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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Martha Angus_Vinny Stripe
Interior design

NIBA Rugs Where Custom is Key

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of being introduced by friend Patrick Hamilton to NIBA rugs who were visiting New… Read More

BEHIND THE Q | Thom Filicia on American Beauty
Architecture, Books, Design, Interior design

BEHIND THE Q | Thom Filicia on American Beauty

Thom Filicia is a talented bundle of unbridled enthusiasm. For those of you who have seen him on Queer Eye… Read More

Holiday-picks-at-The-Summer-House_mini
Design, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Shop Small Saturday Surprise

I try to support small local businesses whenever I can. Not only do these establishments play a vital role in creating… Read More

New York Gift Fair collage
Design, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

The New York Gift Show – A Sneak Peek

I spent the entire weekend at the New York Gift Fair. Saturday I perused Pier 94 which is large but… Read More

Blue-collage
Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Cheers to the Red, White & Blue – Happy 4th of July!

Whether you’re staying home or going out, dressing up or keeping it casual, there’s a little something here for everyone!… Read More

Christopher Coleman master bedroom
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Thank you ELLE DECOR: My Pick from The Modern Life Concept House

Thank you to ELLE DECOR for including me in their “Great Ideas from the Modern Life Concept House” piece online…. Read More

Wesley-Hall-family-friendly
Design, Interior design

High Point Picks – Meet Wesley Hall

As many of you know, I attended High Point through a co-sponsorship between the market and upscale furniture manufacturer Wesley… Read More

Room 125 limited art editions
Design, Interior design

Old & New at the Architectural Digest Home Show 2012

What a fabulous show this year! With the British and American participants from BlogTourNYC here and Modenus‘ fun Marys and… Read More

Chairs-at-Hollyhock
Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

L.A. Style File – At Home at Hollyhock

The Sunday evening before the Design Bloggers Conference was one of supreme visual artistry. First was an awe inspiring visit… 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 through the shop).
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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