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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

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

William Yeoward Bunny Champagne Flute
Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Coupe or Flute?

This is the age old champagne dilemma – coupe, flute or tulip! Last year I wrote about Seth Box, director… Read More

Quintessence blog Christmas table
Design, Entertainment, Holiday, Interior design

Merry Christmas

As some of you know, I’ve been obsessing over tartan this fall and I am thrilled that I finally have… Read More

paris-apartment-design-ideas-deniot-0511-01
Architecture, Interior design

Thank You Elle Decor – My Favorite Space

Yesterday Elle Decor featured 30 design insiders’ picks for their favorite ELLE Decor Rooms of 2011. I was thrilled to… 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

Christmas in Connecticut
Architecture, Interior design

Christmas in Connecticut

The season is certainly upon us and everyone seems to be in the spirit this year. The stores are crowded,… Read More

Global Lighting Illuminated
Interior design

Global Lighting Illuminated

How propitious that my guest post for Global Lighting appeared on the day that I am recovering from our fabulous… Read More

New England Home Magazine
Design, Interior design

An Evening with the Keno Brothers

Come visit me over at New England Home Magazine today where I’m chatting about the fun and enlightening evening I… Read More

Martyn Lawrence Bullard Live, Love & Decorate
Books, Design, Gifts, Interior design

Holiday Book Briefs

As I mentioned in my Katie Ridder Homes review, I was honored that my local book emporium, Barrett Bookstore has… Read More

Sandy and David Goodkind’s Stony Creek, CT home
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Moonlighting at New England Home

Since 2005, New England Home Magazine has been showcasing great regional architecture and design. Its upscale approach to inspiring and wide… 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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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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