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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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    • Books that I have collaborated on, as photographer, with design author Susanna Salk
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Travel

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Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

It’s no secret that I am a big Burgundy fan. And within that region, one of the biggest and most… Read More

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Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

Last week we began our tour of Burgundy with Terry, starting in Paris and working our way down through Beaune… Read More

puligny area
Architecture, Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

As it’s almost summer and some of you may be taking vacations abroad or planning them for the fall, Terry… Read More

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Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine (on Thursday)

As the beautiful weather seems to have arrived, we are thinking about what to drink for the approaching summer months…. Read More

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Travel

Wednesday Wine

One of the most talked about topics currently circulating in the wine world is the new release of the successful… Read More

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Food and drink, Travel

Wednesday Wine

I’m sure most of you have heard of the legendary Opus One. As you may know, it is a partnership between… Read More

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Architecture, Interior design, Travel

Idyll in the Sun

As I am in Florida, I thought it would be nice to take a break from our regularly scheduled programming… Read More

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Food and drink, Travel

The Ravishing Rhone

I am excited today to talk about one of my favorite French wine regions – the Rhone Valley. And within… Read More

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Travel

Wednesday Wine

Uruguay is fast becoming the new winter vacation destination. And Punta del Este is the spot to be – it’s… Read More

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Entertaining, Food and drink, Style, Travel

Wednesday Wine

At this point I think it is safe to say that we are all craving spring. So try not to… Read More

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Architecture, Interior design, Travel

Magic in Marbella

As many of you know, Friday is normally At the Movies  but because I delayed my post intended for yesterday… Read More

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Art & Antiques, Books, Entertainment, Food and drink, Gifts, Travel

Year of the Rabbit

As everyone now knows, this is the year of the rabbit, the 4th animal in the 12-year cycle of 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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