Grandma's Silver

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...

In this special episode of Grandma’s Silver , Allie Kochinsky welcomes Wendy Kvalheim , CEO of Mottahedeh , to explore the collaboration with Colonial Williamsburg's WILLIAMSBURG brand. Discover how these iconic names merge 18th-century craftsmanship with modern design, preserving historical techniques while making them accessible for contemporary homes. Wendy shares the story of Mottahedeh, the v...

As fall brings busy routines, Allie Kochinsky sits down with interior designer Lindsey Herod of Lindsey Herod Interiors to explore turning utilitarian spaces into functional and stylish areas. From mudrooms and entryways to laundry rooms and kitchens, Lindsey shares practical tips for streamlining your home while adding timeless charm. With insights drawn from real-life routines and expert design...

In this heartfelt episode of Grandma’s Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with Amanda Wilbanks , owner of Southern Baked Pie Co. and author of Southern Baked: Celebrating Life with Pie . Amanda shares the family traditions, recipes, and stories that inspired her love for baking and hospitality. The conversation explores how pies and home baking can serve as a form of cultural expression, connectin...

In this special episode of Grandma’s Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with Kristina and Sam von Trapp , descendants of the legendary von Trapp family of The Sound of Music fame. The conversation explores their family legacy, the evolution of the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, and their exciting ventures in craft brewing, maple tapping, and sustainable farming. Kristina and Sam share how t...

As we step into the back-to-school season, we're diving deep into one of America's most iconic academic institutions: Princeton University . In this episode, I'm joined by W. Barksdale Maynard , an architectural historian and author, to explore Princeton's storied architecture and the rich history that has shaped its unique aesthetic. From the stunning Gothic Revival buildings to the meticulously...

In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Mustipher, a celebrated mixologist, spirits educator, and author, to dive deep into the world of Tiki cocktails. Shannon has become a leading voice in the industry, known for her innovative approach and deep appreciation for the cultural heritage of Tiki drinks. Join us as we explore the history and evolution of Tiki culture, from its origins to its modern...

In this episode of Grandma’s Silver , Allie Kochinsky sits down with Candacy Taylor , award-winning author , photographer , and cultural documentarian , to uncover the hidden stories of Route 66. Often called the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is steeped in Americana, but Candacy shines a light on the experiences of Black travelers, the communities that thrived along the route, and the vital r...

In this episode of Grandma’s Silver , Allie Kochinsky chats with Elizabeth Heiskell , renowned chef , author , and Southern culinary expert , about the flavors, traditions, and hospitality of the South. Elizabeth shares stories from her Mississippi roots, discussing how family, community, and Southern customs have influenced her approach to cooking and entertaining. Listeners will also hear practi...

Step into the world of Southern elegance and timeless interiors with acclaimed designer Eric Ross on this episode of Grandma’s Silver . Eric shares his design philosophy, blending classic sophistication with modern touches, and reflects on the experiences and influences that shaped his creative vision. Beyond design, Eric discusses his dedication to mentorship, sharing insights from the workshops...

Sink your teeth into the rich history of American barbecue with culinary historians John Reed and Jim Auchmutey on this episode of Grandma’s Silver . From family-owned joints to regional specialties, they share the stories, techniques, and traditions that have shaped this beloved culinary art over the decades. Discover how barbecue reflects culture, community, and heritage, and hear personal anecd...

In this episode, I sit down with interior designer Kara Cox to explore her journey into the world of interior design and her distinctive approach to creating timeless, elegant spaces. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Kara's work beautifully blends Southern charm with modern sophistication. We delve into her philosophy on creating warm, inviting homes that reflect personal stories and heritage....