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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Food and drink

Behind the Q
Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Behind the Q

I am thrilled to present the debut of BEHIND THE Q, a monthly feature showcasing behind-the-scenes visits with select stylemakers. In… Read More

juliska
Architecture, Books, Food and drink

Cottages & Garden’s Innovation in Design Awards

Connecticut Cottages & Gardens is one of my favorite magazines. It isn’t often that a local publication is as stylish… Read More

malbec-Malbec_grapes
Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

Even though we have been having more than our fair share of spring showers, at least the temperatures have been… Read More

chain close up
Entertainment, Food and drink, Interior design

Supper in the Stable

Going to Churchill Downs this weekend? Have your hat selected? Your picks ready? Lucky you!! But for those of us… Read More

Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Entertaining, Food and drink, Style

Wednesday Wine

This week we are taking a mini sabbatical from wine to pay homage to the upcoming Kentucky Derby. I asked… Read More

rack-of-lamb-su-653552-x
Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

Although the English traditionally love claret (Bordeaux), we thought Kate and William should spread their territorial wings a bit as… Read More

Crabbcakes_Hero
Books, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Royal Wedding Contest

For the last several months, many of us have been following the news of the upcoming royal nuptials. And on… Read More

Unknown
Food and drink

Wednesday Wines

Continuing with our theme of things inspired by the royal wedding, I asked Terry to keep this in mind when… Read More

OB-NE127_winene_G_20110322155318
Food and drink

Wednesday Wines

photo steve pinzon Paul Hobbs wines are some of the most sought after in the country. One of 11 children,… Read More

opus logo
Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

I’m sure most of you have heard of the legendary Opus One. As you may know, it is a partnership between… Read More

wines_01
Entertaining, Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

Last Thursday I had the great pleasure of attending a fabulous tasting dinner with Terry, our wine expert, for Sandrone… Read More

Screen shot 2011-03-23 at 6.46.16 PM
Entertaining, Food and drink, Style

Wednesday Wine

I do of course realize it’s Thursday – we took a little vacation yesterday! And Terry, our wine expert, was… Read More

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As we start the new year, taking a deep fresh brea As we start the new year, taking a deep fresh breath with inspiration from Spanish designer @ludovicoporta . See how he creates a sense of calm elegance using curated collections and negative space in his magnificent renovated 18th century palacio. Watch the entire house tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel.
Monday blues with an international cadre of artisa Monday blues with an international cadre of artisanal tableware from our @shopqworthy collection. Shop it all through link in profile.
And the winner of the @academia_de_la_mesa table c And the winner of the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest is… (drumroll please!) this extraordinary table by @Monicabardaji!! She entered on the very last day of the competition and completely won us over! With this table, Mónica has managed to create something both modern and classic, using completely unexpected elements. Nothing on the table is unnecessary and yet nothing is missing. The mix of wood and silver is phenomenally chic, the color and size of the flowers are perfect and we found it extremely elegant! It was a tough choice for us judges, as there was strong competition right on her heels!

Mónica is the lucky winner of the best prize we have ever given (what you see in the last photo), consisting of a Limoges porcelain tableware set, Cristóbal Marine, offered by @raynaud_porcelaines; six hand engraved glasses from @artel_glass; six embroidered placemats with their napkins from @noel_lingedemaison_paris; and six Tokyo Noir cutlery sets from @alain_saint_joanis.

All the finalists’ tables were wonderful, each with something that made it extraordinary, and we can only congratulate you on your creativity and craftsmanship!

Congratulations to Mónica as the winner, but also to all the other participants—each of you, with your tables, makes this possible! Over the coming days we will be raffling off the remaining prizes!!

Heartfelt thanks to the “usual” jury (@azarraluqui @amarosanchezdemoya @bea_satrustegui @carmencarooneill @paz_qb @raulromeropress and @vanessacraccoliving) and to our guest stars @bonadeaofficial @casa__lopez @quintessence (honored to be included) and @vioscooking — it has been a fantastic edition! ♥️
In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycor In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycorrigan uses a plethora of @benjaminmoore whites to full advantage in his elegant Paris apartment. Full home tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel!
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).
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