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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Month: December 2012

Bollinger La Grane Année Rosé 1999
Food and drink

Quintessential Guide to Champagne

It has become a tradition here, in preparation for New Year’s Eve, to publish my Quintessential Guide to Champagne. Long… Read More

Lalique and Deutz
Design, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Coupe or Flute | The Champagne Glass Dilemma

Each year I update this post discussing the age old champagne dilemma, coupe or flute or even tulip with some… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video rg_xwmhcmp4
Entertainment

At the Movies | Metropolitan

Metropolitan is a quirky gem of an indie movie offering a look at the holiday season through the lens of… Read More

Museum of bags and purses cafe
Architecture, Fashion, Travel

The Museum of Bags and Purses

Yes, you read that right. I am happy to report that there is actually a Museum of Bags and Purses…. Read More

Christmas table
Holiday

Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours

Wishing everyone who celebrates the very Merriest, from our table to yours!!  

Santa
Holiday

A Note From Santa’s Workshop

Just reminding myself why I’ve been sequestered in Santa’s workshop all weekend with no time to catch up around here…. Read More

02-Julia-Reed-house-ELLE-DECOR-09-12-lgn
Interior design

Thank you ELLE DECOR

A big thank you to ELLE DECOR for including me in their year end round up. Over 30 of us… Read More

bishop’s wife
Entertainment, Holiday

At the Movies

I had another holiday move I intended to review today, but due to a tight schedule, just didn’t have a… Read More

Thomas Jayne new orleans
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

American Decoration by Thomas Jayne

Just like Thomas Jayne’s thoughtful designs, his American Decoration is a book for those, like me and I daresay many of… Read More

Grand staircase leading to Durbar Hall
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Mighty Maharajas | Forts and Palaces of India

It’s no secret that India has an incredible design legacy. But in Mighty Maharajas | Forts & Palaces of India,… Read More

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Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

The Scottish Country House

The Scottish Country House counts as one of my favorite volumes this season. While I am dreadfully behind in my book… Read More

Balbaniello-16
Architecture, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Lake Como Charm | Villa del Balbianello

Lake Como is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots I know, having visited on several occasions, including my honeymoon…. Read More

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Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this sum Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this summer — filling Instagram feeds, appearing in the pages of The New York Times and garnering attention in publications around the world. Coveted by collectors and a whole new generation of enthusiasts, these iconic baskets are having an undeniable moment. Yet behind all the current excitement is a fascinating story of history, tradition, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Five years ago, I had the privilege of making this film with @Mary_emery_design, Director of Heritage Craft for the @nantuckethistoricalassociation , exploring the history and evolution of Nantucket lightship baskets through the people who know them best. We visited master basket makers Karl and Susan Ottison, Tim Parsons and Nap Plank, and heard about legendary maker José Reyes from his son-in-law, Maurice Gibbs. We also spent time with Nantucket scrimshander Michael Vienneau, whose work illustrates another chapter in the continuing evolution of the basket.

The film was made at the time the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum became affiliated with the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing its extraordinary collection — and the stories and traditions it represents — into the care of the NHA.

With Nantucket baskets now capturing the attention of an entirely new audience, it seemed the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the remarkable makers, history and craftsmanship behind this enduring Nantucket tradition.

Watch the full film at the link in bio.
August, stay a while. August, stay a while.
Charleston has a way of drawing people back again Charleston has a way of drawing people back again and again—and homes like this remind us why.
Tag along as designer @michaelmitchelldesigner welcomes us inside his gracious home, where layers of history, thoughtful collecting, and a deeply personal approach to design make every room a reflection of both its owner and the city itself.
LINK IN PROFILE.
One of my favorite things about setting a table is One of my favorite things about setting a table is that it never has to begin from scratch.

The most beautiful tables are collected over time—mixing old favorites with new discoveries, heirlooms with contemporary pieces, and the things you’ve loved for years with something that brings fresh perspective.

For this table, I’ve paired PeterDunham + Hudson Grace’s (@peterdunhamdesign @hudsongracesf ) beautiful salad and bread plates and napkins with Blue Carnation dinner plates, table linens, glassware, and flatware from my shop, alongside a few favorite pieces from my personal collection.

I hope this table is a reminder that you don’t need everything to match—or come from one place. The magic is in the mix. Every new piece should make you fall in love with the pieces you already own all over again.

That’s the joy of collecting—and the beauty of a table that reflects your own story.

Shop the table through link in profile
Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems o Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems on Nantucket for a 2 day trunk show next Thursday and Friday! If on island, do stop by! There will be many new introductions you will be the first to see!!
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