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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

At Home in San Patrignano
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in San Patrignano

It’s not often that a casual conversation on social media leads to discovering a remarkable community where the art of fine… Read More

Movies to Celebrate and Start the New Year
Entertainment, Holiday

Movies to Celebrate and Start the New Year

Traditionally, I have posted New Year’s movie suggestions before the calendar turns its last page but with this year’s mid… Read More

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2018
Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2018

As tomorrow is (shockingly) the last day of December, the time has come for the Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2018… Read More

Merry Christmas!
Entertaining, Holiday, Interior design, Tabletop

Merry Christmas!

I meant for this to arrive in your inboxes this morning but with the excitement of having everyone home, guests… Read More

Happy Thanksgiving
Holiday, Interior design

Happy Thanksgiving

While I am always aware at this season how much I have to be thankful for, this year is a… Read More

Summer Entertaining Favorites
Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Nantucket, Tabletop, Travel

Summer Entertaining Favorites

While I edit my shots from my latest Nantucket house tours, I thought I would share an easy summer entertaining… Read More

Friday Favorites – Nantucket On the Go
Food and drink, Nantucket, Travel

Friday Favorites – Nantucket On the Go

This week’s Friday Favorites is a tad late due to the continuing Fourth of July week. With family on island,… Read More

Happy July 4th
Architecture, Holiday, Nantucket, Travel

Happy July 4th

Wishing everyone a very happy July 4th from here on Nantucket, where the appeal of the gray lady is epitomized… Read More

Friday Favorites – Nantucket Natural Beauty
Beauty, Food and drink, Nantucket, Travel

Friday Favorites – Nantucket Natural Beauty

Surrounded by an abundance of nature’s gifts every day, it’s not surprising that there is an emphasis on living healthfully… Read More

Happy Memorial Day
Holiday

Happy Memorial Day

Wishing everyone a very happy Memorial Day! While this weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, it was also a… Read More

Spring 2018 Tabletop Market
Entertaining, Gifts, Interior design, Tabletop

Spring 2018 Tabletop Market

While the Lenox Hill gala has provided inspiration for warmer weather entertaining, the Spring 2018 Tabletop Market offers a glimpse… Read More

Setting the Table with Charlotte Moss
Books, Entertaining, Gifts, Interior design, Tabletop, Video

Setting the Table with Charlotte Moss

Charlotte Moss is not only a celebrated decorator and prolific author but a consummate and creative hostess. And although the… Read More

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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!!
Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. Th Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. 
The Yucatán home of interior designer @laurakirar and architect Richard Frazier @rwf333 is both -  a masterful reflection of its surroundings, where architecture, landscape, light, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.
Tag along for a visit to this extraordinary retreat and discover how years of collecting, collaboration, and creative vision shaped a house that feels deeply connected to its place. LINK IN PROFILE
Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flow Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flowers from my thoughtful husband - all else from my shop (plates coming soon - DM to be notified).
Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fa Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fabulous selection of new and repeat vendors in a spacious new tent ! A few of my faves - some of which didn’t make it in only because I couldn’t get good shots with the crowds! Wonderful to see so many design friends and congrats to @christinajuarezandco and @aspoonfulofbenjamin on an even bigger and better event at the beautiful @springhillvineyards !
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