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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Design

Behind the Scenes of Final Portrait with Christies
Art & Antiques

Behind the Scenes of Final Portrait with Christies

Talented and charismatic, Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti was also obsessed, possessed and a perfectionist. And it is this last characteristic… Read More

2017 What’s New What’s Next
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

2017 What’s New What’s Next

A big thank you to all who came to Kindel for my chat at the with designers Sasha Bikoff, Phillip… Read More

Delvaux Brillant
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion

Delvaux Brillant

When you think of Belgium, french fries, beer, chocolate and Brussel sprouts may come to mind, their famous decor style,… Read More

At Home and in the Garden with Juan Montoya
Architecture, Garden, Interior design, Video

At Home and in the Garden with Juan Montoya

With projects around the globe, Columbian born architect and interior designer Juan Montoya is well known for his restrained yet… Read More

Gucci Décor at Bergdorf’s
Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design

Gucci Décor at Bergdorf’s

It was only a matter of time before the brilliant Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele applied his talents to the… Read More

See You at NYDC What’s New What’s Next
Design, Interior design

See You at NYDC What’s New What’s Next

Next week, the fall design season kicks off with the always hopping and popular NYDC What’s New What’s Next. Throughout… Read More

Sneak Peek – Soane Fall 2017
Design, Interior design

Sneak Peek – Soane Fall 2017

The French have a great expression for this time of year – la rentrée, signaling the re-entry to regularly scheduled… Read More

The Power of Pearls
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Jewelry

The Power of Pearls

In the September/October special 30th anniversary issue of Veranda (which we will revisit), the style section’s Objects of Desire celebrates… Read More

At Home in Atlanta with Suzanne Kasler
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

At Home in Atlanta with Suzanne Kasler

Designer Suzanne Kasler finds inspiration wherever she goes. Whether it is les Puces in Paris, the fashionable windows on Madison… Read More

The Story Behind the Style: Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

The Story Behind the Style: Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa

It always seems to come down to the story behind the style. Without that, there is no substance, no narrative,… Read More

Greydon House Nantucket
Architecture, Design, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Greydon House Nantucket

Nantucket is a small island brimming with charm and character, due in no small part to the island’s vigilance in… Read More

Nantucket Favorite Friday Finds VII
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Nantucket Favorite Friday Finds VII

With its modern organic vibe, Coastal is a long time Nantucket favorite. Founded by ex-Calvin Klein fashion executive Karen Fisher,… 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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