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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Design

At Home in Locust Valley with Jeffrey Bilhuber
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design, Video

At Home in Locust Valley with Jeffrey Bilhuber

Designer Jeffrey Bilhuber‘s greatest talent may be informing the past with a bold confidence that feels just right for today…. Read More

At Home in New York City with Timothy Whealon
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Video

At Home in New York City with Timothy Whealon

While designer Timothy Whealon may have begun his career on Wall Street, his love of the fine and decorative arts… Read More

Adventures in Los Angeles
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Adventures in Los Angeles

Thank you to those who checked in during my absence here. Delighted to be missed and you will (I hope)… Read More

At Home in London with Lulu Lytle
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in London with Lulu Lytle

While Lulu Lytle originally dreamed of becoming an Egyptologist, her current role as cofounder and creative director of Soane Britain… Read More

NYBG 2019 Orchid Dinner
Garden, Interior design

NYBG 2019 Orchid Dinner

It is always a pleasure, in the midst of winter, to visit a room abloom in a profusion of orchids…. Read More

Rebecca Redux
Architecture, Books, Interior design

Rebecca Redux

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again… Many of you will recognize those evocative words from one of… Read More

Setting the Table with Cathy Graham
Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Video

Setting the Table with Cathy Graham

Cathy Graham‘s party invites have always been some of the most coveted on the upper east side of New York… Read More

2019 Young Collectors Night
Art & Antiques

2019 Young Collectors Night

This Thursday evening marked the 2019 Young Collectors Night at The Winter Show. Focusing on a new generation of art… Read More

The Colorful Pattern Filled World of Henry Wilson
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design, Travel

The Colorful Pattern Filled World of Henry Wilson

Yesterday, when single digits here in New England shocked us into acknowledging that winter was just getting started, a post by… Read More

Nantucket Historical Association at the 2019 Winter Show
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Nantucket

Nantucket Historical Association at the 2019 Winter Show

While many visit Nantucket for its beautiful beaches, charming cobblestone streets and rose covered cottages, those of us who annually… Read More

The Winter Show 2019
Art & Antiques, Interior design

The Winter Show 2019

Building on the success of last year’s more vibrantly decorated booths, The Winter Show (the new name has lost “Antiques”… Read More

Join Us Around the World and At Home
Interior design, Travel

Join Us Around the World and At Home

While Susanna and I have often spoken together at private events and clubs across the country, we have never spoken… 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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