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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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BlogTour2011

Decorex Delights – Part 2
Design, Interior design, Travel

Decorex Delights – Part 2

One of the singular pieces that I was excited to see in real life at Decorex was Boca do Lobo‘s… Read More

Decorex Delights – Part 1
Design, Interior design, Travel

Decorex Delights – Part 1

Although it has been several weeks since my BlogTour trip to London, there just hasn’t been enough time to cover… Read More

GP &J Baker showroom London
Interior design, Travel

Chic Chelsea Harbour

It would be impossible to discuss interior design in London without mentioning the beautiful Design Centre Chelsea Harbour. Our trip… Read More

barbour brights
Design, Interior design, Travel

Color Mix at 100% Design

Have you ever wondered how it is that different designers and manufacturers all seem to be on the same color… Read More

Welcome to BlogTour
Design, Interior design, Travel

Welcome to BlogTour

Dedicated to Modenus, our sponsors and all my fabulous fellow BlogTour attendees – I miss you all! And to you… Read More

Taking it to the Streets on BlogTour
Architecture, Design, Fashion, Travel

Taking it to the Streets on BlogTour

Taking a little editorial break today, here are just a few visuals of how some of the design themes translated… Read More

Trending at Tramshed
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Trending at Tramshed

Another smaller show celebrating innovative design and authenticity was Tramshed. Located on Rivington Street in the heart of the artsy… Read More

Originality at Origin: Made not Manufactured
Art & Antiques, Design, Travel

Originality at Origin: Made not Manufactured

One of the most interesting aspects of the London Design Festival was the variety of shows included in the 9… Read More

Creative Collaboration: Poggenpohl & C.P. Hart
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Creative Collaboration: Poggenpohl & C.P. Hart

As I backtrack a bit here, our first BlogTour morning in London definitely started off on the right foot (yes,… Read More

The Charm of Print & Pattern at TENT London
Design, Interior design, Travel

The Charm of Print & Pattern at TENT London

One of the most popular booths at TENT London had to be Mini Moderns. Their cheerful range of wallpaper, textiles and… Read More

Latorre Cruz lights
Architecture, Design, Interior design, Travel

Temptation from TENT London: Eclectic Excellence

As I look back through my photos from TENT London, I am amazed to see the incredible assortment of eclectic excellence…. Read More

Lamp Gras at Tent London
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Lamp Gras at Tent London

The first show the BlogTour group attended in London was TENT, a collection of over 200 exhibitors from 26 countries…. Read More

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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!
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the glamorous Manhattan maisonette of designer @james_andrew and artist @scottmcbee41 where James magically transformed a characterless prewar apartment into a sparkling jewel box! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stu Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stunning countryside home of Spanish interior designer @ludovicoporta where he transformed a ruin of an 18th century palazzo into an idyllic weekend retreat ! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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