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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Fashion

rue jacob shop paris
Fashion, Gifts, Travel

Prepping for Paris | Two Faves in the 6th

As I start to prepare for my trip to Paris next week, I rediscovered some summer photos of two shops… Read More

JAR books
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Jewelry

JAR at the Met

Not only is the JAR exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum the first US retrospective of jewelry designer Joel A. Rosenthal’s… Read More

Verdura NYC boutique
Fashion, Gifts, Jewelry

Holiday Shop Picks | Verdura

It’s always a good day when I have a reason to visit Verdura. In their elegant boutique overlooking Fifth Avenue… Read More

Dior Diorette ring
Design, Fashion, Interior design

Preserving the Craft

I realize it was only a few weeks ago that I referenced an article in T Magazine, but this week’s… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video ksna3n8ttds
Fashion, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Scot Meacham Wood

A love of tartan, plaid and the romance of Scotland has earned San Francisco interior designer Scot Meacham Wood a… Read More

Lambertson Truex croc boots
Design, Fashion, Gifts

Lambertson Truex at Privet House

The tiny hamlet of New Preston, CT may be small in square miles (7,39) and population (1,182) but looms large… Read More

Dead Poets Society
Fashion, Travel

Happy Columbus Day

Fall is my favorite season and Columbus Day usually marks the beginning of that crisp autumn air and changing foliage…. Read More

sunglasses at optical shop of westport
Fashion

Shop Talk | Optical Shop of Westport

Eyewear represents the ultimate fusion of form and function. And nowhere is it taken more seriously as both scientific craft… Read More

At Ease, Nantucket via Quintessence
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Travel

At Ease | Nantucket Weekend

I’m sure many of you guessed that this week’s At Ease post would be Nantucket based. Not only is the… Read More

Dr. Armand Versace (whose daughter Lisa was in my class) and Leila Heller,
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion

Artist Rebel Dandy | Men of Fashion at the RISD Museum

Back in the spring I was honored to attend the annual gala benefit for the RISD Museum, celebrating their groundbreaking… Read More

At Ease | Made in Maine
Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

At Ease | Made in Maine

After having just returned from a brief outing at my favorite spot in Maine, it seemed appropriate that this week’s… Read More

sea goddess
Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts

At Ease | Channel Your Inner Sea Goddess

Whether an afternoon or a week, on a sailboat or a motor yacht, summer is the time to channel your… 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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