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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Stacey Bewkes

Philip Gorrivan designed bedroom in House Beautiful
Design, Interior design

Small Space Big Style

Every city dweller’s primary design concern is optimizing the small space big style ratio. Perhaps that’s why House Beautiful‘s annual… Read More

hydrangea
Design, Interior design

Thank You Luxe Magazine

What a lovely welcome back this evening from my week in Paris. Firstly, a thank you to Luxe Magazine for… Read More

Ralph restaurant Paris dessert
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Food and drink, Travel

Postcard From Paris

I had hoped to post this yesterday but since we have been very busy out and about, this little postcard… Read More

Travel in style with Audrey Hepburn
Fashion, Travel

Why Don’t You | Travel in Style

Taking my cue from the inimitable Ms. Vreeland and a page from J.J. Martin’s piece in today’s Off Duty section… Read More

Paris Collage
Travel

Off to the City of Lights

So I’ve been waiting to tell you that tomorrow I am off to Paris for the week. My sister and… Read More

soldiers in Anthony Baratta room
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Ronald McDonald House Long Island Project Design 2013

Last week Newel Gallery hosted a pre-construction celebration of The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island Project Design 2013. In… Read More

Stephen Elrod and Aerin Lauder
Interior design

Aerin Lauder for Lee Jofa

Aerin Lauder has been very busy. In addition to her furniture collection for EJ Victor, she has also completed a… Read More

Randall Tysinger Vendome ottoman
Design, Interior design

EJ Victor | Home to AERIN, Ralph Lauren and more

As some of you may remember EJ Victor kindly sponsored my latest trip to High Point Market. Their big news… Read More

Celerie Kemble teal malachite table lamp
Design, Interior design

Celerie Kemble for Henredon & Maitland-Smith continued

While there was a great assortment of furniture, accessories and lighting in the lines Celerie Kemble designed for Henredon and… Read More

celerie kemble leopard boxes
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Celerie Kemble for Henredon

In what seems a perennial state of catch up, I can’t believe it’s already June while I still have collections… Read More

Parisian Delights in CT Cottages and Gardens
Design, Interior design, Travel

Parisian Delights in CT Cottages and Gardens

While I have often contributed to the online edition of CT Cottages and Gardens, I am delighted to report that… Read More

Doyle Herman Greenwich pool and pool house
Architecture, Books, Design, Garden

The Landscape Designs of Doyle Herman

There are some areas of design where I know what I like but have no knowledge of how to achieve… 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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