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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Entertainment

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Entertainment

At the Movies

As many of my twitter friends know, I am at my daughter’s school for Parents’ Weekend today. So in honor… Read More

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Entertainment

At the Movies

Well I’m sure you’ve all guessed by now that today’s movie is horse related. I was of course tempted to… Read More

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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

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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

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Entertainment, Style

At the Movies

In thinking of a royal wedding related movie, there were several obvious options including the famous Fred Astaire classic, Royal… Read More

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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

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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

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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

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Entertainment, Style

At the Movies

As you know, I try, if possible, to coordinate the week’s posts with my movie pick. Since the past few… Read More

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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

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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

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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

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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
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!!
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