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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

Favorite Holiday Movies
Entertainment, Holiday

Favorite Holiday Movies

Happy New Year! As everyone is relaxing over the weekend, I thought I would republish this list from last year… Read More

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2015
Food and drink

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2015

It’s time for this year’s edition of what has become an annual tradition here chez Q – the Quintessential Guide to Champagne… Read More

Home for the Holidays
Food and drink, Holiday

Home for the Holidays

While this has been a busy week, there is nothing quite as wonderful as being home for the holidays. The… Read More

Merry Merry
Entertaining, Holiday, Style, Tabletop

Merry Merry

From my table to yours, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

Christmas in Connecticut
Architecture, Holiday, Interior design

Christmas in Connecticut

My friend, designer Lisa Hilderbrand, lives in a renovated 18th century saltbox that each year she transforms into the epitome of Christmas… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Lela Rose
Books, Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

At Home with Susanna Salk and Lela Rose

Lela Rose is not only an acclaimed fashion designer, with eponymous ready-to-wear and bridal collections, but, as seen in her new book, Prêt-à-Party, a passionate… Read More

Tis the Season
Books, Entertaining, Fashion, Gifts, Style, Tabletop

Tis the Season

December is not only the time for making your list and checking it twice but tis the season for gatherings galore. The… Read More

Happy Thanksgiving
Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

Happy Thanksgiving

There are many reasons to be thankful this year but I am always especially appreciative to have my family together for… Read More

Carolyne Roehm for Baccarat Holiday
Design, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Carolyne Roehm for Baccarat Holiday

In our video with Carolyne Roehm at her beautiful Connecticut home, you may remember one moment showing a spectacular crystal chandelier hanging… Read More

A Visit to Weatherstone
Architecture, Food and drink, Garden, Interior design

A Visit to Weatherstone

Thank you all for the many comments and shares here and across social media for Susanna’s and my video visit with… Read More

At Home in the Garden with Carolyne Roehm Video
Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Food and drink, Garden

At Home in the Garden with Carolyne Roehm Video

Carolyne Roehm is as at home in the couturier’s atelier as she is in the kitchen, in the studio or… Read More

Eddie Ross Modern Mix
Books, Design, Food and drink, Interior design

Eddie Ross Modern Mix

As Bunny Williams says in her foreword to Eddie Ross‘ entertaining new tome, Modern Mix, “Eddie takes the hunt to a… 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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