Monthly Archives: December 2011

Quintessential Guide to Champagne

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   16 Comments
Thin Man New Year's EveIn preparation for New Year’s Eve, everyone needs to know at least a little something about champagne. Long time readers may recognize some of this information, but since many of you are new to Quintessence this year, I am offering an updated version of this must-read guide before the holiday weekend!!…
Posted in food and drink, holiday | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments  

Coupe or Flute?

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   25 Comments
This is the age old champagne dilemma – coupe, flute or tulip! Last year I wrote about Seth Box, director of education for Moet Hennessy USA, who, in the New York Times, discussed his preferences. Not only did he voice his opinion (which of course I agree with) that Americans drink too little champagne but he also had strong thoughts about what glass to serve it in.…
Posted in food and drink, gifts, holiday, interior design, wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments  

Merry Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   24 Comments
As some of you know, I’ve been obsessing over tartan this fall and I am thrilled that I finally have the opportunity to set a tartan table for the holiday. I am lucky to live in an area that has so many wonderful resources.…
Posted in design, entertainment, holiday, interior design | Tagged , , , | 24 Comments  

At the Movies

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   4 Comments
Another holiday classic that merits a viewing this weekend is Christmas in Connecticut. This light hearted romantic comedy boasts an all star cast including Barbara Stanwyck, Sydney Greenstreet, Dennis Morgan and a host of others. With a witty script and zany plot, it is frothy holiday entertainment.…
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Dale May: Lego Star Wars at Samuel Owen

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   13 Comments
It’s no secret here that I love Legos. And clearly so does photographer Dale May. What a fun evening I had last week at the Samuel Owen Gallery for the opening of May’s Lego Star Wars exhibit. Known for his conceptual art and stylized celebrity portraits, May walks the line between commercial and fine art.…
Posted in art, children, photography | Tagged , , , , , , | 13 Comments  

Thank You Elle Decor – My Favorite Space

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   24 Comments
Yesterday Elle Decor featured 30 design insiders’ picks for their favorite ELLE Decor Rooms of 2011. I was thrilled to be included. It was almost impossible to pick just one room from the many fabulous features throughout the year but I finally decided on the living room of this beautiful Paris pied- à-terre designed by Jean-Louis Deniot I love how the thoughtful renovation of this modern loft-like space retains the beautiful 18th century grandeur of the original building.…
Posted in architecture, furniture, interior design | Tagged , , , , | 24 Comments  

Verdura Splendor

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   22 Comments
Only a handful of jewelry companies today can claim a legacy rich in history and design. Verdura is among them and I was lucky enough to attend a holiday party at their chic showroom last week to celebrate their new Hollywoodland Collection and visiting friend Frank Bowling, the Ambassador of the stylish Montage, Beverly Hills.…
Posted in books, fashion, gifts, holiday, jewelry | Tagged , , , , , | 22 Comments  

Exotic Taste

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   14 Comments
It is almost impossible to have an interest in interiors and the decorative arts and not be fascinated by Chinoiserie and the exoticism of the “mysterious East.” From Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt to the British occupation in India, this region has for centuries held an unrivaled appeal for creative types.…
Posted in architecture, art, art history, design, fashion, furniture, history, interior design | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments  

At the Movies

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   13 Comments
A vintage romantic comedy, Ernst Lubitsch’s 1940 The Shop Around the Corner is a classic holiday story. And you may not realize that it is actually the original version of You’ve Got Mail. Stars Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan work together in a small shop in Budapest.…
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Traveler’s Tips and Treats Redux

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   12 Comments
I didn’t get a chance to finish the post I had planned for today so I am reissuing some handy (updated) info from last year that I’m sure only a few have seen and/or remember. I’m sure many of you will be traveling during the holiday season – whether on vacation or to visit friends or family.…
Posted in books, design, gifts, holiday, learning, louis vuitton, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments