternoon in Silverlake, where she whipped us up her favorite Ghia recipe and popped by neighborhood spots like Botanica and the newly-opened Spanish tapas bar Bar Siesta, where she counts co-owner Heather Sperling as a friend.
What sparked your interest in non-alcoholic beverages, and what led you to starting Ghia?
I've always loved food and gathering, so my interest in non-alcoholic drinks really stemmed from personal need. I noticed there wasn’t much out there that felt sophisticated and special for non-drinkers, especially in social settings. That’s when the idea for Ghia clicked. I wanted to create something that could elevate those moments, something that wasn’t just a replacement for alcohol, but its own unique experience. Ghia became my way of offering something inclusive and high-quality for people who want to enjoy the vibe without the booze.
You often talk about your family in the South of France’s influence on the way you approach entertaining and hosting. What are some of your fondest memories?
I grew up spending my summers in the South of France, where aperitivo culture is a way of life. We gathered the entire family for long, lively meals prepared by my grandmother—who had a special skill for hosting. Everything that I know about cooking and gathering, I learned from her! It's hard to pick a few of my fondest memories, but I do fondly recall so many moments were spent at home, in the kitchen—I barely have any memories of eating out.
Mélanie wears the Arabella Dress with her own boots
“I grew up spending my summers in the South of France, where aperitivo culture is a way of life. We gathered the entire family for long, lively meals prepared by my grandmother—who had a special skill for hosting.”
- Mélanie Masarin
DÔEN Heirloom Colleen Jacket, Leone Jean, and Tabitha T-Strap Heel
Are there any holiday traditions that you loved as a child that you incorporate when you host friends?
For Christmas, we have a tradition of making 13 desserts in the south of France. It's something I would do with my grandmother when I was younger and while I definitely don't ever make 13 desserts anymore, I always love having little biscuits or snacks around. There was an expectation that if you walked into any of my family members' houses around this time of year, there would be a tray or a tin box full of homemade delicacies leftover from the celebration. During the pandemic, I would often bake a Sunday cake, post it on Instagram and friends would come over to have it with some tea. Bake it, and they will come….
When it comes to holiday dressing, what kind of pieces do you gravitate towards most?
It's the best time to bring out the sparkles. I love dressing up and wearing colorful things, so the holidays for me are an excuse to bring out my glitziest, sparkliest, shiniest, and most exaggerated pieces. The thing is I'm always cold, so I'll happily pair up a sequin skirt with a turtleneck, or a short dress with a big overcoat.
What’s something that’s always on your kitchen table?
Fresh herbs, always! In Los Angeles, there is fresh rosemary everywhere, so I cut it on my walks and bring it home to put in most dishes. It smells so good!
MéLANIE'S CLASSIC SPRITZ
“I’m an OG Girl—I used to love Campari Soda and Negronis, so this is my all-natural homage.”
1 part Ghia
1 part soda water
Finish with a spring of rosemary or orange peel
Mélanie wears the DÔEN Heirloom Annemarie Cashmere Blend Coat and Pamelina Dress (coming soon!), with her own bag
