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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Paris Déco Off

Paris Update
Interior design, Travel

Paris Update

It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours. Deco Off officially opened today and so did the Pop Up. Our small salon… Read More

First Peek at Paris
Design, Interior design, Travel

First Peek at Paris

Je suis arrivée! While it may have been gray for my arrival, it is already feeling festive for the start… Read More

Paris Pop Up Invitation
Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Paris Pop Up Invitation

Next week, during Deco Off, please join me for a unique Paris Pop Up! I am thrilled to finally share a… Read More

Fortuny Legato cashmere & silk velvet
Interior design

Veering Toward Velvet

Many of the design developments from 2013 are still going strong for the coming year including a love of brass,… Read More

Jim Thompson No.9 Drawn Threads
Design, Interior design, Travel

New Outdoor Fabrics Blur the Boundaries

As the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living continue to dissolve, the choices for new outdoor fabrics are inversely multiplying…. Read More

Pierre Frey Venus wallpaper
Interior design, Travel

Report from Paris Deco Off | Wallpaper Appeal

It was a pleasure to see the cheerful lanterns swinging above the streets in Saint Germain and Rue de Mail… Read More

Parisian Delights in CT Cottages and Gardens
Design, Interior design, Travel

Parisian Delights in CT Cottages and Gardens

While I have often contributed to the online edition of CT Cottages and Gardens, I am delighted to report that… Read More

Créations Métaphores at Paris Deco Off
Interior design, Travel

Créations Métaphores at Paris Deco Off

The triumverate that is Créations Métaphores represents the brilliant blending of three distinct brands that are as different as they… Read More

Dedar ABout Flowers
Interior design, Travel

The Sophisticated Chic of Dedar at Deco Off

In an old house in Paris, not covered with vines, I fell in love with the new Dedar fabric collection…. Read More

Christopher Maya prints
Design, Interior design, Travel

Holland & Sherry Hosts New Collections at Deco Off

One of the most appealing aspects of Paris Deco Off is the conviviality of seeing the collections in the showrooms…. Read More

Pierre Frey 1920 print
Design, Interior design, Travel

Pierre Frey Paris | Part 2

Continuing our look at the beautiful new Pierre Frey Paris collections, I thought you might enjoy seeing a bit more… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video 5xtm1pwzcys
Design, Interior design, Travel

BEHIND THE Q | Pierre Frey at Paris Deco Off

In this era of corporate consolidation and luxury conglomerates, Pierre Frey is a breath of fresh air. While I have… 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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