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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Stacey Bewkes

Quintessence blog on instagram
Interior design

Design Video Summer Extravaganza

Throughout the year, as Susanna Salk and I get inspired with ideas for our design video series, our enthusiasm perhaps… Read More

Michael Kors Pre-Fall 2014
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

In Art It’s Called Appropriation

Ever since Natalie Massenet’s brilliant realization that online luxury shopping and editorial content are an ideal match, many have tried… Read More

cabana magazine
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

The Globetrotting Sophistication of Cabana Magazine

In this era of consolidation, cutting corners and mass market mentality, it is a rare pleasure to come across a unique… Read More

John Richard at NYDC
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

A Day of Design at the Mayflower Grace

Next Saturday, June 14th, I am delighted to be participating in the first ever Day of Design at one of… Read More

Perry Street Cocktail Ottoman
Interior design

Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman Return to High Point Market

Although they manufacture in their own factory only eight miles from High Point, NC, Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, one… Read More

Pierre Frey Broderie
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Welcome Back to the 18th Century at the Louvre

Next week marks the reemergence of the 18th century at the Louvre. In the north wing of the museum’s Cour… Read More

CR Laine Aledo chair
Interior design

The Colorful World of CR Laine at High Point

As VP of Merchandising and Marketing, Holly Blalock, explains, “Color is not a trend for CR Laine. We are committed… Read More

George Stacey
Books, Interior design

Spring Design Books Round Up

While it’s usually the fall season that brings out the blockbuster line up of design books, this spring, a strong… Read More

mother in red cross
Style

From Sea to Shining Sea

Wishing all you readers a wonderful long Memorial Day weekend. As we enjoy what here in Connecticut is a glorious sunny… Read More

Pierre Soulages
Art & Antiques

Pierre Soulages Returns to New York

According to art critic Brooks Adams, who spoke several weeks ago at the preview of the Pierre Soulages show being… Read More

Taigan
Food and drink, Gifts, Travel

Thank You Taigan for Sharing my Chateau Life Picks

How can you not love a site that offers everything from the best ice cream sandwiches to luxury travel. For… Read More

Nick Olson, Tilton Fenwick and Sara Gilbane
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Designers’ Picks From the Christie’s 20th Century Decorative Art & Design Auction

Auctions, especially at distinguished houses, can be intimidating. And yet they are some of the best sources for great buys. So… Read More

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Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross sti Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross stitched these placemats for my mother YEARS ago when I was living in Switzerland. They have recently come full circle back to me and on this holiday are a lovely reminder of both her and my time spent there. Grounding tablecloth from @heathertaylorhome  @latuilealoup aptware and mini baskets. Flatware from @alain_saint_joanis in my shop and last, but certainly not least, my spectacular handpainted pitcher and glassware set by the talented @margotlar (available by special order through the shop).
Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks are in the nest, the table is set, the tree is decorated. A Merry Christmas Eve to all from our Nantucket home to yours!
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And don’t forget to enter your table in the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest. There are amazing prizes to enhance your tabletop repertoire
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!
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