Stay ConnectedGrandma’s Silver explores the culture of everyday life, from design and interiors to food, tradition, and the rituals that shape how we live.
Hosted by Allie Kochinsky, each episode features thoughtful, approachable conversations with designers, historians, and tastemakers, uncovering the meaning behind timeless style and enduring traditions.
New episodes every Wednesday.
Copyright: © Copyright Allie Kochinsky
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, and how her designs honor the past while embracing the present, particularly in coastal projects. Whether you're dreaming of a historic renovation or looking for inspiration to elevate your home, this conversation is filled with wisdom and charm.
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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 nation’s history.
Elaine shares insights into du Pont’s expertise, his influence on room designs, and the strategies that helped the White House restoration set a new standard for historic preservation. Hear behind-the-scenes stories from the famous 1962 televised tour, and discover how Winterthur continues to honor these design principles today.
Whether you’re interested in American decorative arts, historic preservation, or iconic interior design, this conversation offers a deep dive into the collaboration that shaped the White House as we know it—and sparked a national appreciation for heritage and design.
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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 significance of tradition—even in modern design. Whether you're a design enthusiast or simply love the charm of a well-loved home, this conversation offers inspiration and a behind-the-scenes look at Eric's latest work.
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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 our homes today.
In this episode, Alexandra shares insights into du Pont's meticulous collecting philosophy, his enduring impact on American interiors, and how Winterthur continues to bridge the past with the present. We'll explore the museum's unparalleled collection, the role of the museum in modern design, and how preservation and conservation inform contemporary style.
Whether you're a design enthusiast, history lover, or someone who appreciates the beauty of thoughtfully curated spaces, this conversation brings timeless inspiration straight from one of the most celebrated institutions in the country.
*Alexandra would like to offer the correction that the Court has 4 facades, not 5.
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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 shape the vision of this remarkable space, blending historic and organic design elements.
Plus, gain insight into the mission of the project, learning about how it serves as both a working farm and a gathering place for conversations about the future of food, farming, and the environment.
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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 world, her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor, and how she turned her passion for interiors into a powerful—healing—movement for change. We also explore the ways in which beautifully curated spaces can bring awareness and inspiration.
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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 Fitzgerald Museum, joins us to explore the couple's time in Montgomery, Alabama, and beyond.
Whether you're a longtime fan or just love a good romance, this episode offers a deep dive into the glamour, heartbreak, and creative genius of one of history's most iconic couples.
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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 classicism, and her ability to craft interiors that reflect her clients' personalities. Caroline also gives us an exclusive preview of her exciting upcoming projects, including her debut book launch in March 2025 and her participation in the highly anticipated Kips Bay Palm Beach Showhouse 2025.
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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 Courtney blends classic charm with modern pizzazz, creating entertaining experiences that feel effortless yet memorable. From everyday celebrations to holiday gatherings, she offers insights into hosting with style, curating beautiful tables, and elevating moments with loved ones.
Whether you’re a seasoned hostess or just love creative inspiration for celebrations, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and the joy of sharing life through entertaining.
Key Topics Discussed
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 with expert guidance. Danielle also serves as the Executive Director of the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County and is a member of the Lancaster City Historical Commission.
Our conversation goes beyond the buildings to explore the broader impact of preservation on communities and culture. We dive into the unique preservation challenges in Lancaster County, where the traditions and craftsmanship of Plain communities, like the Amish and Mennonites, create a distinct landscape of historical and cultural significance.
Danielle shares her wealth of knowledge on maintaining the balance between progress and preservation, the importance of community heritage, and how historic properties can connect us to a shared history.
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