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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Fashion

P1060093
Art & Antiques, Fashion

My Amazing Mother

My mother was truly exceptional, but growing up, it somehow seemed normal that we had couture quality Easter coats she… Read More

Works-on-paper-of-kimonos
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Little Augury One Kings Lane Tastemaker Sale

I am pleased to share that two of my favorite sites are joining forces this week for a wonderful sale…. Read More

Oscar de la Renta fall 2012 fur collection
Fashion

My Day at Oscar – the Furs

It all began with the furs. The new collection at Richards was the ultimate temptation. In fabulous spring colors and… Read More

Oscar de la Renta shoes fall 2012
Fashion, Jewelry

My Day at Oscar – the Accessories

You may not have realized how many coordinated collections there are under the Oscar umbrella. It makes adding to the… Read More

Oscar-de-la-Renta-Sable-tweed-dress-with-quilted-coat
Fashion

My Day at Oscar – the Collection

Who doesn’t love Oscar? Oscar de la Renta is one of only a few designers who consistently delivers timeless elegant… Read More

Michael Kors fall 2012 crystal beaded gowns
Fashion

NY Fashion Week Fall 2012: Michael Kors

If you’re looking to ferret out the major trends for fall, you need look no further than the fall collection… Read More

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012
Design, Fashion, Travel

Coming Soon

I lost my fight against time yesterday and just couldn’t manage to get it all done. There is a bit… Read More

Nanette Lepore fall 2012 collection look 15
Fashion

NY Fashion Week Fall 2012: Nanette Lepore

While I always appreciate the youthful exuberance of Nanette Lepore‘s collections, this was by far my favorite collection of hers… Read More

J. Mendel Fall 2012
Fashion

NY Fashion Week Fall 2012: J Mendel

J Mendel cited two seemingly disparate inspirations for his luxe fall collection: a Helmut Newton editorial shot at a Gaudi building… Read More

Pamella Roland Fall 2012 show at New York Fashion Week
Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012: Pamella Roland

With a very pretty set, that my photo does not even remotely do justice to, Pamella Roland set out to… Read More

Dennis Basso Fall 2012 41
Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012: Dennis Basso

CBS Sunday yesterday morning did a segment on the new Boeing 787, interviewing the aerospace company’s executives who explained they were… Read More

Vera Wang Fall 2012 collection
Design, Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012: Vera Wang

Of all the shows at fashion week, I found Vera Wang‘s to be the most artistic, connecting all elements involved… 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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