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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Food and drink

Poggenpohl-+Artesio-kitchen-drawer-details
Design, Food and drink, Interior design

Creative Collaboration: Poggenpohl and Blanco

Along with a few other alumnae of the original BlogTour in London last September, I was invited by Modenus to… Read More

Gilliard Fendant wine
Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Travel

Fancy Some Fondue?

It’s been a slow reentry after the holidays here. I’d become accustomed to the kids’ schedule – late nights playing… Read More

dom perignon oenotheque 93
Food and drink, Holiday

Quintessential Guide to Champagne

In preparation for New Year’s Eve, everyone needs to know at least a little something about champagne. Long time readers… Read More

William Yeoward Bunny Champagne Flute
Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Coupe or Flute?

This is the age old champagne dilemma – coupe, flute or tulip! Last year I wrote about Seth Box, director… Read More

#Jingletweet Countdown Prize No. 1
Books, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

#Jingletweet Treasure

I’m excited to announce that #Jingletweet has finally arrived. For those of you who haven’t been following along via social… Read More

Thanksgiving table setting
Design, Food and drink, Holiday

Happy Thanksgiving

All set (pun intended)!! Just deciding between the flatware! Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday. I am grateful every day… Read More

Food by Brian Lewis at interior design store Pimlico party in New Canaan, Connecticut
Art & Antiques, Design, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Pimlico Premiere

I had actually intended a different post for today but after attending  a festive event celebrating the reopening of New… Read More

dessert at La Grillade
Design, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Gilting the Home

I would imagine most of you readers are already familiar with Gilt and probably Gilt Home. But as of this… Read More

1037530x
Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

Today we get to tag along with Terry as she had a marvelous dinner with Paul Hobbs, one of the… Read More

2002_CabBtl_1
Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

I know soon Terry will be heading out to Napa to take some lucky customers on private tours of select… Read More

horse #9
Entertaining, Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

Lucky Terry is reporting to us from Saratoga this week where she is checking out the racing scene as well… Read More

Screen shot 2011-08-09 at 10.21.06 PM
Entertaining, Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

My spirit of choice is vodka so I was thrilled to hear that Terry had an artisanal New England-made one… Read More

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In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycor In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycorrigan uses a plethora of @benjaminmoore whites to full advantage in his elegant Paris apartment. Full home tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel!
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!

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).
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