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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Holiday

Video thumbnail for youtube video rjecj1uf_ri
Design, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

It’s a Wrap Video with Susanna Salk and John Derian

John Derian is one part Charles Dickens, one part Saint-Germain-des-Prés and one part East Village, but 100% authentic. His distinctive and… Read More

Ettore Sottsass sculpture
Art & Antiques, Holiday, Interior design

Celebrating Art at Holiday House

Holiday House is a cause easy to embrace. Founder Iris Dankner’s showhouse, now in its sixth year, celebrates the best… Read More

matisse lithograph
Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Antique & Artisan Christmas Boutique

It’s no secret that the Antique & Artisan Center is one of my favorite local sources for all that is… Read More

The Bishop’s Wife
Entertainment, Holiday

At the Movies | The Bishop’s Wife

Naturally, I love hearing that readers have liked a recommendation. This week The Bishop’s Wife received thumbs up from a… Read More

Thanksgiving tablescape
Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

Happy Thanksgiving

From my home to yours, wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. This year my table started with the… Read More

Picture Perfect Parties
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Picture Perfect Parties

Even though it’s not officially fall, the “season” seems to have already gotten underway with invitations flowing in. How convenient… Read More

le quatorze juillet
Beauty, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Le Quatorze Juillet

So today we recognize Bastille Day, le quatorze juillet, with a little red white and blue, French style. I’ve gathered… Read More

flag of books
Books, Holiday

Happy 4th of July

Wishing everyone a very happy, safe and festive 4th of July! American flag made of books arranged by Thatcher Wine… Read More

Fourth of July
Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

At Ease | Low Key Luxe for the Fourth of July

Starting with this shopping collage for the fourth of July, I am hoping to inaugurate a light summer series entitled… Read More

Ruby Ross Wood room
Food and drink, Holiday

Out and About in NYC with BlogTour and More

It’s a busy design week in New York. As an alumna of the Modenus‘ original BlogTour trip to London in… Read More

Lalique and Deutz
Design, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Coupe or Flute | The Champagne Glass Dilemma

Each year I update this post discussing the age old champagne dilemma, coupe or flute or even tulip with some… Read More

Christmas table
Holiday

Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours

Wishing everyone who celebrates the very Merriest, from our table to yours!!  

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August, stay a while. August, stay a while.
Charleston has a way of drawing people back again Charleston has a way of drawing people back again and again—and homes like this remind us why.
Tag along as designer @michaelmitchelldesigner welcomes us inside his gracious home, where layers of history, thoughtful collecting, and a deeply personal approach to design make every room a reflection of both its owner and the city itself.
LINK IN PROFILE.
One of my favorite things about setting a table is One of my favorite things about setting a table is that it never has to begin from scratch.

The most beautiful tables are collected over time—mixing old favorites with new discoveries, heirlooms with contemporary pieces, and the things you’ve loved for years with something that brings fresh perspective.

For this table, I’ve paired PeterDunham + Hudson Grace’s (@peterdunhamdesign @hudsongracesf ) beautiful salad and bread plates and napkins with Blue Carnation dinner plates, table linens, glassware, and flatware from my shop, alongside a few favorite pieces from my personal collection.

I hope this table is a reminder that you don’t need everything to match—or come from one place. The magic is in the mix. Every new piece should make you fall in love with the pieces you already own all over again.

That’s the joy of collecting—and the beauty of a table that reflects your own story.

Shop the table through link in profile
Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems o Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems on Nantucket for a 2 day trunk show next Thursday and Friday! If on island, do stop by! There will be many new introductions you will be the first to see!!
Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. Th Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. 
The Yucatán home of interior designer @laurakirar and architect Richard Frazier @rwf333 is both -  a masterful reflection of its surroundings, where architecture, landscape, light, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.
Tag along for a visit to this extraordinary retreat and discover how years of collecting, collaboration, and creative vision shaped a house that feels deeply connected to its place. LINK IN PROFILE
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