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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Art & Antiques

cabana magazine
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

The Globetrotting Sophistication of Cabana Magazine

In this era of consolidation, cutting corners and mass market mentality, it is a rare pleasure to come across a unique… Read More

John Richard at NYDC
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

A Day of Design at the Mayflower Grace

Next Saturday, June 14th, I am delighted to be participating in the first ever Day of Design at one of… Read More

Pierre Frey Broderie
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Welcome Back to the 18th Century at the Louvre

Next week marks the reemergence of the 18th century at the Louvre. In the north wing of the museum’s Cour… Read More

Pierre Soulages
Art & Antiques

Pierre Soulages Returns to New York

According to art critic Brooks Adams, who spoke several weeks ago at the preview of the Pierre Soulages show being… Read More

Nick Olson, Tilton Fenwick and Sara Gilbane
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Designers’ Picks From the Christie’s 20th Century Decorative Art & Design Auction

Auctions, especially at distinguished houses, can be intimidating. And yet they are some of the best sources for great buys. So… Read More

Doug Meyer Legends window
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design, Travel

A Fountainhead Fantasy by Doug Meyer at Legends

The best gathering at Legends was no doubt in Doug Meyer’s brilliant window installation for Dragonette, sponsored by the Palos Verdes Art… Read More

bespoke chocolates at Dragonette
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Jewelry, Travel

The Art of Vintage and Modern at Dragonette

What do resourceful designers do when they can’t find what they want? Why they make it themselves of course. Befitting… Read More

Veranda finale party at Legends 2014
Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design

Making the Rounds at La Cienega Legends 2014

Every year the word spreads wider. La Cienega Legends 2014 was hopping with packed standing-room-only venues for all three days…. Read More

la cienega design quarter legends 2014
Art & Antiques, Design, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel

La Cienega Design Quarter Legends

It’s been a whirlwind few days here at the La Cienega Design Quarter Legends 2014 edition. In the beautiful California… Read More

Madeline Stuart LCDQ Legends Window for Compas
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

First Peek at LCDQ Legends Windows

I am excited to be reporting from Los Angeles as a Legends Ambassador for one of my favorite annual design… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video 7m0zmrooeti
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

Kips Bay Showhouse 2014 Video Tour

Almost everyone has agreed that this year’s Kips Bay Showhouse is one of the best in years. Set in the… Read More

Veranda Magazine Look Book May/June
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Jewelry

Sneak Peek at What’s New in Veranda Magazine

As the new May/ June Veranda Magazine is about to hit mailboxes and newsstands, I was delighted to recently meet with editor-in-chief… Read More

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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!
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the glamorous Manhattan maisonette of designer @james_andrew and artist @scottmcbee41 where James magically transformed a characterless prewar apartment into a sparkling jewel box! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stu Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stunning countryside home of Spanish interior designer @ludovicoporta where he transformed a ruin of an 18th century palazzo into an idyllic weekend retreat ! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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