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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Design

Sneak Peek – Soane Spring 2017 Launch
Interior design

Sneak Peek – Soane Spring 2017 Launch

As we all avidly anticipate the arrival of spring, we can also look forward to the hatching of new collections…. Read More

The Circle Game
Entertainment, Fashion, Gifts

The Circle Game

I get email pitches for a wide variety of products, many of which have no relevance to subjects that I cover here…. Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Sara Ruffin Costello
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

At Home with Susanna Salk and Sara Ruffin Costello

As the founding Creative Director of the original beloved Domino magazine, Sara Ruffin Costello proved she knew a thing or… Read More

Renovation Inspiration
Architecture, Interior design

Renovation Inspiration

While we all juggle our lives with multiple projects and activities in the works, this was a week particularly full of multitasking so… Read More

Obeetee & Tarun Tahiliani – Proud to be Indian
Design, Fashion, Interior design

Obeetee & Tarun Tahiliani – Proud to be Indian

India is renowned as a leading source for the finest embroidery in the world with a centuries long heritage of textile and weaving… Read More

NYBG 2017 Orchid Dinner
Interior design

NYBG 2017 Orchid Dinner

Today we take a final look at more of the fantastic tables from the NYBG 2017 Orchid Dinner. And don’t… Read More

At Home With Alexa Hampton in Manhattan
Design, Interior design

At Home With Alexa Hampton in Manhattan

Designer Alexa Hampton needs no introduction. With a successful interiors career since 1998 as owner and president of her father’s legendary… Read More

NYBG Orchid Dinner 2017
Interior design

NYBG Orchid Dinner 2017

It may have been a week of frigid temperatures and snowfall but on Wednesday evening we went to the tropics… Read More

Shop Talk: The New KRB
Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design

Shop Talk: The New KRB

Kate Rheinstein Brodsky has design and shopkeeping in her blood. Her mother is celebrated designer Suzanne Rheinstein who also owns… Read More

Eclectic Chic in Nashville
Design, Interior design, Travel

Eclectic Chic in Nashville

This past weekend was the annual Antiques & Garden Show in Nashville, where last year I was honored to moderate a… Read More

Metallics and Geometry of the Cosmos
Interior design

Metallics and Geometry of the Cosmos

In case you were puzzled by the title of this post, let me assure you it does not refer to new… Read More

Paris Deco Off 2017 Color and Pattern
Interior design, Travel

Paris Deco Off 2017 Color and Pattern

Of the colorful and pattern laden fabrics of the Paris Deco Off 2017 collections, many were conceived from travel and nature inspired sources…. 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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