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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Design

Shopping the Wharf on Nantucket | SPACE and Scrub Oak
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Gifts, Nantucket, Travel

Shopping the Wharf on Nantucket | SPACE and Scrub Oak

In its third year at 4 Old South Wharf, SPACE has made a name for itself sourcing stylish hand crafted, artistic… Read More

Living Large in Small Spaces | House Beautiful Sneak Peek
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

Living Large in Small Spaces | House Beautiful Sneak Peek

Ever since I saw last year’s Designer Showhouse at Sotheby’s, I knew Max Sinsteden and Catherine Olasky of Olasky & Sinsteden were… Read More

If You’re Heading to London
Art & Antiques, Travel

If You’re Heading to London

This summer’s theme in these parts has clearly settled on travel. Whether extended weekends or weeks long summer idyls, inspiration is everywhere. For… Read More

The Luxury Education Foundation | Ten Years of Innovative Education
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion

The Luxury Education Foundation | Ten Years of Innovative Education

Behind the appeal of many luxury brands is the artistry, craftsmanship and attention to detail that set them apart. But how, in this… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video 2sk2kbi3ymi
Fashion, Gifts

Coach Pups and Doggy Devotion

Not just for years, decades or centuries, but for millennia, humans have been devoted to their dogs. From tiny chihuahuas to… Read More

The Timeless Charm of Hayley Sarno Prints
Art & Antiques

The Timeless Charm of Hayley Sarno Prints

For those of you (and I hope that’s all of you) who follow Susanna Salk’s and my video series, you will… Read More

Gift of Fragrance by Hermès
Fashion, Gifts

Gift of Fragrance by Hermès

When compiling my list earlier this week for June discoveries, I accidentally omitted this wonderful find. Over the years, I have unfortunately… Read More

Discoveries in June
Art & Antiques, Books, Fashion, Garden, Travel

Discoveries in June

If there is going to be a lull in the summer season, it certainly hasn’t started yet. Between interesting shows,… Read More

Traditional Home Sneak Peek in Napa Valley
Architecture, Interior design

Traditional Home Sneak Peek in Napa Valley

California represents the epitome of casual chic and it’s hard to imagine a more enviable laid back lifestyle than in the beautiful Napa… Read More

Spring Design Auction at Christie’s
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Spring Design Auction at Christie’s

The intersection of art and design frequently raises many questions. Is art considered not inherently as important or valuable when it… Read More

Hotel Il Pellicano Turns 50
Books, Travel

Hotel Il Pellicano Turns 50

Hotel Il Pellicano is an iconic Italian destination that has long been on my bucket list. Overlooking the Mediterranean from a promontory on the… Read More

Special Savings in the Final Month at Treillage
Gifts, Interior design

Special Savings in the Final Month at Treillage

Ever since Treillage opened in 1991, Bunny Williams and John Rosselli have been delighting customers with their stylish and unique… Read More

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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!
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).
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