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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Art & Antiques

Wood shop clocks
Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design

Wood Shop

This past week I visited the fun concept store, Wood Shop, in NoLIta. The brainchild  of David Stark, the art… Read More

Natural Curiosities’ Paper Rose Bed
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

New York Gift Show Finale

I would imagine many of you are familiar with Belgian designer Serge de Troyer and his Miami based company. His… Read More

Mr. Brown Pearl Chair
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

New York Gift Fair Finds II

While I couldn’t possibly write about all the wonderful vendors I saw at the New York Gift Show, I thought… Read More

Ravensburger dragon 1,000 piece dragon puzzle
Art & Antiques, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Happy Chinese New Year

Today is the beginning of the new lunar year in China. As the most important holiday in the country, people… Read More

Studio Peregalli home on Lake maggiore
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

The Invention of the Past

I received many beautiful design and coffee table books for Christmas this year (a few admittedly from me to me)…. Read More

Walton Ford print at Peter Fasano’s house
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Road Trip: Peter Fasano

I have long been a fan of Peter Fasano‘s appealing fabrics and wallpapers, so when designer friend Mally Skok (below)… Read More

Dale May’s X-Ray Trooper Lightbox in his Lego Star Wars show at the Samuel Owen gallery in Greenwich, CT
Art & Antiques

Dale May: Lego Star Wars at Samuel Owen

It’s no secret here that I love Legos. And clearly so does photographer Dale May. What a fun evening I… Read More

Grande Singerie by Christophe Huet in the Petit Chateau at Chantilly
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Exotic Taste

It is almost impossible to have an interest in interiors and the decorative arts and not be fascinated by Chinoiserie… Read More

Arcimboldo_Vertumnus_1590AD
Art & Antiques

Arcimboldo Redux – Klaus Enrique Gerdes Photography

Four years ago when photographer Klaus Enrique Gerdes was working on a series depicting different parts of human anatomy, he was… Read More

Maurice Sandoz Fabergé Imperial Peacock
Art & Antiques, Design

Mechanical Wonders – the Collection

There are really no words to express the exquisite beauty and incredibly intricate craftsmanship of the Sandoz collection on exhibit… Read More

parmigiani breakfast at blt
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Jewelry

Mechanical Wonders – the History

Several weeks ago I attended a marvelous event that represented the epitome of creative collaboration. Beginning with a shared passion… Read More

Tania Vartan Verre Eglomise
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Tania Vartan: Coming Full Circle

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting John Rosselli’s showroom to see the new fabric line… Read More

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In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycor In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycorrigan uses a plethora of @benjaminmoore whites to full advantage in his elegant Paris apartment. Full home tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel!
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).
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