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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Designer furniture

At Home in Connecticut with John Robshaw
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Video

At Home in Connecticut with John Robshaw

With a background in fine arts and painting, John Robshaw caught the textiles bug when traveling to India in the… Read More

Sneak Peek – Soane Fall 2017
Design, Interior design

Sneak Peek – Soane Fall 2017

The French have a great expression for this time of year – la rentrée, signaling the re-entry to regularly scheduled… Read More

RH Modern and Milo Baughman
Design, Interior design

RH Modern and Milo Baughman

When RH Modern was launched about a year and a half ago, with its collection of curated modern furnishings, it… Read More

A Flagship for Bunny Williams Home
Art & Antiques, Interior design

A Flagship for Bunny Williams Home

Bunny Williams has long had tempting outposts to purchase her chic products and finds. Whether shopping for Bunny Williams Home… Read More

Luxe Minimalism at Christian Liaigre
Books, Design, Interior design

Luxe Minimalism at Christian Liaigre

Christian Liaigre has been busy. Several months ago I stopped by the stunning NYC showroom to see the new spring collection. In… Read More

Greetings From Lecco, Italy
Design, Interior design, Travel

Greetings From Lecco, Italy

Greetings from Lecco, Italy! This charming town on the shores of beautiful Lake Como is where Susanna and I are calling… Read More

Jonathan Adler Venom coasters
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Jonathan Adler Going for the Gold at NY Now

After spending much of the day at NY Now, it was clear that brass and gold finishes are a continuing theme for… Read More

High Point spring 2014 collage
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

High Point Preview

Did I even mention that I was headed to High Point this weekend for the semiannual market? It’s been a… Read More

Jacques Garcia Chateau de Bataille
Architecture, Design, Interior design

High Point Picks | Jacques Garcia Collection for Baker

One of the most talked about events at High Point this fall market was the unveiling of the new Jacques… Read More

Wesley Hall Margot Dining Chair
Design, Interior design

High Point Fall Market Coming Soon

It’s hard to believe that this year’s High Point Fall Market is less than two weeks away. I am delighted… Read More

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Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross sti Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross stitched these placemats for my mother YEARS ago when I was living in Switzerland. They have recently come full circle back to me and on this holiday are a lovely reminder of both her and my time spent there. Grounding tablecloth from @heathertaylorhome  @latuilealoup aptware and mini baskets. Flatware from @alain_saint_joanis in my shop and last, but certainly not least, my spectacular handpainted pitcher and glassware set by the talented @margotlar (available by special order).
Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks are in the nest, the table is set, the tree is decorated. A Merry Christmas Eve to all from our Nantucket home to yours!
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And don’t forget to enter your table in the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest. There are amazing prizes to enhance your tabletop repertoire
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!
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