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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Entertaining

Dodie Thayer for Tory Burch
Art & Antiques, Gifts, Interior design

Dodie Thayer for Tory Burch

In the Slim Aarons era of Palm Beach life, potter Dodie Thayer was a name known to all fashionable hostesses. Self taught… Read More

Stylish Entertaining at the NYBG Orchid Dinner
Entertaining, Style, Tabletop

Stylish Entertaining at the NYBG Orchid Dinner

The tables at the Veranda NYBG Orchid Dinner were amazing in their diversity and creativity. Some designers focused on the… Read More

Happy Thanksgiving
Design, Food and drink

Happy Thanksgiving

As I prepare my table to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I am so grateful to have my entire family home… Read More

gifting and entertaining preview
Holiday, Interior design

Tabletop Gifting and Entertaining Preview

It’s that time of year when hints of THE season start to permeate our thoughts. This week is tabletop market so I spent… Read More

At Ease | Labor Day
Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

At Ease | Labor Day Lounging

It has been a glorious summer here in the northeast. Although it’s hard to believe, September is upon us. So… Read More

An Invitation to the Garden
Food and drink, Garden, Interior design

An Invitation to the Garden from Michael Devine

With our recent Siberian-like weather, An Invitation to the Garden arrived at my door like a welcome breath of spring…. Read More

Picture Perfect Parties
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Picture Perfect Parties

Even though it’s not officially fall, the “season” seems to have already gotten underway with invitations flowing in. How convenient… Read More

Quintessence blog on Lonny
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Garden

Thank you Lonny!

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting friend Michael Devine for a lovely evening on my terrace in Connecticut… Read More

Vicente Wolf Orchid Dinner table detail
Design, Garden, Interior design

NYBG Orchid Dinner Finale Redux!

Today we will take our final look at the tables of the NYBG Orchid Dinner. This event always immediately precedes… Read More

Julian Mejia coral napkin rings
Design, Gifts, Interior design

The New York Gift Fair Tabletop Temptation

I’m afraid my obsession for all things tabletop is no secret. The tiny butler’s pantry in our current abode was… Read More

Video thumbnail for vimeo video 47983562
Design, Entertainment, Food and drink

Welcoming Matchbook at Dempsey & Carroll

Last month the charming digital publication Matchbook Magazine ran a lovely feature on New York’s venerable stationer Dempsey & Carroll…. Read More

Juliska holiday with paisley and fur
Design, Entertainment, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Local Favorite Juliska at the New York Gift Show

Located not far from me in Connecticut, Juliska is a local design favorite. Their store in Stamford is a constant… Read More

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Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at designer @jennywolfinteriors Pound Ridge, NY flagship shop @TheHuntressNY and her charming apartment retreat above where Home is a Feeling! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the stunning Madrid home of esteemed Spanish designer @isabellopezquesada where sophisticated style meets nature and comfort! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
Our latest video visit is here! Tag along for a be Our latest video visit is here! Tag along for a behind the scenes visit with designer and creative director @vgoux and @susannasalk in his Paris apartment and new Left Bank gallery.  As the president of @_rinck_ , overseeing the studio and workshops of the historic interior architecture and design company, he has created a highly personal home, incorporating fabrics and pieces from the company mixed with work from contemporary artisans and abundant color!  LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
Thrilled to share our latest video visit! Tag alon Thrilled to share our latest video visit! Tag along to Milan for an inspiring visit with @martinamondadori and the all-encompassing world of @cabanamagazine - her Mongiardino-designed childhood home, her apartment created with @ashleyhicks1970 and her chic shop in Milan. You’ll be inspired, informed and entertained!! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the joyous Madrid home of Spanish designer @martadelarica where she shows how life with young children can live comfortably with stunning innovative design. It’s a family affair of inspiring style and love! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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