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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Paris Déco Off

Ancien et Moderne 2019 at Paris Deco Off
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Ancien et Moderne 2019 at Paris Deco Off

Next week marks the start of the design year with Maison et Objet and Paris Deco Off 2019. And for… Read More

Ancien et Moderne 2018
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Ancien et Moderne 2018

One of the most popular design destinations of the new year is always Paris Deco Off. And later this month… Read More

Metallics and Geometry of the Cosmos
Interior design

Metallics and Geometry of the Cosmos

In case you were puzzled by the title of this post, let me assure you it does not refer to new… Read More

Paris Deco Off 2017 Color and Pattern
Interior design, Travel

Paris Deco Off 2017 Color and Pattern

Of the colorful and pattern laden fabrics of the Paris Deco Off 2017 collections, many were conceived from travel and nature inspired sources…. Read More

Paris Deco Off Preview
Design, Interior design, Travel

Paris Deco Off Preview

While I continue to edit my photos from Paris, I bring you a quick Deco Off preview. Among the showrooms I… Read More

A Visit to Ancien et Moderne
Design, Interior design, Travel

A Visit to Ancien et Moderne

Last week in Paris, my colleague Beth Dempsey and I unveiled this year’s version of Ancien et Moderne, the second… Read More

Paris Peek
Interior design, Style, Travel

Paris Peek

As always Paris Deco Off has been a whirlwind week. Our Ancien et Moderne pop up has been hopping and I’ve… Read More

Bonjour from Paris
Style, Travel

Bonjour from Paris

A quick bonjour from Paris. It was a beautiful sunny but FREEZING day as I arrived yesterday. The city is… Read More

Ancien et Moderne 2017 – the Paris Pop Up Returns
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Jewelry, Travel

Ancien et Moderne 2017 – the Paris Pop Up Returns

Now that the new year is here, the biggest design destination on everyone’s calendar is Paris for Maison et Objet… Read More

In Paris Black and White est Toujours Right
Interior design

In Paris Black and White est Toujours Right

Among the surging sea of colors at Paris Deco Off was also a strong undercurrent of black and white. From exuberant… Read More

New Collections at Paris Deco Off 2016
Interior design, Travel

New Collections at Paris Deco Off 2016

It’s wonderful that more and more companies are choosing to do pop ups in the city during the shows but… Read More

Paris Deco Off Favorites
Design, Interior design, Travel

Paris Deco Off Favorites

While I organize my thoughts and photos, I thought I’d share a few Deco Off favorites. Ancien et Moderne was such… 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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