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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Design

New Digs for Newel
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

New Digs for Newel

As a source of decorative and fine arts for both the entertainment and design/antiques industry, Newel has been an insider’s choice… Read More

The Brilliant Beauty of Belperron
Books, Fashion, Gifts, Jewelry

The Brilliant Beauty of Belperron

It was in the 1960’s and early 70’s, when Ward Landrigan, then head of Sotheby’s jewelry department, first spied the distinctive work… Read More

Christmas in Connecticut
Architecture, Holiday, Interior design

Christmas in Connecticut

My friend, designer Lisa Hilderbrand, lives in a renovated 18th century saltbox that each year she transforms into the epitome of Christmas… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Lela Rose
Books, Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

At Home with Susanna Salk and Lela Rose

Lela Rose is not only an acclaimed fashion designer, with eponymous ready-to-wear and bridal collections, but, as seen in her new book, Prêt-à-Party, a passionate… Read More

The Legacy of Luxury Linens at E. Braun and Jesurum
Interior design

The Legacy of Luxury Linens at E. Braun and Jesurum

Luxury linens are a pleasure that easily enhance your life every single day. Especially as the winter days get short, it can be… Read More

The Exciting New Drake + Anderson
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

The Exciting New Drake + Anderson

While I am frequently touting the stylish mix of the well established with the new, I am not normally referring to… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Windsor Smith
Interior design, Travel

At Home with Susanna Salk and Windsor Smith

Windsor Smith embraces a style that melds modern living with old fashioned values. While she crafts luxurious homes with elegant interiors,… Read More

Tis the Season
Books, Entertaining, Fashion, Gifts, Style, Tabletop

Tis the Season

December is not only the time for making your list and checking it twice but tis the season for gatherings galore. The… Read More

Parish-Hadley Tree of Life Celebration at the Antique and Artisan Gallery
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

Parish-Hadley Tree of Life Celebration at the Antique and Artisan Gallery

There is no question that Parish-Hadley Tree of Life is a must-have volume for any interior design aficionado. Authored by distinguished alumni… Read More

Winter Antiques Show 2016
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Winter Antiques Show 2016

While our focus may be on the upcoming holidays, treats in the new year will include the prestigious Winter Antiques… Read More

A Milan Townhouse Mix of Old and New
Architecture, Interior design

A Milan Townhouse Mix of Old and New

The holiday festivities have begun and while I certainly enjoy celebrating with the design community, it doesn’t always leave time for… Read More

Mathilde Nivet and the Art of Paper
Art & Antiques

Mathilde Nivet and the Art of Paper

With the holidays upon us, window displays are front and center. From Bergdorf’s legendary masterpieces to the many brands that spare… 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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