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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Wallpaper

Delft Dreams
Interior design, Nantucket

Delft Dreams

Four years ago, Delft ceramics celebrated its 400th anniversary. For centuries, the versatility of its designs has lent its charms… Read More

At Home in San Patrignano
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in San Patrignano

It’s not often that a casual conversation on social media leads to discovering a remarkable community where the art of fine… Read More

The Colorful Pattern Filled World of Henry Wilson
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design, Travel

The Colorful Pattern Filled World of Henry Wilson

Yesterday, when single digits here in New England shocked us into acknowledging that winter was just getting started, a post by… Read More

The Power of Pattern
Books, Interior design

The Power of Pattern

Not only is my talented video partner Susanna Salk an insightful interviewer on our YouTube series, but a creative and… Read More

The Story Behind the Style: Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

The Story Behind the Style: Oscar de la Renta for Lee Jofa

It always seems to come down to the story behind the style. Without that, there is no substance, no narrative,… Read More

Wallpaper Wizardry | The Schumacher Library of Wallcovering
Books, Interior design

Wallpaper Wizardry | The Schumacher Library of Wallcovering

My love of wallpaper is no secret and I was intrigued as Schumacher hinted on their Instagram feed (@Schumacher1889) about… Read More

Sneak Peek – Soane Spring 2017 Launch
Interior design

Sneak Peek – Soane Spring 2017 Launch

As we all avidly anticipate the arrival of spring, we can also look forward to the hatching of new collections…. Read More

In Paris Black and White est Toujours Right
Interior design

In Paris Black and White est Toujours Right

Among the surging sea of colors at Paris Deco Off was also a strong undercurrent of black and white. From exuberant… Read More

Pierre Frey Inspiring Interiors
Books, Design, Interior design

Pierre Frey Inspiring Interiors

Since 1935, Pierre Frey has been inspiring interiors around the world with their exquisite fabrics and wallpapers. Known for successfully weaving… Read More

AD Home Design Show 2015 Part II
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

AD Home Design Show 2015 Part II

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing more from the AD Home Design Show 2015 in several shorter installments…. Read More

The Power of Wallpaper in House Beautiful
Interior design

The Power of Wallpaper in House Beautiful

As soon as I got a peek at the project by Philip Gorrivan in the February House Beautiful, I knew… Read More

Ananbô Bengale panoramic wallpaper
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Ananbô Panoramic Wallpapers

It’s been a busy week in these parts as my youngest prepares to go off to school. In the midst… 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!

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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