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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

Living Large in Small Spaces | House Beautiful Sneak Peek
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

Living Large in Small Spaces | House Beautiful Sneak Peek

Ever since I saw last year’s Designer Showhouse at Sotheby’s, I knew Max Sinsteden and Catherine Olasky of Olasky & Sinsteden were… Read More

Traditional Home Sneak Peek in Napa Valley
Architecture, Interior design

Traditional Home Sneak Peek in Napa Valley

California represents the epitome of casual chic and it’s hard to imagine a more enviable laid back lifestyle than in the beautiful Napa… Read More

Spring Design Auction at Christie’s
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Spring Design Auction at Christie’s

The intersection of art and design frequently raises many questions. Is art considered not inherently as important or valuable when it… Read More

Special Savings in the Final Month at Treillage
Gifts, Interior design

Special Savings in the Final Month at Treillage

Ever since Treillage opened in 1991, Bunny Williams and John Rosselli have been delighting customers with their stylish and unique… Read More

Decorate Fearlessly and Designing Paradises book signing at Day of Design
Design, Interior design, Travel

Day of Design 2015

Based on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Day of Design is returning this year on Saturday, June… Read More

Design Video Update
Garden, Interior design, Travel

Design Video Update

I’ve been so busy trying to keep you up to date with my latest inspiration and finds, that I hadn’t realized… Read More

A Day in Venice
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel

A Day in Venice

Nobody knows how to give good travel recommendations better than a local. And when that local is the head of a… Read More

Summer Travel Inspiration from Italy
Fashion, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel

Summer Travel Inspiration from Italy

While it isn’t even officially summer, the Memorial Day weekend has clearly marked the onset of summer travel. Already I’ve been… Read More

Luxe Minimalism at Christian Liaigre
Books, Design, Interior design

Luxe Minimalism at Christian Liaigre

Christian Liaigre has been busy. Several months ago I stopped by the stunning NYC showroom to see the new spring collection. In… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video hpm3pyg9yoa
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

A Video Journey of Four Rooms at the Kips Bay Showhouse 2015

The Kips Bay Showhouse 2015 edition is celebrating its 43rd year and the 100th year of its beneficiary organization, the Kips Bay… Read More

Pierre Frey Inspiring Interiors
Books, Design, Interior design

Pierre Frey Inspiring Interiors

Since 1935, Pierre Frey has been inspiring interiors around the world with their exquisite fabrics and wallpapers. Known for successfully weaving… Read More

Celerie Kemble and Bronson Van Wyck Set for Summer at Michael C Fina
Entertainment, Interior design

Celerie Kemble and Bronson Van Wyck Set for Summer at Michael C Fina

Just in time to kick off summer entertaining this Memorial Day weekend, designer Celerie Kemble and event planner Bronson Van Wyck celebrated… 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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