Grandma's Silver

In this episode of Grandma's Silver , we journey to the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Sarah Platt —archaeologist, professor, and part of the team behind a groundbreaking excavation at the Heyward-Washington House , co-lead with John Fisher from The Charleston Museum. Dr. Platt walks us through the layers of history being unearthed—literally—a...

Step into the world of Pantry Hill , where history is told through recipes and the warmth of a home filled with tradition. In this episode, I sit down with Darien Rozell to talk about the power of heirloom recipes, the art of pie-making, and the joy of curating a cozy home with objects that tell a story. Darien shares how her family's deep roots and love of food have shaped Pantry Hill's mission,...

For 50 years, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House has been at the heart of the design world, showcasing the work of visionary designers while raising millions for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club . Now, with the release of Iconic Rooms: Kips Bay New York Decorator Show House at 50 , the Show House's legacy is being celebrated in a whole new way. In this episode, I sit down with Nazira Handal , Dir...

In this episode, we sit down with Atlanta-based interior designer Liz Williams , whose work embodies timeless Southern elegance with a fresh perspective. Liz shares her journey from studying history to building her design firm, offering insights into her approach to crafting inviting, livable spaces. We discuss her experience working on showhouses, the art of blending tradition with modern touches...

Step behind the scenes of one of America’s most iconic restorations with Maryland State Archivist and co-author of Designing Camelot, Elaine Rice Bachmann , on this episode of Grandma’s Silver . Explore Jacqueline Kennedy’s vision to restore the White House in 1961 and the pivotal role of H.F. du Pont, founder of Winterthur, in turning this historic project into a museum-quality showcase of the na...

In this episode, we welcome back Eric Ross , celebrated interior designer and author, to discuss his highly anticipated second book, Embracing Southern Homes . Eric shares insights into the creative process behind his book, his evolving design philosophy, and the personal stories that shaped the projects and designs featured.  We explore the art of creating inviting, embracing spaces, and the sign...

Step into the world of H.F. du Pont and the legacy of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in this captivating conversation with Alexandra Deutsch , Director of Collections . As the visionary behind one of the most significant collections of American decorative arts, du Pont's influence extends far beyond Winterthur's walls–shaping modern preservation, design, and the way we appreciate history...

In this episode, we're joined by acclaimed interior designer Marina Case , owner of The Red Shutters . Marina takes us inside Churchtown Dairy , a stunning Hudson Valley farm spearheaded by Abby Rockefeller and designed to honor sustainability, craftsmanship, and historic preservation. We explore Marina's background, journey into design, how she got involved with this project, and how she helped s...

Design meets purpose in this inspiring conversation with interior designer and philanthropist Iris Dankner . As the founder of Holiday House , one of the nation's most celebrated designer showhouses, Iris has created a platform where top designers showcase their talent—all while raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation . In this episode, we dive into Iris's journey into the design w...

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald were the ultimate power couple—brilliant, passionate, and deeply intertwined in each other's creative legacies. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby this year, we're taking a closer look at their story, from their whirlwind romance to their artistic triumps and struggles. In this episode, Alaina Doten, Executive Director of The Scott & Zelda F...

This week, we sit down with acclaimed interior decorator Caroline Gidiere , whose timeless yet fresh approach to traditional interiors has earned her accolades from Veranda , Luxe , House Beautiful , and more. In this episode, Caroline shares her fascinating journey from a career in law to becoming one of the design world's most celebrated tastemakers. We explore her design philosophy, rooted in c...

Join Allie Kochinsky on Grandma’s Silver for a lively conversation with Courtney Whitmore , founder of Pizzazzerie and best-selling author of five entertaining cookbooks. From her Southern roots to building a beloved lifestyle brand, Courtney shares her journey from university counseling to inspiring thousands with her tips for celebrations, tablescapes, and unforgettable gatherings. Discover how...

In this episode, I'm joined by Danielle Keperling , a dedicate advocate for historic preservation with over two decades of experience in the field. Danielle wears many hats—she's the co-founder of Keperling Preservation Services , host of the Practical Preservation podcast, and the visionary behind the Keperling Preservation Hub, an innovative resource designed to empower historic property owners...

