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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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    • Books that I have collaborated on, as photographer, with design author Susanna Salk
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    • At Home with Dogs and Their Designers: Sharing a Stylish Life
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Setting the table

Happy 4th of July
Entertaining, Holiday, Nantucket, Tabletop

Happy 4th of July

It seems like two seconds ago it was Memorial Day and now summer here on Nantucket is in full throttle…. Read More

At Home in Paris with Eric Goujou
Decorative Arts, Tabletop, Travel, Video

At Home in Paris with Eric Goujou

In the heart of old Paris, in the 5th arrondissement, La Tuile à Loup has been a go-to source for… Read More

Happy Thanksgiving
Entertaining, Holiday, Tabletop

Happy Thanksgiving

Hoping everyone had a wonderful holiday. In these challenging times, it’s important to be grateful for family and friends and… Read More

Daring to Dream with The Ark Elements
Entertaining, Entertainment, Tabletop

Daring to Dream with The Ark Elements

Daring to dream is the vivid ethos behind the layered and storied brand, The Ark Elements. Founder Kate Holt, below,… Read More

Happy Easter
Entertaining, Entertainment, Holiday, Tabletop

Happy Easter

From my table here on Nantucket to yours, wishing all of you readers who celebrate a very happy Easter. With… Read More

National Place Card Day™
Entertaining, Gifts, Tabletop

National Place Card Day™

Created in 2018 by Karen Suen-Cooper and Martin Cooper, the co-founders of The Punctilious Mr. P’s Place Card Co., National Place… Read More

Happy Thanksgiving and Exciting News
Entertaining, Holiday, Tabletop

Happy Thanksgiving and Exciting News

There is always much to be thankful for at this time of year – family and friends, health and a… Read More

Late Summer Entertaining with Addison Ross
Entertaining, Nantucket, Style, Tabletop

Late Summer Entertaining with Addison Ross

Labor Day may have passed, but there are still weeks left to enjoy late summer entertaining. In fact, this is… Read More

At Home on Vashon Island with Ted Kennedy Watson and Ted Sive
Books, Design, Entertaining, Food and drink, Interior design, Style, Tabletop, Travel, Video

At Home on Vashon Island with Ted Kennedy Watson and Ted Sive

Most Saturdays, after closing up their two Watson Kennedy shops in Seattle, Ted Kennedy Watson and husband Ted Sive, head… Read More

Merry Christmas
Entertaining, Holiday, Tabletop

Merry Christmas

While we all hoped for a more convivial holiday, with the ability to travel to loved ones and gather together… Read More

Happy Thanksgiving
Entertaining, Holiday, Style, Tabletop

Happy Thanksgiving

While this is traditionally a time to be thankful, this year seems especially meaningful as we are all so much… Read More

Merry Christmas
Holiday

Merry Christmas

Wishing all of you who celebrate a very Merry Christmas! As you readers know, setting the table is always one… Read More

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40 years ❤️ 40 years ❤️
A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so c A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so compelling about the home of an artist and collector and @toddmarshard’s is as distinctive and personal as his work @Marshard.Paros . The ceramic artist has filled his stunning home with art and collections gathered over a lifetime. Our latest At Home With is now live - LINK IN PROFILE

Architecture: ALONI | Architects — Elena Terzi @iaveria & Dimitris Popotas
Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this sum Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this summer — 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.

Five 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.
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