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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Architecture

A Day at Château de Fontainebleau
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design, Travel

A Day at Château de Fontainebleau

Whereas many chateaux are associated primarily with a particular resident or royal, Chateau de Fontainebleau represents almost 1,000 years of… Read More

Christmas in Connecticut
Architecture, Holiday, Interior design

Christmas in Connecticut

My friend, designer Lisa Hilderbrand, lives in a renovated 18th century saltbox that each year she transforms into the epitome of Christmas… Read More

Parish-Hadley Tree of Life Celebration at the Antique and Artisan Gallery
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

Parish-Hadley Tree of Life Celebration at the Antique and Artisan Gallery

There is no question that Parish-Hadley Tree of Life is a must-have volume for any interior design aficionado. Authored by distinguished alumni… Read More

A Milan Townhouse Mix of Old and New
Architecture, Interior design

A Milan Townhouse Mix of Old and New

The holiday festivities have begun and while I certainly enjoy celebrating with the design community, it doesn’t always leave time for… Read More

Beth Webb at Greystone Mansion Maison de Luxe
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Beth Webb at Greystone Mansion Maison de Luxe

Adjoining Nina Campbell’s bedroom for Mr. Doheny, designer Beth Webb of Beth Webb Interiors created a tranquil retreat for the woman… Read More

A Visit to Weatherstone
Architecture, Food and drink, Garden, Interior design

A Visit to Weatherstone

Thank you all for the many comments and shares here and across social media for Susanna’s and my video visit with… Read More

Catching Up on the Road
Architecture, Interior design, Travel

Catching Up on the Road

I am on the road again and despite my best intentions, time did not allow for a full post. I… Read More

Timothy Corrigan at Maison de Luxe 2015
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Timothy Corrigan at Maison de Luxe 2015

With a breathtaking setting overlooking Beverly Hills, Greystone Mansion is the spectacular location for the 2015 Luxe Magazine Maison de Luxe Designer Showhouse. A magnificent example… Read More

Luxe Magazine Greystone Mansion Showhouse Sneak Peek
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Luxe Magazine Greystone Mansion Showhouse Sneak Peek

This week designers have been putting the finishing touches on their rooms in the Luxe Magazine Greystone Mansion Showhouse. The… Read More

Design Leadership Summit in Los Angeles
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Travel

Design Leadership Summit in Los Angeles

Last week the Design Leadership Summit marked its tenth anniversary with an impressive line up of events in Los Angeles. Now over… Read More

Lake Como and Beyond | Italy Redux
Architecture, Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Lake Como and Beyond | Italy Redux

There is only so much I can put in a post without it becoming overwhelming and unwieldy. While I hope… Read More

October Inspiration Overload
Architecture, Books, Interior design

October Inspiration Overload

The lazy days of summer seem long gone as fall has shifted into high gear. October inspiration is already on… 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).
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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