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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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Tabletop Design

David handy orchid dinner table
Garden, Interior design

NY Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner Continued

For those of you who aren’t normally weekend readers, please take a moment to look back at the last post… Read More

More Designer Tabletops from the Lenox Hill 2013 Gala
Garden, Interior design

More Designer Tabletops from the Lenox Hill 2013 Gala

Each year the designer tabletops at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House gala continue to amaze. It was interesting how everyone… Read More

Rachel Laxer DIFFA table place setting
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

DIFFA Dining by Design 2013

DIFFA is a cause close to the members of the design community’s hearts and Dining by Design always brings out… Read More

Cullman & Kravis table detail
Design, Garden, Interior design

New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner

One of my favorite events of the season is the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner, held at the Mandarin… Read More

Julian Mejia coral napkin rings
Design, Gifts, Interior design

The New York Gift Fair Tabletop Temptation

I’m afraid my obsession for all things tabletop is no secret. The tiny butler’s pantry in our current abode was… Read More

chain close up
Entertainment, Food and drink, Interior design

Supper in the Stable

Going to Churchill Downs this weekend? Have your hat selected? Your picks ready? Lucky you!! But for those of us… 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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