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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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Gifts

dunes & duchess
Gifts, Interior design

Design on a Dime

Last Thursday evening I attended the Design on a Dime opening night party to benefit Housing Works. This was the seventh… Read More

dress
Gifts, Interior design

Tabletop Royalty

For those wondering what to get the royal couple, Kate and William have asked guests to make donations to selected… 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

seda
Gifts, Interior design

Exciting News!

As some of you know, I have been very lucky lately here in the blogosphere. So lucky that I am… Read More

last bag
Fashion, Garden, Gifts

Spring Synergy

Last Friday I went to shop for some pieces to liven up my spring wardrobe. I walked into Richards in… Read More

Singerie Chic
Art & Antiques, Books, Gifts, Jewelry

Singerie Chic

There is something about monkeys that people find irresistible. Have you ever noticed how often they appear in art, both… Read More

Screen shot 2011-02-09 at 11.28.44 PM
Books, Gifts, Holiday

Books for Lovers

What a fun evening I had yesterday at Assouline’s social media event at their charming shop at the Plaza. I… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video q1cftmdjkym
Art & Antiques, Books, Entertainment, Food and drink, Gifts, Travel

Year of the Rabbit

As everyone now knows, this is the year of the rabbit, the 4th animal in the 12-year cycle of the… Read More

Screen shot 2010-12-29 at 6.17.10 PM
Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday, Tabletop

Fancy a Flute?

photo from Life Now that we’ve chosen what champagne to drink, we have to decide what to drink it in!… Read More

Screen shot 2010-12-26 at 6.39.37 PM
Books, Gifts, Interior design

Booking It

As you can imagine, I had many books on my Christmas list and luckily Santa obliged!! But Santa is a… Read More

Screen shot 2010-12-22 at 7.25.53 PM
Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design, Jewelry

Gold and Silver

No matter what sort of decorative theme you have going for the holidays this year, here is one that never… Read More

pitcher
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Style

Wednesday Wines – Gifts for the Wine Lover

Instead of discussing a wine today, I would like to introduce you to a wonderful company that carries fabulous gifts… Read More

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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).
Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fa Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fabulous selection of new and repeat vendors in a spacious new tent ! A few of my faves - some of which didn’t make it in only because I couldn’t get good shots with the crowds! Wonderful to see so many design friends and congrats to @christinajuarezandco and @aspoonfulofbenjamin on an even bigger and better event at the beautiful @springhillvineyards !
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