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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Antiques

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Art & Antiques, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk & Ellie Cullman at the New York Art, Antique & Jewelry Show

Antique shows can be overwhelming and intimidating. Yet shopping a show with an expert can be illuminating and entertaining. We… Read More

Givenchy at Christie’s
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Hubert de Givenchy for Christie’s during the Biennale des Antiquaires

This week marks the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris. The prestigious show presents the crème de la crème of antiques,… Read More

Charles Ray Nantucket basket at the Rafael Osona auction
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

The Rafael Osona Americana, Fine Art and Marine Auction

The August Americana, Fine Art and Marine auction at Rafael Osona is one of the most anticipated events of the Nantucket… Read More

Sylvia Antiques at the 2014 Antiques & design Show of Nantucket
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Favorite Finds at the 2014 Antiques & Design Show of Nantucket

The 2014 Antiques & Design Show of Nantucket has been a highlight of the busy first weekend of August on… Read More

Pumpkin Pond Farm at A Perfect Setting at the Nantucket Antiques Show
Gifts, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

A Perfect Setting at the Nantucket Antiques Show Part 2

Today we continue our look at the tables at A Perfect Setting at the Nantucket Antiques Show. One of my… Read More

mason’s ironstone Imari in Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse

Last week, Sotheby’s debuted its inaugural Designer Showhouse, partnering with its 1744 Young Collectors Club, targeted toward those just starting… Read More

Antique & Artisan 2nd annual garden show
Art & Antiques, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

Stamford Antique & Artisan Center 2nd Annual Garden Show

Chic and unique is the moniker for the always fabulous finds at the Stamford Antique & Artisan Center. As they’ve… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video de5w_zmvgre
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design

Stylish Shopping Video with Susanna Salk and Mary McDonald

Who wouldn’t want to spend the day with the stylish, vivacious and always entertaining Mary McDonald? With old fashioned style… Read More

furniture by Jacob at Champ de Bataille
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Jacques Garcia’s Champ de Bataille

While his design career was launched with such contemporary projects as the Montparnasse Tower and the Meridien group of hotels,… Read More

Wendell Castle’s library steps
Art & Antiques, Gifts

Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show

Next week marks the opening of the 60th Year Diamond Jubilee of the Winter Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory…. Read More

matisse lithograph
Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Antique & Artisan Christmas Boutique

It’s no secret that the Antique & Artisan Center is one of my favorite local sources for all that is… Read More

Christopher’s Crepes
Design, Garden, Interior design

1st Annual Garden Show at the Antique & Artisan Center

While I am currently in LA for Legends, I’m so glad I’ll be making it back in time for a… 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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