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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Paris

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Design, Interior design

Escapade | A Parisian Love Affair by La Maison Pierre Frey

La Maison Pierre Frey is a family firm that continues to straddle past and present with chic Parisian flair. From… Read More

custom perfume bottles
Beauty, Food and drink, Travel

More Unique Ways to Experience Paris

It would have been easy to fill the entire week with organized activities and new ways to experience Paris. The… Read More

le prince jardinier labels
Design, Garden, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Paris Finds | Palais Furst in Saint Germain

The allure of Saint Germain in Paris seems to know no bounds. The challenge is to allow time for both… Read More

Michele Aragon pottery
Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Favorite Paris Finds | Michele Aragon

With the power of the internet and communicative nature of the blogosphere, undiscovered Paris finds are few and far between…. Read More

versailles with sun king clock
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Timeless Design at Versailles

I was somehow surprised that my girls voted a visit to Versailles as their favorite part of our week in… Read More

Ralph restaurant Paris dessert
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Food and drink, Travel

Postcard From Paris

I had hoped to post this yesterday but since we have been very busy out and about, this little postcard… Read More

Paris Collage
Travel

Off to the City of Lights

So I’ve been waiting to tell you that tomorrow I am off to Paris for the week. My sister and… Read More

Andrea Salvetti Prato Colorato mirror
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Rachel Laxer Paris Design Finds | Avant-Scène

All of Rachel Laxer’s interiors are marked by a sophisticated and often unexpected edge, due in great part to her… Read More

van cleef paris
Architecture, Design, Travel

Out and About in Paris

While out and about in Paris between the shows, it’s a miracle I wasn’t hit by a pedestrian-loathing Belmondo look-alike,… Read More

Gaston y Daniela Jaen
Design, Interior design, Travel

A Taste of Paris Deco Off

In this fourth edition of Paris Deco Off, over 70 houses have participated in presenting their latest collections throughout the… Read More

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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!!
Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. Th Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. 
The Yucatán home of interior designer @laurakirar and architect Richard Frazier @rwf333 is both -  a masterful reflection of its surroundings, where architecture, landscape, light, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.
Tag along for a visit to this extraordinary retreat and discover how years of collecting, collaboration, and creative vision shaped a house that feels deeply connected to its place. LINK IN PROFILE
Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flow Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flowers from my thoughtful husband - all else from my shop (plates coming soon - DM to be notified).
Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fa Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fabulous selection of new and repeat vendors in a spacious new tent ! A few of my faves - some of which didn’t make it in only because I couldn’t get good shots with the crowds! Wonderful to see so many design friends and congrats to @christinajuarezandco and @aspoonfulofbenjamin on an even bigger and better event at the beautiful @springhillvineyards !
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