We're ringing in the new year—and Season 2 of Grandma's Silver —with an inspiring conversation featuring the vibrant Emily McCarthy . Known for her colorful and confidence-driven designs, Emily has grown her Savannah-based brand into a lifestyle powerhouse that celebrates creativity, tradition, and joy. In this episode, Emily takes us behind the scenes of her journey as a designer and entrepreneur...

Step into the holiday charm of Charleston, South Carolina in this festive episode of Grandma’s Silver. Allie Kochinsky sits down with Chad Stewart, Curator of History at The Charleston Museum , America’s first museum, to explore the city’s iconic holiday traditions and historic homes. Discover the rich history behind landmarks like the Joseph Manigault House and the Heyward-Washington House, inclu...

Step into the splendor of Nemours Estate this holiday season! In this episode, we're joined by Paula Phipps , Manager of Collections and Interpretation , to explore the history of this French-inspired estate, the du Pont family legacy, and the architectural marvels that make it a standout among historic homes. Paula also takes us behind the scenes of Nemours' magical holiday transformation, sharin...

In this episode—the third and final installment in our special collaboration with the WILLIAMSBURG brand—we're chatting with Neal Hurst , the Curator of Textiles and Historic Dress at Colonial Williamsburg  to learn more about the stories woven into 18th-century textiles. Neal shares how textiles and garments are used to illuminate history, revealing insights into their origins, craftsmanship, and...

In this solo episode of Grandma’s Silver , I’m sharing my event-planning expertise to help you host a Thanksgiving that’s both seamless and special. After nearly a decade as an award-winning wedding and event planner in the Philadelphia area, I know that hosting a holiday isn’t just about cooking—it’s about creating a beautiful, relaxed experience for your guests. Join me, Allie Kochinsky, creator...

On this festive episode of Grandma’s Silver , Allie Kochinsky chats with Kate Stewart , founder of Bauble Stockings , about bringing back the charm of heirloom Christmas traditions through beautifully handcrafted holiday decor. Kate shares how her own family’s cherished holiday rituals inspired the creation of timeless, ethically made Christmas stockings that serve as heirlooms for generations. Ea...

Join me for a heartwarming conversation with watercolor artist Lydia of Lydia Marie Elizabeth as we dive into her artistic journey and explore how she captures the spirit of place, home, and belonging through her vibrant work. Lydia shares how she found her medium in watercolor and developed a style all her own—drawing inspiration from her favorite places and infusing each scene with hope and joy....

Get ready for the holiday season with celebrated interior designer Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design in this festive episode! Maggie, known for her elegant Southern charm and classic design, joins us to share her expert tips for creating timeless tablescapes for both Thanksgiving and Christmas . From nostalgic decor ideas inspired by family heirlooms to fresh twists on traditional holiday se...

On this special episode of Grandma’s Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with Kirsten Moffitt , Conservator & Materials Analyst at Colonial Williamsburg , and Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing & Design at Benjamin Moore . Explore the fascinating world of historic preservation, 18th-century color research, and modern interior design as we uncover the story behind the WILLIAMSBURG Col...

On this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Vera Stewart , celebrated Southern culinary icon, award-winning host of The VeryVera Show, and author of multiple cookbooks . Vera shares her decades of expertise in Southern cooking, hospitality, and entertaining, offering tips for tailgates, game-day celebrations, and memorable gatherings. From her journey running a famous mail-...

Join me for this informative episode as we briefly dive into the rich history and enchanting folklore of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown , two iconic villages nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Our guest, Lucia Ballas-Traynor , Executive Director of the Sleepy Hollow-Tarrytown Chamber of Commerce, shares the impact of the stories that've shaped these villages, famously linked to Washington Irv...

In this episode of Grandma’s Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with Kathryn Sukey , Head of Design at Draper James , Reese Witherspoon’s Southern-inspired fashion brand. Kathryn shares the heritage-driven inspiration behind Draper James and how the brand blends classic Southern style with contemporary trends. From the design process to seasonal collections, she provides insights on maintaining ti...