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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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    • At Home with Dogs and Their Designers: Sharing a Stylish Life
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Food and drink

Behind the Q
Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Behind the Q

I am thrilled to present the debut of BEHIND THE Q, a monthly feature showcasing behind-the-scenes visits with select stylemakers. In… Read More

juliska
Architecture, Books, Food and drink

Cottages & Garden’s Innovation in Design Awards

Connecticut Cottages & Gardens is one of my favorite magazines. It isn’t often that a local publication is as stylish… Read More

malbec-Malbec_grapes
Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

Even though we have been having more than our fair share of spring showers, at least the temperatures have been… Read More

chain close up
Entertainment, Food and drink, Interior design

Supper in the Stable

Going to Churchill Downs this weekend? Have your hat selected? Your picks ready? Lucky you!! But for those of us… Read More

Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Entertaining, Food and drink, Style

Wednesday Wine

This week we are taking a mini sabbatical from wine to pay homage to the upcoming Kentucky Derby. I asked… Read More

rack-of-lamb-su-653552-x
Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

Although the English traditionally love claret (Bordeaux), we thought Kate and William should spread their territorial wings a bit as… Read More

Crabbcakes_Hero
Books, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Royal Wedding Contest

For the last several months, many of us have been following the news of the upcoming royal nuptials. And on… Read More

Unknown
Food and drink

Wednesday Wines

Continuing with our theme of things inspired by the royal wedding, I asked Terry to keep this in mind when… Read More

OB-NE127_winene_G_20110322155318
Food and drink

Wednesday Wines

photo steve pinzon Paul Hobbs wines are some of the most sought after in the country. One of 11 children,… Read More

opus logo
Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

I’m sure most of you have heard of the legendary Opus One. As you may know, it is a partnership between… Read More

wines_01
Entertaining, Food and drink

Wednesday Wine

Last Thursday I had the great pleasure of attending a fabulous tasting dinner with Terry, our wine expert, for Sandrone… Read More

Screen shot 2011-03-23 at 6.46.16 PM
Entertaining, Food and drink, Style

Wednesday Wine

I do of course realize it’s Thursday – we took a little vacation yesterday! And Terry, our wine expert, was… Read More

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Charleston has a way of drawing people back again Charleston has a way of drawing people back again and again—and homes like this remind us why.
Tag along as designer @michaelmitchelldesigner welcomes us inside his gracious home, where layers of history, thoughtful collecting, and a deeply personal approach to design make every room a reflection of both its owner and the city itself.
LINK IN PROFILE.
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).
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