Grandma's Silver

In this episode of Grandma's Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with Peggy Cornett, longtime Curator of Plants at Monticello, former director of the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants, and author of Thomas Jefferson's Flowers , to explore gardens as living records of history. Together, they discuss how historic landscapes preserve stories of daily life, seasonal rhythms, beauty, labor, an...

This week, Allie Kochinsky virtually travels to Summerville, South Carolina , a historic Lowcountry town that proudly calls itself the " Birthplace of Sweet Tea. " At the center of the conversation is the town's Sweet Tea Trail, a self-guided experience connecting local businesses, history, food, and community through one of the South's most iconic traditions. But this episode isn't simply about a...

In this episode of Grandma's Silver , Allie Kochinsky is joined by Jessica Chaney , founder of Lycette Designs , for a conversation on needlepoint as more than just a pastime, but a practice rooted in patience, memory, and home. Together, they explore why this traditional craft is finding new relevance today, and what it offers in a culture that often prioritizes speed and convenience. From heirlo...

In this episode of  Grandma's Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with lifestyle creator and new author  Chassity Evans to discuss her debut novel Pink Sand Summer , and the relationship between place, memory, creativity, and storytelling. Known for her thoughtfully curated lifestyle content and love of coastal living, Chassity has spent years creating visual narratives inspired by the places she l...

In this episode, Allie Kochinsky is joined by Brittany Shepard , founder of The Sentimental Decorator and co-host of The Sentimental Twist , for a conversation on what she calls storykeeping, the practice of weaving memory, meaning, and personal history into the everyday rhythms of home. Together, the two explore the quiet power of ordinary rituals: setting the table without occasion, using heirlo...

Charleston is often described by its charm and beauty, but this conversation looks at the city through a different lens: domestic space, hospitality, and the rhythms that shape how people feel inside a place. In this episode of Grandma's Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with Stacey Bodnar , Director of Marketing & Public Relations for Charming Inns , of which the John Rutledge House Inn belo...

In this episode of  Grandma's Silver , Allie Kochinsky speaks with the founder of Bushel of Prints , a studio specializing in illustrated wrapping paper and printed goods inspired by memory, pattern, and everyday storytelling. The conversation explores how even ephemeral, everyday materials like wrapping paper can carry meaning through design. It considers how pattern becomes a form of visual lang...

In this episode of  Grandma's Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with Cynthia Mai n, founder of Sunhouse Craft , for a conversation about tradition, material knowledge, and what it means to carry craft foward today. This episode is part of a special series exploring American craftsmanship inspired by Colonial Williamsburg , created in partnership with the Craft & Forge brand of the Colonial Wi...

Recorded live at the Pennsylvania Antiques Show , this panel brings together leading voices in the worlds of design, material culture, and collecting to explore what it means to live with objects today. Framed as a conversation on collecting—why we do it, how we begin, and what it means to steward the past—the discussion moves beyond acquisition and into the role objects play in shaping identity,...

What makes a home feel truly lived-in? In this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Bebe MacKellar , an interior decorator known for her classic, layered interiors and intuitive approach to creating spaces that feel warm, personal, and enduring. Bebe shares how her career began apprenticing under her mother at Fanny Bolen Interiors , and how that early hands-on experience sh...

In this episode of  Grandma's Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with designer Vicente Wolf to explore the intersection of interiors, nature, and the art of creating true environments.  Known for his layered, collected approach, Vicente shares how his work is shaped by a lifelong relationship with the natural work, from tending plants in his New York City apartment to living and working in Montauk...

What makes a piece of jewelry meaningful, and how does it become something we keep for a lifetime? In this episode of Grandma's Silver , Allie Kochinsky speaks with Jane Winchester Paradis , founder of Jane Win , a semi-fine jewlery brand known for its symbolic coins designed to represent intention, identity, and personal milestones. Jane shares her journey for a career in corporate marketing at L...

A single street can reveal a lot about ambition, identity, and the rise—and disappearance—of cultural ideals. In this episode of Grandma's Silver, Allie Kochinsky is joined by architectural historian Mosette Broderick , author of Fifth Avenue: Architecture and Society , to explore how one of New York's most iconic avenues became a powerful lens for understanding American social and architectural h...

