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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Holiday

Santa
Holiday

A Note From Santa’s Workshop

Just reminding myself why I’ve been sequestered in Santa’s workshop all weekend with no time to catch up around here…. Read More

bishop’s wife
Entertainment, Holiday

At the Movies

I had another holiday move I intended to review today, but due to a tight schedule, just didn’t have a… Read More

Treillage Swedish clock with paperwhites
Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Tis the Season at Treillage

I may be a bit lagging in my holiday preparations but it most definitely tis the season at Treillage. I… Read More

Decorators Club Lecture Series
Design, Holiday, Interior design

The Decorators Club NYC

The Decorators Club, founded in 1914, was organized by 38 original members. Meeting in the home of Gertrude Gheen Robinson,… Read More

Holiday-picks-at-The-Summer-House_mini
Design, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Shop Small Saturday Surprise

I try to support small local businesses whenever I can. Not only do these establishments play a vital role in creating… Read More

Thanksgiving florals_mini
Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

Happy Thanksgiving

There is always much to be thankful for at this time of year – family and friends, health, and this… Read More

baccarat at designing greenwich with Zenith candleabra
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Designing Greenwich Preview

This weekend premieres Designing Greenwich, an exciting new venue here in Connecticut. Upscale local publication Connecticut Cottages and Gardens,  with… Read More

Inson Wood
Art & Antiques, Design, Holiday, Interior design

Holiday House 2012 | Inson Dubois Wood

While I enjoy a wide spectrum of design, wild and chaotic is not normally on my list. But Inson Dubois… Read More

book art
Art & Antiques, Holiday, Interior design

2012 Holiday House | Javaras Kennally

I’m sure many of you readers are familiar with Holiday House, the breast cancer fundraiser founded and chaired by Iris… Read More

CetraRuddy overhead
Design, Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

Bilotta and Bernardaud At the Table

Last week Bilotta Kitchens and Bernardaud, the 5th generation French porcelain company, co-sponsored the second annual Art of the Table… Read More

La Gallina Matta linen mats
Design, Holiday, Interior design

New York Gift Fair Tabletop Delights

The New York Gift Fair offered so much terrific tabletop that it’s hard not to share just one more post… Read More

Juliska holiday with paisley and fur
Design, Entertainment, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Local Favorite Juliska at the New York Gift Show

Located not far from me in Connecticut, Juliska is a local design favorite. Their store in Stamford is a constant… Read More

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Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross sti Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross stitched these placemats for my mother YEARS ago when I was living in Switzerland. They have recently come full circle back to me and on this holiday are a lovely reminder of both her and my time spent there. Grounding tablecloth from @heathertaylorhome  @latuilealoup aptware and mini baskets. Flatware from @alain_saint_joanis in my shop and last, but certainly not least, my spectacular handpainted pitcher and glassware set by the talented @margotlar (available by special order through the shop).
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!
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