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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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Food and drink

darien cheese 3
Food and drink

The Cheese Stands Alone

In my food universe, Ken Skovron is the big cheese. As the owner of Darien Cheese, Ken is one of… Read More

Lunch at Lamothe-thumb-560×403-584
Entertaining, Food and drink, Holiday

Wednesday Wine

For today’s Wednesday Wine, I asked Quintessence’s resident expert Terry Rogers of Horseneck Wines in Greenwich, to suggest some wines… Read More

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Entertaining, Food and drink, Holiday

Follow Me

Surprise! My Monday musings will not be located here today. The lovely Kate from Party Resources, the well respected event… Read More

tea with cary
Entertainment, Food and drink, Interior design

Skating with Mr. Grant

My favorite scene in The Bishop’s Wife, my At the Movies pick yesterday, is when Cary Grant and Loretta Young… Read More

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Food and drink, Gifts

Wednesday Wine

Aren’t you happy it’s Wednesday now? Last week I mentioned our exciting new collaboration with  Horseneck Wines in Greenwich. Well… Read More

my thanksgiving table
Entertaining, Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design, Tabletop

Happy Thanksgiving

From my home to yours. Here is where we will be having our meal later today. I wish you, dear… Read More

1670890-orange-setting-xl
Entertainment, Food and drink, Interior design

Turkey Tabletop

Before we are catapulted into the “big” holiday of the season, I wanted to pay un petit homage to, what… Read More

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Food and drink

The Bad Boy of Bordeaux

I am thrilled to announce Quintessence’s new collaboration. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Horseneck Wines in Greenwich,… Read More

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Art & Antiques, Food and drink, Travel

The Swiss Are Coming! The Swiss Are Coming!

Switzerland is an understated place. This small landlocked country is not prone to outward displays of exuberance or extravagance. You… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video mw10g6-tfqg
Food and drink

Stellar Stella

I love a great marketing campaign. There are so many bad commercials out there that when you see something special… Read More

criterion
Entertainment, Fashion, Food and drink

Waris Wares

If you are going to be in NYC this week, you might want to stop by an intriguing pop-up store… Read More

wine cellar hall
Architecture, Food and drink, Interior design

Gil Schafer – In Vino Veritas

I don’t need any wine to speak the truth about this project. It’s simply spectacular. If you were to plan… Read More

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Follow

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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