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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Stacey Bewkes

Tom Scheerer Book
Books, Design, Interior design

Tom Scheerer Decorates

Tom Scheerer has clearly struck a chord. Already there have been quite a few pieces about this book, even before… Read More

Thibaut bungalow
Interior design

Creative Collaboration | Oomph & Thibaut at NY Now

Sometimes two companies’ visions are so in-synch that a collaboration is almost inevitable. This seems the case with Oomph and… Read More

Matouk Sebastian bed
Design, Gifts, Interior design

NY Now | New Offerings from Old Favorites

Sunday I spent the day perusing the new set up at NY Now (otherwise known as the gift show). It… Read More

Quintessence blog on Lonny
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Garden

Thank you Lonny!

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting friend Michael Devine for a lovely evening on my terrace in Connecticut… Read More

SFERRA ad campainn
Design, Interior design

SFERRA Linens for Fall 2013

I knew time would be tight at NY Now (the new moniker for the NY Gift Show) so last week,… Read More

Suzanne Kasler powder room
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Suzanne Kasler Brings Paris to Connecticut in Veranda

Designer Suzanne Kasler is well known for her sophisticated mix of classic and contemporary and in the upcoming September/October issue… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video esu4p4lxpha
Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk at Serena & Lily Beach Market

A few weeks ago, Susanna and I traveled out to the Hamptons on behalf of Serena & Lily to visit… Read More

rhubarb cherry hibiscus crumble via food52
Food and drink, Gifts

FOOD52 Provisions

I rarely write about something already published, but today’s  Wall Street Journal Off Duty section included an announcement of Amanda… Read More

At Ease, Nantucket via Quintessence
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Travel

At Ease | Nantucket Weekend

I’m sure many of you guessed that this week’s At Ease post would be Nantucket based. Not only is the… Read More

Nantucket sunset via Quintessence
Architecture, Garden, Travel

ACK Attack | Nantucket Getaway

Readers who follow me on instagram and twitter know by my ACK hashtags that I have been on Nantucket this… Read More

C.Z. Guest
Books, Design

C.Z. Guest | American Style Icon

True style icons are few and far between but C.Z. Guest ranks at the top of American qualifiers. More than… Read More

Christopher Maya bedroom in Sept. ’13 House Beautiful
Design, Interior design

Christopher Maya Goes Bold in the House Beautiful Color Issue

The power of color is always well expressed in the annual House Beautiful color issue. And this year is no… 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!

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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