Grandma's Silver

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...

I'm joined by Keith Winkler of Replacements, Ltd. , the world's largest supplier of vintage and current dinnerware, silver, crystal, and collectibles. With decades of history, Replacements has become a beloved source for those of us who treasure heirlooms, search for missing pieces, or simply delight in setting a beautiful table. Keith and I talk about the magic of finding that long-long china pat...

Interior designer Grey Joyner of Grey Joyner Interiors believes that great design starts with authenticity. In this inspiring episode, she joins me to talk about the soul of interiors, how color brings a room to life, how personal treasures—and perspective—give a home its heartbeat, and why our surroundings can help us grow into our truest selves. RESOURCES: Visit Grey's website here . Follow alon...

There's something about gathering around the table to share recipes, stories, and traditions with the people you love. But in the busyness of everyday life, hosting can feel overwhelming. Enter TableWith , a subscription-based app designed to make cookbook clubs effortless. In this episode, Megan Kowalczyk and Jillian Eversole , the co-founders of TableWith, share how their platform simplifies eve...

Few places capture the spirit of Halloween quite like Salem, Massachusetts. While many come for the witchy lore, Salem has so much more to offer. In this episode, I'm joined by Alicia Diozzi , founder of Salem Kids Tours , who brings history to life for families in a way that's approachable, engaging, and fun. We talk about making the past accessible without the spooky overload, the joy of sharing...

Rebecca Gardner has been called one of the top event designers in the world, and it's easy to see why. As the founder and creative director of Houses & Parties , her full-service events, interior design, and retail collective, Rebecca has a knack for blending tradition and imagination in a timeless yet delightful way. In this episode of Grandma's Silver , Rebecca joins me to talk about the joy...

In this episode, I'm joined by Southern interior designer and author James Farmer . Known for creating beautifully familiar and welcoming homes through James Farmer Designs , James shares his philosophy on what truly makes a house feel like home, and how to embrace the seasonal transition into Fall with warmth and intention. We talk about his new book, Home Again , the sensory details that bring s...

In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Meares , founder of Furbish Studio , the cult-favorite brand known for its bold, collected, and delightfully fearless approach to home decor. Jamie shares how she built Furbish into a destination for colorful home accents that feel both fresh and timeless. Whether you're already a brand devotee or just starting to dip your toes into playful design, this convers...

Join us for a taste of coastal charm with Tara Guerard , founder of Tara Guerard Soiree . In this episode, we dive into the traditions of seafood gatherings—from the types of fresh, seasonal seafood that inspire these Lowcountry celebrations to some of Tara's favorite recipes for entertaining this time of year.  Along the way, she shares her expert tips on how to be a gracious and memorable hostes...

This week on Grandma's Silver , we're stepping into the world of gracious living and elegant design with Margot Shaw , founder and editor-in-chief of FLOWER Magazine . We're talking about the 2025 FLOWER Showhouse in the Belle Meade neighborhood of Nashville, and how Margot and her team curated an all-start lineup of designers to interpret the newly renovated Southern stunner's architecture, histo...

We're pulling back the tent flaps on a design world pilgrimage: The Original Round Top Antiques Fair . Whether you're a seasoned Round Top regular or dreaming of your first trip, this episode is for anyone who lives for the thrill of sourcing one-of-a-kind finds. Our guest, Stephanie Disney , shares the story behind her family's stewardship of this iconic destination and the fair that started it a...

Before the first course was served, there was the aperitif—an elegant, effervescent ritual that set the tone for the evening. In this episode, we're joined by cocktail experts Jena Ellenwood and Leanne Favre to stir up the story behind this timeless tradition. From European roots to mid-century American bar carts, we trace the origins of aperitifs and how they became synonymous with sophisticated...