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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Guide to champagne

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2018
Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2018

As tomorrow is (shockingly) the last day of December, the time has come for the Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2018… Read More

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2017
Food and drink

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2017

It’s always hard to believe when a year comes to a close. And as the new one approaches, it also… Read More

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2015
Food and drink

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2015

It’s time for this year’s edition of what has become an annual tradition here chez Q – the Quintessential Guide to Champagne… Read More

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2014
Food and drink, Holiday

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2014

While I am a proponent of drinking champagne throughout the year, there is certainly no more traditional time to celebrate with a… Read More

Bollinger SPECIAL CUVEE
Food and drink, Holiday

Quintessential Guide to Champagne 2013

At this festive time of year, it’s become tradition in these parts to publish my Quintessential Guide to Champagne. For… Read More

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It’s astonishing to see the resurgence of interest It’s astonishing to see the resurgence of interest in Nantucket baskets this summer. They’re suddenly everywhere — filling Instagram feeds, appearing in the pages of The New York Times and garnering attention in publications around the world. Coveted by collectors and a whole new generation of enthusiasts, these iconic baskets are having an undeniable moment. Yet behind all the current excitement is a fascinating story of history, tradition, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Several years ago, I had the privilege of making this film with @Mary_emery_design, Director of Heritage Craft for the @nantuckethistoricalassociation , exploring the history and evolution of Nantucket lightship baskets through the people who know them best. We visited master basket makers Karl and Susan Ottison, Tim Parsons and Nap Plank, and heard about legendary maker José Reyes from his son-in-law, Maurice Gibbs. We also spent time with Nantucket scrimshander Michael Vienneau, whose work illustrates another chapter in the continuing evolution of the basket.

The film was made at the time the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum became affiliated with the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing its extraordinary collection — and the stories and traditions it represents — into the care of the NHA.

With Nantucket baskets now capturing the attention of an entirely new audience, it seemed the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the remarkable makers, history and craftsmanship behind this enduring Nantucket tradition.

Watch the full film at the link in bio.
August, stay a while. August, stay a while.
Charleston has a way of drawing people back again Charleston has a way of drawing people back again and again—and homes like this remind us why.
Tag along as designer @michaelmitchelldesigner welcomes us inside his gracious home, where layers of history, thoughtful collecting, and a deeply personal approach to design make every room a reflection of both its owner and the city itself.
LINK IN PROFILE.
One of my favorite things about setting a table is One of my favorite things about setting a table is that it never has to begin from scratch.

The most beautiful tables are collected over time—mixing old favorites with new discoveries, heirlooms with contemporary pieces, and the things you’ve loved for years with something that brings fresh perspective.

For this table, I’ve paired PeterDunham + Hudson Grace’s (@peterdunhamdesign @hudsongracesf ) beautiful salad and bread plates and napkins with Blue Carnation dinner plates, table linens, glassware, and flatware from my shop, alongside a few favorite pieces from my personal collection.

I hope this table is a reminder that you don’t need everything to match—or come from one place. The magic is in the mix. Every new piece should make you fall in love with the pieces you already own all over again.

That’s the joy of collecting—and the beauty of a table that reflects your own story.

Shop the table through link in profile
Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems o Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems on Nantucket for a 2 day trunk show next Thursday and Friday! If on island, do stop by! There will be many new introductions you will be the first to see!!
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