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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Tabletop

Happy Thanksgiving
Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

Happy Thanksgiving

There are many reasons to be thankful this year but I am always especially appreciative to have my family together for… Read More

Carolyne Roehm for Baccarat Holiday
Design, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Carolyne Roehm for Baccarat Holiday

In our video with Carolyne Roehm at her beautiful Connecticut home, you may remember one moment showing a spectacular crystal chandelier hanging… Read More

A Visit to Weatherstone
Architecture, Food and drink, Garden, Interior design

A Visit to Weatherstone

Thank you all for the many comments and shares here and across social media for Susanna’s and my video visit with… Read More

Eddie Ross Modern Mix
Books, Design, Food and drink, Interior design

Eddie Ross Modern Mix

As Bunny Williams says in her foreword to Eddie Ross‘ entertaining new tome, Modern Mix, “Eddie takes the hunt to a… Read More

Tabletop for Fall 2015
Entertainment, Gifts

Tabletop for Fall 2015

Now that we’re officially in October, thoughts start to turn to entertaining for the season. For those looking for some… Read More

Madeline Weinrib Pop-Up at Barney’s
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design

Madeline Weinrib Pop-Up at Barney’s

Madeline Weinrib travels the world to bring bring her authentic aesthetic home for her eponymous brand. And so it is particularly appropriate… Read More

Celerie Kemble and Bronson Van Wyck Set for Summer at Michael C Fina
Entertainment, Interior design

Celerie Kemble and Bronson Van Wyck Set for Summer at Michael C Fina

Just in time to kick off summer entertaining this Memorial Day weekend, designer Celerie Kemble and event planner Bronson Van Wyck celebrated… Read More

The Chic Table | Hermès Voyage en Ikat
Design, Interior design

The Chic Table | Hermès Voyage en Ikat

While many of the recent introductions from tabletop market will not be out until late summer, one stellar debut is available now for… Read More

Final Tabletop Inspiration from the Lenox Hill Gala
Interior design

Final Tabletop Inspiration from the Lenox Hill Gala

The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala is always full of fabulous tabletop inspiration. Whether ideas for floral arrangements, textiles for… Read More

More Designer Tables from the Lenox Hill Gala 2015
Design, Interior design

More Designer Tables from the Lenox Hill Gala 2015

With over 50 tables at the Veranda Magazine sponsored Lenox Hill Gala 2015, it was a visual feast with endless… Read More

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala 2015
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala 2015

Last Wednesday evening, crowds turned out for the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala 2015. Honoring long time board member Juan A…. Read More

Lenox Hill Garden of Eden Gala Sneak Peek
Design, Interior design

Lenox Hill Garden of Eden Gala Sneak Peek

The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House annual benefit is one of my favorite spring events. With 50 tables decorated by noted… 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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