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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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    • Books that I have collaborated on, as photographer, with design author Susanna Salk
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Books

A Look at How They Decorated with Author P. Gaye Tapp
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Fashion, Interior design

A Look at How They Decorated with Author P. Gaye Tapp

It was no surprise when long time blogging friend, decorator and now author, Gaye Tapp  shared her book idea for How They… Read More

Wallpaper Wizardry | The Schumacher Library of Wallcovering
Books, Interior design

Wallpaper Wizardry | The Schumacher Library of Wallcovering

My love of wallpaper is no secret and I was intrigued as Schumacher hinted on their Instagram feed (@Schumacher1889) about… Read More

Villa Astor
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design, Travel

Villa Astor

The subtitle of the beautiful new book on Villa Astor says it all – “Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast.”… Read More

The Garden of Peter Marino
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Garden

The Garden of Peter Marino

As summer is in full swing, and Garden Conservancy Open Days and special events are offering glimpses into normally private domains,… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Muriel Brandolini
Architecture, Books, Interior design, Travel

At Home with Susanna Salk and Muriel Brandolini

Few summer retreats are as well known as Long Island’s Hamptons. In communities where artists and writers, fishermen and farmers… Read More

Signature Spaces by Paolo Moschino & Philip Vergeylen
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

Signature Spaces by Paolo Moschino & Philip Vergeylen

“Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.” Jean Cocteau’s perceptive aphorism opens Signature Spaces with a taste of what… Read More

Prepping for Paris
Books, Food and drink, Travel

Prepping for Paris

Next week marks the start of the design shows in Paris as well as the second edition of our Ancien… Read More

Foraged Flora – A New Vision for the Art of the Arrangement
Books, Design

Foraged Flora – A New Vision for the Art of the Arrangement

As we enter the new year, it seems the perfect time to share Louesa Roebuck’s wholly original and fresh vision on plants… Read More

David Monn The Art of Celebrating
Books, Holiday, Interior design

David Monn The Art of Celebrating

Tis the season and as we all plan our holiday celebrations, there is no better place to look for inspiration… Read More

Amelia Handegan Rooms
Architecture, Books, Interior design

Amelia Handegan Rooms

I have met Amelia Handegan on several occasions and like her work, she is understated, accomplished and full of surprises…. Read More

Interior Design Master Class
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design

Interior Design Master Class

While there are many beautiful design books on the market that are inspirational, some with tips and hints, none has approached… Read More

At Home in the Hudson Valley with Ted Kennedy Watson
Art & Antiques, Books, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in the Hudson Valley with Ted Kennedy Watson

Since 1998 Ted Kennedy Watson has been helping customers make their homes and lives more beautiful through his two popular Watson Kennedy shops… 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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