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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Food and drink

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Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

In perfect harmony with our summer weather, Terry is introducing us today to a special drink of the non-wine variety…. Read More

dsz_cv2
Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

So we switched it up a bit this week. We are making our wine discoveries on Thursday this time. Today,… Read More

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Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

Tomorrow is Bastille Day which means we will be celebrating tout ce qui est français (hope that’s right -my high… Read More

BEHIND THE Q
Fashion, Food and drink, Jewelry

BEHIND THE Q

Welcome to the second BEHIND THE Q, a monthly feature showcasing behind-the-scenes visits with select stylemakers. In entertaining venues, we explore,… Read More

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Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

It’s no secret that I am a big Burgundy fan. And within that region, one of the biggest and most… Read More

wine_04sauvblanc
Entertaining, Food and drink, Style

Wednesday Wine

This week is all about celebrating the 4th of July. So for our Wednesday Wine, Terry has found a way… Read More

ig0702_tart2_lg
Food and drink, Holiday

Food for the 4th

Whenever and wherever you are celebrating the 4th of July (our fireworks are on the 2nd), it’s always fun to… Read More

hot fudge – Version 2
Entertaining, Food and drink, Holiday

Father’s Day Feast

In thinking about what sort of post to write in acknowledgement of Father’s Day this weekend, I realized my husband… Read More

Screen shot 2011-06-14 at 9.35.06 PM
Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

Last week we began our tour of Burgundy with Terry, starting in Paris and working our way down through Beaune… Read More

puligny area
Architecture, Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

As it’s almost summer and some of you may be taking vacations abroad or planning them for the fall, Terry… Read More

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Entertaining, Food and drink, Garden

Six for Spring

Please join me today over at Party Resources. Many of you readers already know Kate and her mother Dixie’s fabulous… Read More

entree_wienerSchnitzel0
Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine (on Thursday)

As the beautiful weather seems to have arrived, we are thinking about what to drink for the approaching summer months…. Read More

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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!
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the glamorous Manhattan maisonette of designer @james_andrew and artist @scottmcbee41 where James magically transformed a characterless prewar apartment into a sparkling jewel box! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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