Step into the world of Masters Week in Augusta , Georgia, with returning guest Vera Stewart , as we explore the traditions, etiquette, and understated elegance that define one of the South's most iconic spring gatherings. In this episode of Grandma's Silver, Vera shares insight into the rhythms and rituals of Masters Week, from its distinct visual language and sense of restraint to the ways it sha...

While Historic Garden Week offers a glimpse into some of Virginia's most beautiful private homes and gardens each spring, the story doesn't end when the gates close. In Part II of this conversation, Allie Kochinsky is joined by Deneen Brannock and Candy Crosby of The Garden Club of Virginia to explore the deeper work that sustains this long-standing tradition. Learn how funds raised during Histori...

“When you step into Whitehall, you’re not just walking through a house—you’re stepping into a vision of what America could be: a place of beauty, innovation, and possibility.” — Campbell Mobley What can a single house reveal about the creation of an entire destination? In this episode of Grandma's Silver , I speak with Campbell Mobley of the Flagler Museum , the Gilded Age estate of Henry Flagler...

“You have their chair, you have their bed, you’ve got their desk — it’s a tangible human connection.” — Lisa Minardi, Executive Director, Historic Trappe How do historic objects help us understand the past? In this episode of Grandma's Silver , Allie Kochinsky speaks with Lisa Minardi , Executive Director of Historic Trappe , about the role of material culture in preserving the nation's history. H...

Before founding her namesake brand in Bermuda, Sarah Bray-West spent years as a writer and editor in New York, contributing to big-name publications. But over time, promoting constant consumption, even of beautiful things, began to conflict with her values. In this episode of Grandma's Silver , Sarah shares the story of stepping away from the editorial world, relocating to Bermuda, and reimagining...

“It’s a Virginia tradition of graciousness and hospitality — every visitor is welcomed with a big smile and genuine happiness to see them.” — Virginia Gillick Each April, as Virginia comes into bloom, a remarkable tradition unfolds. During the third week of the month, private homes and gardens, many rarely open to the public, welcome visitors in celebration of beauty, place, and history. In this e...

“Each tea has a proper brewing method… if you put that little bit of intention in, the finished cup is just so much more enjoyable.”  Tea is one of the most enduring rituals in our daily lives. A pause, a comfort, a habit passed quietly from one generation to the next. In this episode, I'm joined by Emeric Harney of Harney & Sons , the family-run American tea company known for its dedication t...

“It’s beautiful to take a step back and let the child stay the central character.” In this episode, I sit down with Dunn Latham , President and Designer of Little English , the children’s fashion and lifestyle brand founded by her mother, Shannon, in 2004. What began as a collection of traditional hand-smocked layette has grown into an upscale, full-service apparel and accessories line, carried by...

Valentine's Day is about more than chocolate; it's a tradition steeped in history and sentiment. In this episode of Grandma's Silver, I sit down with Nancy Rosin from the National Valentine Collectors Assocation to explore the world of valentines. From delicate lace and embossed cards to clever pop-ups and handwritten notes, these collectible treasures reveal the customs, courtship rituals, and hu...

"Home really became a refuge for me.” In today's episode, I sit down with interior designer Dana Wolter , who is known for her chic Southern style, discerning eye, and creating spaces that blend timeless elegance with comfort. From her early experiences growing up in a large family to designing turnkey residences across the nation, Dana has cultivated a philosophy that homes should be sanctuaries...

“I love that the memories associated with straw handbags and travel are really special.” In this episode, I sit down with Pamela Munson , the designer behind her namesake straw accessories brand, known for its timeless style, thoughtful craftsmanship, and storytelling approach to design. Inspired by summers spent near (and on!) the water, family traditions, and the understated elegance of her gran...

Few things evoke the spirit of the season like a home sparkling with twinkling lights, heirloom ornaments, and meaningful traditions. I’m joined by Brian Branton , who is known for his elegant, Southern-inspired holiday decor. Many followed along as Brian transformed his Alexandria, Virginia home each Christmas, blending Southern charm with classic holiday magic. This year, he’s bringing that same...