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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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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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