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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Gifts

Verdura NYC boutique
Fashion, Gifts, Jewelry

Holiday Shop Picks | Verdura

It’s always a good day when I have a reason to visit Verdura. In their elegant boutique overlooking Fifth Avenue… Read More

Calvin Klein Home Dune scented candles
Entertaining, Gifts, Interior design, Style, Tabletop

Holiday Shop Picks | Calvin Klein Home

The interholiday days are officially here. And that means my eyes are peeled for potential gift picks almost everywhere I… Read More

Lambertson Truex croc boots
Design, Fashion, Gifts

Lambertson Truex at Privet House

The tiny hamlet of New Preston, CT may be small in square miles (7,39) and population (1,182) but looms large… Read More

Howard Slatkin Fifth Avenue apartment
Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Gifts, Interior design

Howard Slatkin on One Kings Lane

For those of you who couldn’t get enough of Howard Slatkin’s amazing Fifth Avenue apartment, I am delighted to report you… Read More

Michael Devine Home cell phone tray
Design, Gifts, Interior design

The Art of Living with Charlotte Moss in the November House Beautiful

To preview the upcoming November House Beautiful, last week a small group was invited to a lovely breakfast at Charlotte… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video zmfgc_xu-oc
Art & Antiques, Gifts, Interior design

In the Studio with Vladimir Kanevsky

When House Beautiful suggested we visit the studio of celebrated porcelain artist Vladimir Kanevsky (who Charlotte Moss chose to feature… Read More

Branca at Bergdorf’s
Books, Design, Gifts, Interior design

Branca at Bergdorfs

Not only has Alessandra Branca launched her fabulous new fabric line with Schumacher, but she also partnered with Bergdorf’s to… Read More

Picture Perfect Parties
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Picture Perfect Parties

Even though it’s not officially fall, the “season” seems to have already gotten underway with invitations flowing in. How convenient… Read More

Matouk Sebastian bed
Design, Gifts, Interior design

NY Now | New Offerings from Old Favorites

Sunday I spent the day perusing the new set up at NY Now (otherwise known as the gift show). It… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video esu4p4lxpha
Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk at Serena & Lily Beach Market

A few weeks ago, Susanna and I traveled out to the Hamptons on behalf of Serena & Lily to visit… Read More

rhubarb cherry hibiscus crumble via food52
Food and drink, Gifts

FOOD52 Provisions

I rarely write about something already published, but today’s  Wall Street Journal Off Duty section included an announcement of Amanda… Read More

At Ease, Nantucket via Quintessence
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Travel

At Ease | Nantucket Weekend

I’m sure many of you guessed that this week’s At Ease post would be Nantucket based. Not only is the… Read More

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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).
Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stu Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stunning countryside home of Spanish interior designer @ludovicoporta where he transformed a ruin of an 18th century palazzo into an idyllic weekend retreat ! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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