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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Month: May 2018

Rosario Candela – Elegance in the Sky
Architecture, Interior design

Rosario Candela – Elegance in the Sky

In early 20th century New York City, as many affluent residents were gradually abandoning their mansions and townhouses for apartments,… Read More

Happy Memorial Day
Holiday

Happy Memorial Day

Wishing everyone a very happy Memorial Day! While this weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, it was also a… Read More

72 Hours in France!
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Travel

72 Hours in France!

As mentioned in my last post, I spent 72 hours in France this week with Susanna Salk, filming two new… Read More

Catching Up Out and About
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Catching Up Out and About

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind and while I am just about on my way to Paris (more… Read More

At Home and at RW Guild with Roman and Williams
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Video

At Home and at RW Guild with Roman and Williams

It’s challenging to describe the style of Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch – the celebrated design duo behind Roman and… Read More

Bow Wow Blitz
Books, Design, Interior design

Bow Wow Blitz

For all of you in the Boston area, Susanna and I will be participating in a fun event at the… Read More

Final Look – 2018 Kips Bay Show House
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Final Look – 2018 Kips Bay Show House

Today we start our final look at the 2018 Kips Bay Show House on the fourth floor with Alexa Hampton‘s… Read More

Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2018 – Part II
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2018 – Part II

Walk up to the second floor of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2018 edition and you are met with… Read More

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The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! Fr The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! From this moment until midnight on January 7, 2026 you can post photos of your tables to win the contest and a myriad of incredible prizes. To take part you need:

1. To post photos on a public IG account
2. ⁠To tag in the picture of your post @Academia_de_la_mesa & mention you are taking part in the Contest 
3. You can publish as many photos of your table as fit in a single POST (no reels, no stories, no videos please). We need to see AT LEAST 2 pictures of your table showing the entire table and one placesetting.
4. ⁠You can take part a maximum of 3 times, with 3 different tables (one single post for each)
That’s it!! Winners will be announced in January. Please post pictures of your own tables at home, no event or magazine pictures 🙏🏻 (and no AI). 

The winner will receive a wonderful prize of the best of the best that there is in tableware kindly donated by @alain_saint_joanis @artel_glass @noel_lingedemaison_paris and @raynaud_porcelaines AND just for taking part you will be eligible for 7 additional magnificent  prizes by @aquazzuracasa (in conjunction with @incasastudio) @elalmacendeloza @erbavoglio.milano @gordiola_vidrios @palmira_decoracion @staub.es and @thetablelove (see stories for details). (NB: unless otherwise stated by the donors all prizes will be delivered in Spain but we can help winners arrange shipping) 

We can’t wait to see your tables! Happy tablesetting with love from the jury, made up of: 
@amarosanchezdemoya @azarraluqui @bea_satrustegui @bonadeaofficial @carmencarooneill @casa__lopez @paz_qb @quintessence @raulromeropress @vanessacraccoliving and @vioscooking
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the welcoming Connecticut retreat of designer @tamara_meadow_interiors where lake views and meaningful furnishings distinguish this stylish custom built home! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
While much of my tabletop arsenal is still in stor While much of my tabletop arsenal is still in storage, I managed to pull together a simple table for a small family dinner to give thanks on this special day. Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the glamorous Manhattan maisonette of designer @james_andrew and artist @scottmcbee41 where James magically transformed a characterless prewar apartment into a sparkling jewel box! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stu Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stunning countryside home of Spanish interior designer @ludovicoporta where he transformed a ruin of an 18th century palazzo into an idyllic weekend retreat ! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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