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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Design

Juliska holiday with paisley and fur
Design, Entertainment, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Local Favorite Juliska at the New York Gift Show

Located not far from me in Connecticut, Juliska is a local design favorite. Their store in Stamford is a constant… Read More

New York Gift Fair collage
Design, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

The New York Gift Show – A Sneak Peek

I spent the entire weekend at the New York Gift Fair. Saturday I perused Pier 94 which is large but… Read More

Letter to the Duke & Duchess of York from Sister Parish
Books, Design, Interior design

Revisiting Sister Parish

I can’t believe it’s been ten years since the publication of the original volume “Sister Parish” by Apple Parish Bartlett… Read More

Jonathan Charles etagere
Design, Interior design, Travel

Trends at Las Vegas World Market Part 2

As we know, interiors tend to follow fashion. Those of you who saw my coverage of fashion week last spring… Read More

Lexington Furniture Althena Chaise
Design, Interior design, Travel

Las Vegas World Market with Traditional Home

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of traveling to Las Vegas with a small group of bloggers sponsored by… Read More

Library-bookcase-in-Libby-Langdon-Fun-Room
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse Finale – Fun Room

Designer Libby Langdon, below, was assigned the largest and perhaps most challenging space at the showhouse. The only unfinished room… Read More

Decorex International
Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Thank You Decorex!

Decorex International, the legendary British interior design show, just announced its #DECOREX100 – a list of the top 100 interior… Read More

Katie Leede and Patrick Lonne
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse Bedroom

Katie Leede‘s rooms always have an alluring artsy edge with an interesting narrative. Her bedroom at the Hampton showhouse is again… Read More

tara_seawright-5094
Design, Fashion, Interior design

2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse Pool Area

My visit to the showhouse included the evening of the opening night party. And thanks to the beautiful weather, everyone… Read More

2011_07_17 Tony 010
Design, Garden, Interior design

2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse Front Garden

Over the next several days, we will be finishing up our look at the Hampton Designer Showhouse. For the weekend,… Read More

Schatzi McLean garden in a Richard Keith Langham project
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Richard Keith Langham’s Country Charm

Richard Keith Langham is decidedly old school. And I mean that as a compliment. It certainly doesn’t imply his designs… Read More

Antony Todd
Architecture, Design, Interior design

The Sixth Annual Hearst Designer Visions

While I plan on enjoying the rest of August, which is already passing way too quickly, I am, at the… Read More

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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).
Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stu Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stunning countryside home of Spanish interior designer @ludovicoporta where he transformed a ruin of an 18th century palazzo into an idyllic weekend retreat ! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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