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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Entertainment

puligny area
Architecture, Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

As it’s almost summer and some of you may be taking vacations abroad or planning them for the fall, Terry… Read More

eliza
Books, Entertaining, Fashion

Lunch with Jamee at J. McLaughlin

Last week I attended a fun book signing/luncheon event at the new J. McLaughlin store in Westport. Unlike the other… Read More

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Entertaining, Food and drink, Garden

Six for Spring

Please join me today over at Party Resources. Many of you readers already know Kate and her mother Dixie’s fabulous… Read More

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Entertainment

At the Movies

It seems that summer has finally found us. Several conversations I’ve had recently with friends online have involved their upcoming… Read More

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Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine (on Thursday)

As the beautiful weather seems to have arrived, we are thinking about what to drink for the approaching summer months…. Read More

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

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Holiday

Happy Memorial Day

Hope you are all enjoying the long weekend. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow for the debut of BEHIND… Read More

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Entertainment

At the Movies

Since I think many of us regard Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial beginning of summer, I wanted to pick… 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

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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

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Entertainment, Interior design

Traditional Home Presents Lee Jofa’s Heritage Collection

Although today is usually Wednesday Wine, there has been so much happening at Blogfest, I felt the need to catch… Read More

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Books, Entertainment, Fashion, Interior design, Jewelry

Royal Wedding Redux

For those of you who followed our Royal Wedding contest, you can now enjoy a taste of the festivities vicariously!!… 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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