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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Design

At Home with Carolyne Roehm in Charleston
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

At Home with Carolyne Roehm in Charleston

Ever since watching Gone with the Wind as a child, Carolyne Roehm has long had a predilection for the South…. Read More

Frank de Biasi x Christie’s Rockefeller Collection Auction
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Frank de Biasi x Christie’s Rockefeller Collection Auction

The next Christie’s collaboration celebrating the upcoming Peggy and David Rockefeller Collection auction is with designer Frank de Biasi. The… Read More

Lunch with Martha Stewart & Kevin Sharkey at Christie’s
Art & Antiques, Food and drink, Garden, Interior design

Lunch with Martha Stewart & Kevin Sharkey at Christie’s

While the latest nor’easter blew through with a vengeance last week, causing event cancelations and delays, I was delighted to… Read More

The Return of Poiret
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

The Return of Poiret

While today we are accustomed to the close connection between fashion and decor, with designers often crossing the divide, a… Read More

The Sorcerer’s Apprentices Work Their Magic in Milan
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

The Sorcerer’s Apprentices Work Their Magic in Milan

It is a special treat whenever a new project from the extraordinary Studio Peregalli is unveiled. And when it is… Read More

On the Move with a Busy Week in Design
Garden, Gifts

On the Move with a Busy Week in Design

With a busy week in design, I am just catching up with a few highlights I thought you might enjoy…. Read More

Pomellato: Since 1967
Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Fashion, Jewelry

Pomellato: Since 1967

The 60’s ushered in an era that would change forever the cultural and social landscape, particularly for women who discovered… Read More

The Art, Science and Beauty of Time
Art & Antiques, Design, Jewelry

The Art, Science and Beauty of Time

While seemingly at odds, art and science are often inextricably intertwined. And perhaps no place is this more evident than… Read More

The Mystique of the Circus in Art
Art & Antiques

The Mystique of the Circus in Art

In the days before film, television, technology and other modern day distractions, the circus was a popular and egalitarian form… Read More

At Home in Los Angeles With Lulu Powers
Design, Food and drink, Garden, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Los Angeles With Lulu Powers

While celebrity chef and author Lulu Powers is primarily known for her entertaining expertise, her creativity known no bounds. With… Read More

Soane Spring 2018
Design, Interior design

Soane Spring 2018

Twice a year, it has been my privilege to share with you sneak peeks from the beautiful new offerings of… Read More

2018 NYBG Orchid Dinner Continued
Garden, Interior design

2018 NYBG Orchid Dinner Continued

Today we continue our look at more of the beautiful tables from the 2018 NYBG Orchid Dinner. For her lovely… 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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