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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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    • Books that I have collaborated on, as photographer, with design author Susanna Salk
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Entertainment

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

Calvin Klein Home Dune scented candles
Entertaining, Gifts, Interior design, Style, Tabletop

Holiday Shop Picks | Calvin Klein Home

The interholiday days are officially here. And that means my eyes are peeled for potential gift picks almost everywhere I… 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

kitchen at zero george
Food and drink, Travel

Sleeping and Eating in Charleston

  Eating in Charleston has become a major league sport. As the NY Times noted in its piece on the… Read More

Urban Electric
Design, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel

Southern Hospitality

Having just returned from my amazing trip to the Charleston, I am organizing both thoughts and photos as I revel… Read More

At Home with Howard Slatkin
Architecture, Books, Design, Food and drink, Interior design

At Home with Howard Slatkin

There aren’t very many New York City apartments these days that could justify an entire book. But then again, there… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video kfmnulizqw0
Entertainment

At the Movies | Proof

Yesterday evening was back to school night at my younger daughter’s school and I was reminded that I never did… 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

Video thumbnail for youtube video h2ty4r6mvgg
Entertainment

At the Movies | The Sapphires

It sometimes seems a tall order to find a movie both you and your children can enjoy. But if you… Read More

Quintessence blog on Lonny
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Garden

Thank you Lonny!

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting friend Michael Devine for a lovely evening on my terrace in Connecticut… Read More

rhubarb cherry hibiscus crumble via food52
Food and drink, Gifts

FOOD52 Provisions

I rarely write about something already published, but today’s  Wall Street Journal Off Duty section included an announcement of Amanda… Read More

At Ease, Nantucket via Quintessence
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Travel

At Ease | Nantucket Weekend

I’m sure many of you guessed that this week’s At Ease post would be Nantucket based. Not only is the… Read More

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A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so c A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so compelling about the home of an artist and collector and @toddmarshard’s is as distinctive and personal as his work @Marshard.Paros . The ceramic artist has filled his stunning home with art and collections gathered over a lifetime. Our latest At Home With is now live - LINK IN PROFILE

Architecture: ALONI | Architects — Elena Terzi @iaveria & Dimitris Popotas
Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this sum Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this summer — filling Instagram feeds, appearing in the pages of The New York Times and garnering attention in publications around the world. Coveted by collectors and a whole new generation of enthusiasts, these iconic baskets are having an undeniable moment. Yet behind all the current excitement is a fascinating story of history, tradition, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Five years ago, I had the privilege of making this film with @Mary_emery_design, Director of Heritage Craft for the @nantuckethistoricalassociation , exploring the history and evolution of Nantucket lightship baskets through the people who know them best. We visited master basket makers Karl and Susan Ottison, Tim Parsons and Nap Plank, and heard about legendary maker José Reyes from his son-in-law, Maurice Gibbs. We also spent time with Nantucket scrimshander Michael Vienneau, whose work illustrates another chapter in the continuing evolution of the basket.

The film was made at the time the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum became affiliated with the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing its extraordinary collection — and the stories and traditions it represents — into the care of the NHA.

With Nantucket baskets now capturing the attention of an entirely new audience, it seemed the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the remarkable makers, history and craftsmanship behind this enduring Nantucket tradition.

Watch the full film at the link in bio.
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
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