holiday

New York Gift Fair Tabletop Delights

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Stacey Bewkes   •   4 Comments
New York Gift Show
The New York Gift Fair offered so much terrific tabletop that it’s hard not to share just one more post on the beautiful linens and mats I saw. One company who had exhibited before but I was not familiar with is NYC based Tina Chen.…
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Local Favorite Juliska at the New York Gift Show

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Stacey Bewkes   •   7 Comments
Located not far from me in Connecticut, Juliska is a local design favorite. Their store in Stamford is a constant source of style inspiration. Beautifully merchandised, it always features tempting treats as well as creative entertaining ideas. Juliska bamboo plates In addition, they occasionally sponsor interesting events, and I recently attended a flower arranging class led by talented Design Manager Christine Keane, below right, instructing me on how to get my arrangement to even remotely resemble her beautiful example.…
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Cheers to the Red, White & Blue – Happy 4th of July!

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Stacey Bewkes   •   12 Comments
Whether you’re staying home or going out, dressing up or keeping it casual, there’s a little something here for everyone! Starting with a little RED!! Happy 4th of July 1) Charlotte Olympia London 2012 Pandora Perspex clutch (I know July 4th is all about independence from those Brits, but think Olympics) 2) Kim Seybert Seersucker Napkins (I own & love these) 3) Oscar de la Renta Crystal Teardrop Earrings 4) Campari – with soda on the rocks, with a splash of orange juice or in a Negroni, it’s my favorite red summer cocktail!…
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Happy Chinese New Year

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Stacey Bewkes   •   31 Comments
Today is the beginning of the new lunar year in China. As the most important holiday in the country, people there have already been celebrating Chinese New Year for a couple of weeks. And not just at parties. Here divers dance underwater at an aquarium in Beijing.…
Posted in art, auctions, Christie's, design, entertainment, fashion, gifts, holiday, interior design, Stationery | Tagged , , , , , , , | 31 Comments  

Quintessential Guide to Champagne

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   16 Comments
Thin Man New Year's Eve
Thin Man New Year's EveIn preparation for New Year’s Eve, everyone needs to know at least a little something about champagne. Long time readers may recognize some of this information, but since many of you are new to Quintessence this year, I am offering an updated version of this must-read guide before the holiday weekend!!…
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Coupe or Flute?

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   25 Comments
This is the age old champagne dilemma – coupe, flute or tulip! Last year I wrote about Seth Box, director of education for Moet Hennessy USA, who, in the New York Times, discussed his preferences. Not only did he voice his opinion (which of course I agree with) that Americans drink too little champagne but he also had strong thoughts about what glass to serve it in.…
Posted in food and drink, gifts, holiday, interior design, wine | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments  

Merry Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   24 Comments
As some of you know, I’ve been obsessing over tartan this fall and I am thrilled that I finally have the opportunity to set a tartan table for the holiday. I am lucky to live in an area that has so many wonderful resources.…
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Verdura Splendor

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   22 Comments
Only a handful of jewelry companies today can claim a legacy rich in history and design. Verdura is among them and I was lucky enough to attend a holiday party at their chic showroom last week to celebrate their new Hollywoodland Collection and visiting friend Frank Bowling, the Ambassador of the stylish Montage, Beverly Hills.…
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Traveler’s Tips and Treats Redux

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   12 Comments
I didn’t get a chance to finish the post I had planned for today so I am reissuing some handy (updated) info from last year that I’m sure only a few have seen and/or remember. I’m sure many of you will be traveling during the holiday season – whether on vacation or to visit friends or family.…
Posted in books, design, gifts, holiday, learning, louis vuitton, travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments  

#Jingletweet Finale

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Stacey Bewkes   •   11 Comments
What a wonderful evening of friends, colleagues and good cheer!! A huge thanks to Audiocom for sponsoring the evening in their truly fabulous new space, to Chefs à l’Orange for the delicious food and to my Wednesday Wine compatriot Terry Rogers of Horseneck Wines for the festive libations.…
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