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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Tabletop

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

At Home in Charleston with Jill Sharp Weeks
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Fashion, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Charleston with Jill Sharp Weeks

Jill Sharp Weeks was clearly destined for a career in design. Growing up surrounded by her great great uncle’s paintings… Read More

NYBG 2019 Orchid Dinner
Garden, Interior design

NYBG 2019 Orchid Dinner

It is always a pleasure, in the midst of winter, to visit a room abloom in a profusion of orchids…. Read More

Setting the Table with Cathy Graham
Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Video

Setting the Table with Cathy Graham

Cathy Graham‘s party invites have always been some of the most coveted on the upper east side of New York… Read More

Merry Christmas!
Entertaining, Holiday, Interior design, Tabletop

Merry Christmas!

I meant for this to arrive in your inboxes this morning but with the excitement of having everyone home, guests… Read More

Setting the Table in the Hamptons with Alex Papachristidis
Interior design, Video

Setting the Table in the Hamptons with Alex Papachristidis

Staying in the Hamptons with Alex Papachristidis is like being transported to an exclusive five star hotel owned by your… Read More

At Home in Bellport with Thomas O’Brien
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Garden, Interior design, Video

At Home in Bellport with Thomas O’Brien

If ever there was an understated self portrait, it would be designer Thomas O’Brien’s description of himself as “basically a… Read More

Alex Papachristidis Trunk Show at Moda Operandi
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Alex Papachristidis Trunk Show at Moda Operandi

Designer Alex Papachristidis is known not only for his elegant interiors but his layered and luxurious entertaining style. Incorporating collections… Read More

Happy Thanksgiving
Holiday, Interior design

Happy Thanksgiving

While I am always aware at this season how much I have to be thankful for, this year is a… Read More

Summer Entertaining Favorites
Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Nantucket, Tabletop, Travel

Summer Entertaining Favorites

While I edit my shots from my latest Nantucket house tours, I thought I would share an easy summer entertaining… Read More

Spring 2018 Tabletop Market
Entertaining, Gifts, Interior design, Tabletop

Spring 2018 Tabletop Market

While the Lenox Hill gala has provided inspiration for warmer weather entertaining, the Spring 2018 Tabletop Market offers a glimpse… Read More

Lenox Hill Gala 2018
Interior design

Lenox Hill Gala 2018

Today we’ll take a last look at more of the tables from the Lenox Hill Gala 2018 before we move… 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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