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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Fashion

Peter Gray curling hair at Badgley Mischka fall 2012 show
Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012: Badgley Mischka

Using Fritz Lang’s hallmark German Expressionist masterpiece Metropolis as inspiration, Mark Badgley and James Mischka presented an amazing homage full… Read More

Naeem Khan gown for his Fall 2012 collection
Fashion

New York Fashion Week Fall 2012: Naeem Khan

Naeem Khan has always designed with a nod toward his native India. But this season, inspired by a trip home… Read More

Tory Burch Fall 2012
Fashion

NY Fashion Week Fall 2012: Tory Burch

They say you should write what you know – and perhaps it’s the same with fashion design.  Tory Burch describes… Read More

Lorena Sarbu Fall 2012
Fashion

NY Fashion Week Fall 2012: Lorena Sarbu

I must admit I was not that familiar with Lorena Sarbu‘s line when I arrived at her presentation, but I… Read More

Lela Rose Fall 2012
Architecture, Fashion

NY Fashion Week Fall 2012: Lela Rose

As soon as I read Lela Rose‘s inspiration in the show package, I had a feeling I was going to… Read More

Monika Chiang croco embossed leather opera gloves in grape
Fashion

NY Fashion Week Fall 2012: Monika Chiang

Monika Chiang continues to her hone her vision as I saw in her capsule spring collection. With strong tailored lines,… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video 6kcczcmyw38
Entertainment, Fashion

At the Movies + Bonus

To be honest, I was going to write about a different movie today to kick off the Oscar season, but… Read More

Ravensburger dragon 1,000 piece dragon puzzle
Art & Antiques, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Happy Chinese New Year

Today is the beginning of the new lunar year in China. As the most important holiday in the country, people… Read More

Hugh Henry flat sitting room in Earls Court
Architecture, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Interior design, Travel

British Style Bonanza

Between the mania for Downton Abbey and the popularity of Will and Kate, it’s clear British style is making a… Read More

Gilliard Fendant wine
Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Travel

Fancy Some Fondue?

It’s been a slow reentry after the holidays here. I’d become accustomed to the kids’ schedule – late nights playing… Read More

Verdura Lily Bracelet
Books, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Jewelry

Verdura Splendor

Only a handful of jewelry companies today can claim a legacy rich in history and design. Verdura is among them… Read More

Grande Singerie by Christophe Huet in the Petit Chateau at Chantilly
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Exotic Taste

It is almost impossible to have an interest in interiors and the decorative arts and not be fascinated by Chinoiserie… 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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