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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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Interior design

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Books, Design, Interior design

New York D&D Building 2012 Spring Market

I am delighted to announce that I will be reporting today from the D&D Building in NYC for Spring Market…. Read More

Holland-&-Sherry-Bespoke-fireplace-mantel-with-Deyrolle-lobsters
Architecture, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design

Holland & Sherry Bespoke

On a popular street in NYC’s hip Nolita neighborhood, in the most beautiful building on the block, the chicest new… Read More

Point-Architects-table-detail-at-the-Red-Cross-2012-Red-&-White-ball
Entertaining, Food and drink, Interior design, Tabletop

Red Cross Red & White Ball Redux

As with many such tabletop fundraisers, it is impossible to feature all the tables in a single post – hence part… Read More

Works-on-paper-of-kimonos
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Little Augury One Kings Lane Tastemaker Sale

I am pleased to share that two of my favorite sites are joining forces this week for a wonderful sale…. Read More

Olga-Adler-table-detail-for-Greenwich-@012-Red-Cross-ball
Entertaining, Interior design, Tabletop

When Help Can’t Wait: the Red Cross Red & White Ball

On April 28th, the Metro New York North Red Cross held its annual Red & White Ball, one of the largest… Read More

Wesley-Hall-family-friendly
Design, Interior design

High Point Picks – Meet Wesley Hall

As many of you know, I attended High Point through a co-sponsorship between the market and upscale furniture manufacturer Wesley… Read More

John-Marin-watercolors-from-Bernard-Goldberger-Fine-Arts
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Spring Has Sprung at the Park Avenue Armory Arts & Antiques Show

The Art and Antique Dealers League of America Spring Show at the Park Avenue Armory is the best of the… Read More

Allison-Hennessy-and-Christina-Murphy-rooms-from-TradHome-spring-2012-issue
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

New Trads at the Armory Art and Antique Show

Yesterday evening was opening night at the Art and Antique Dealers League of America Spring Show at the Park Avenue… Read More

Bunny-Williams-Pop-Up-Shop-vignette
Design, Interior design

Hopping Over to Bunny’s Pop Up

Many of us are ardent fans of Bunny Williams‘ refined yet oh so livable style. She has had an office,… Read More

Patrick-James-Hamilton-vignette-detail
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

More Style from Design on a Dime

Flair Home designers George Nunno and Jon Maroto have a distinctive super sophisticated eclectic style I adore. With a mix of… Read More

Amanda-Nesbit-Design-on-a-Dime-Barbie
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Ravishing Rooms at Design on a Dime

Design on a Dime is one of the most popular design events in the New York community. Benefiting Housing Works‘… Read More

Wind-Rose-accessories
Design, Interior design

High Point Picks – Wind Rose

Thanks to friend Liz Morten who led me to the Wind Rose showroom in Market Square. She has written about… 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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