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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Entertainment

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Entertainment, Interior design

To the Manor Born

I am already mourning the end of Downton Abbey. Oh how is it possible that we have in such a… Read More

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Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Entertainment

Lego Love

My daughter is lego obsessed. And I couldn’t be happier. What a wonderful creative outlet for kids. With all her… Read More

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Entertainment

At the Movies

With posts on France, wine and art this week, the perfect movie was easy to choose. It’s a classic that… Read More

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Entertainment

At the Movies

Just can’t get Dame Maggie Smith off my mind. Watching  her brilliant work in Downton Abbey each Sunday night, I… Read More

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Entertainment

At the Movies

I had actually intended to write about a different movie today, but after watching the fabulous first episode of Downton… Read More

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Food and drink

Wine Tasting 101

photo: Thomas D. McAvoy/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images 1952 Wine tastings can be an incredible but also potentially intimidating experience…. Read More

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Entertainment, Fashion

New Wave for Wu

Many fashion designers find inspiration in icons of the past. For example, Milly designer Michelle Smith cited Peggy Guggenheim as… Read More

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Entertainment

At the Movies

Considering my alpine lust lately, one of my old favorites, Downhill Racer, seemed a fitting choice this week. This cult classic… Read More

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Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

For all of you who would rather be on a beach than on the slopes, this wine pick today is… Read More

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Entertainment

Happy New Year

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year! My first resolution is to remind you all to check out the quintessence… Read More

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Entertainment

At the Movies

Many of you will be going out to New Year’s parties this evening. But for those of you celebrating at… Read More

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Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday, Tabletop

Fancy a Flute?

photo from Life Now that we’ve chosen what champagne to drink, we have to decide what to drink it in!… 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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