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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Tabletop

Donna Vock for Yes Dear Inc. Orchid Dinner table
Design, Garden, Interior design

NY Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner Continued

As we continue with coverage of the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner hosted by Veranda, I am always amazed… Read More

Christmas table
Holiday

Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours

Wishing everyone who celebrates the very Merriest, from our table to yours!!  

Holiday-picks-at-The-Summer-House_mini
Design, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Shop Small Saturday Surprise

I try to support small local businesses whenever I can. Not only do these establishments play a vital role in creating… Read More

Thanksgiving florals_mini
Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

Happy Thanksgiving

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

Monique Ogilvie Les Papillons placemat
Design, Gifts, Interior design

New York Gift Fair Hard Core Tabletop

I was delighted to see that the New York Gift Fair featured hardboard placemats. Not only are they classic and… Read More

Mottahedeh peacock dessert plate
Design, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

New York Gift Fair Tabletop Temptation Two

The New York Gift Fair featured tabletop temptation in a variety of size, shape and materials. One category is of course… Read More

Diane James winter candle
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Old and New at the New York Gift Fair

A recurring theme throughout the design world is the mix of old and new. From rejuvenating heritage brands to repurposing… Read More

Juliska holiday with paisley and fur
Design, Entertainment, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Local Favorite Juliska at the New York Gift Show

Located not far from me in Connecticut, Juliska is a local design favorite. Their store in Stamford is a constant… Read More

Lalique AeroSystem One
Design, Interior design

New Concepts in Crystal & Collaboration at Lalique

In addition to the spectacular new jewelry collection I shared yesterday, Lalique has been very busy relaunching their label with… Read More

Point-Architects-table-detail-at-the-Red-Cross-2012-Red-&-White-ball
Entertaining, Food and drink, Interior design, Tabletop

Red Cross Red & White Ball Redux

As with many such tabletop fundraisers, it is impossible to feature all the tables in a single post – hence part… Read More

Olga-Adler-table-detail-for-Greenwich-@012-Red-Cross-ball
Entertaining, Interior design, Tabletop

When Help Can’t Wait: the Red Cross Red & White Ball

On April 28th, the Metro New York North Red Cross held its annual Red & White Ball, one of the largest… Read More

Bunny-Williams-Pop-Up-Shop-vignette
Design, Interior design

Hopping Over to Bunny’s Pop Up

Many of us are ardent fans of Bunny Williams‘ refined yet oh so livable style. She has had an office,… Read More

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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.
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).
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