Monthly Archives: December 2012

Quintessential Guide to Champagne

Posted on December 30, 2012 by quintessence   •   14 Comments
It has become a tradition here, in preparation for New Year’s Eve, to publish my Quintessential Guide to Champagne. Long time readers may want to glance it over as a refresher and hop to the end to see the new inclusions.…
Posted in food and drink, wine | Tagged , , | 14 Comments  

Coupe or Flute | The Champagne Glass Dilemma

Posted on December 28, 2012 by quintessence   •   12 Comments
Each year I update this post discussing the age old champagne dilemma, coupe or flute or even tulip with some new suggestions! I have cited Seth Box, director of education for Moet Hennessy USA, before, who, in the New York Times, had discussed his preferences.…
Posted in design, food and drink, gifts, holiday | Tagged , , | 12 Comments  

At the Movies | Metropolitan

Posted on December 27, 2012 by quintessence   •   4 Comments
Metropolitan is a quirky gem of an indie movie offering a look at the holiday season through the lens of a group of preppy young Manhattan socialites on the debutante circuit. If this sounds off-putting, just think of the subject in the hands of a drier-humored Woody Allen or early Eric Roehmer with a dose of Wes Anderson to get the idea.…
Posted in entertainment, film | Tagged , , | 4 Comments  

The Museum of Bags and Purses

Posted on December 26, 2012 by quintessence   •   7 Comments
Yes, you read that right. I am happy to report that there is actually a Museum of Bags and Purses. My sister recently took a trip to Amsterdam where she visited this unique design destination. The largest bag museum in the world, housing purses from the late Middle Ages to the present, it is located in a charming restored 17th century canal house that is a story in and of itself.…
Posted in architecture, fashion, history, travel | Tagged , , | 7 Comments  

Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours

Posted on December 25, 2012 by quintessence   •   7 Comments
Wishing everyone who celebrates the very Merriest, from our table to yours!! From our Home to Yours  …
Posted in holiday | Tagged , , | 7 Comments  

A Note From Santa’s Workshop

Posted on December 23, 2012 by quintessence   •   9 Comments
Just reminding myself why I’ve been sequestered in Santa’s workshop all weekend with no time to catch up around here. This little one may now be a teenager, but in ten years this holiday will hopefully be a cherished memory as well.…
Posted in holiday | Tagged , | 9 Comments  

Thank you ELLE DECOR

Posted on December 21, 2012 by quintessence   •   13 Comments
A big thank you to ELLE DECOR for including me in their year end round up. Over 30 of us were asked to share our favorite spaces from a year of chic rooms in the magazine. Always a tough decision, I chose a space that resonated with me as a room I could easily live in.…
Posted in furniture, interior design | Tagged , | 13 Comments  

At the Movies

Posted on December 20, 2012 by quintessence   •   2 Comments
I had another holiday move I intended to review today, but due to a tight schedule, just didn’t have a chance to do it justice – I’ll bring it to you as soon as I can. But I hate to leave you movie fans empty handed, especially at this time of year, so I will remind you of one of my very favorites I mentioned a couple of years ago.…
Posted in entertainment, film | Tagged , , | 2 Comments  

American Decoration by Thomas Jayne

Posted on December 19, 2012 by quintessence   •   5 Comments
Just like Thomas Jayne’s thoughtful designs, his American Decoration is a book for those, like me and I daresay many of you readers, who like a little substance with their style. Jayne’s sophisticated yet livable interiors are based on years of personal experience, coming from a family with a wide ranging legacy of houses, his extensive academic training and his professional experience, having started his career under the tutelage of Albert Hadley.…
Posted in architecture, art, books, design, furniture, interior design | Tagged , , | 5 Comments  

Mighty Maharajas | Forts and Palaces of India

Posted on December 19, 2012 by quintessence   •   4 Comments
It’s no secret that India has an incredible design legacy. But in Mighty Maharajas | Forts & Palaces of India, we are introduced to many of the forts and royal palaces that illustrate not only the architectural history but social and political aspects as well.…
Posted in architecture, art history, design, history, interior design | Tagged , | 4 Comments