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
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, history, and sense of place.
From storytelling through interiors to the role of floral design in creating a mood, this conversation explores how a house becomes a home, and how showhouses like this one offer inspiration rooted in beauty, tradition, and charm.
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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 all in 1968. Round Top, Texas, has become a must on the calendar for interior designers, collectors, and tastemakers seeking antiques with provenance, patina, and soul.
Stephanie gives us an inside peek into the fair's two anchor venues known for their refined, trade-loved selection of antiques at the Big Red Barn and Blue Hills. We also chat about the evolution of Round Top, how to shop it like a pro, and why it continues to shape how we layer stories into the homes we design.
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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 hosting. You'll learn how to revive the ritual with vintage flair, create simple-yet-chic drinks, and embrace the slower, more intentional spirit of gathering.
This conversation blends history, charm, and modern hosting inspiration in one delightful pour.
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In this episode of Grandma's Silver, I sit down with Lindsey Martin, founder of Paloma Home Interiors, to explore the soulful side of design—steeped in memory, meaning, and materials that last.
Paloma has quickly become a go-to destination for grandmillenials and vintage-style devotees seeking ethically sourced, heirloom-quality pieces with a contemporary twist. With a background in international affairs and a passion for heritage craftsmanship, Lindsey brings a thoughtful, globally informed perspective to the world of interiors, one that honors tradition while pushing gently toward the future.
We discuss the power of textiles in storytelling, the legacy of the pieces we choose to live with, and how sustainable design can still feel luxurious and livable. You'll also hear about our special collaboration (eek!), and why the Paloma approach resonates with those looking to create homes full of warmth, history, and heart.
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Step inside the storied halls of The Greenbrier, one of America's most iconic resorts, with Cam Huffman, Director of Public Relations. In this episode, we explore the legacy of leisure and luxury at this West Virginia estate—from its presidential ties and high society traditions to its distinctive interiors shaped by the bold vision of Dorothy Draper.
We discuss what makes The Greenbrier more than a destination: its role in shaping the American summer escape, the rituals and traditions that have stood the test of time, and how resort culture continues to capture our imaginations today.
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In a digital age, there's something meaningful about a handwritten note or beautiful illustration. In this episode, I'm joined by Jennifer Hunt, founder of Dogwood Hill—a beloved brand bringing artful, heirloom-worthy stationery back to the center of our celebrations and connections.
Jennifer shares the story behind the brand's beginnings, her love of tradition, and how Dogwood Hill has grown into a collective of artists who create exquisite paper goods for weddings, holidays, and everyday kindnesses. We talk about the ritual of letter-writing, the emotional resonance of thank-you notes and invitations, and why beautiful paper still matters.
This episode is a love letter to slower, more thoughtful communication—and to the idea that our traditions are keepsakes.
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Step onto the boardwalk and into a story more than a century into the making. In this episode, I'm joined by Meryl Vangelov, who lovingly stewards her family's iconic candy shop—Shriver's, the oldest business on the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk. From saltwater taffy to the scent of fresh fudge wafting through the summer air, Shriver's is pure Americana.
Together, we explore the legacy of this beloved sweet shop, the magic of summer by the shore, and why the traditions we carry forward matter. Whether you're nostalgic for family beach trips or fascinated by old-fashioned craftsmanship, this conversation is a celebration of taste, tradition, and timeless charm.
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In this episode of Grandma's Silver, we're heading to the mountains for a charming behind-the-scenes look at one of the South's most beloved design traditions: the Cashiers Designer Showhouse. Joining me is Rowanne McKnight, this year's Showhouse Chair.
Rowanne shares what makes this annual event so special, from the designers to the traditions that make it a must-visit summer highlight. We talk legacy, location, and the delicate balance of honoring heritage while ushering in fresh creative vision. Plus, Rowanne offers a sneak peek at what's in store for 2025—and why the mountains of North Carolina remain such a magnetic place for lovers of design and storytelling alike.
Visit from Friday, August 22 through Saturday, August 30, 2025!
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What makes East Coast coastal design so enduring? In this episode, I sit down with celebrated design duo Gary McBournie and Bill Richards of McBournie Richards Interiors to unpack the quiet beauty of seaside living—think clapboard siding, painted floors, collected antiques, and the sun-washed palette that feels effortless and elegant.
With decades of experience crafting richly layered interiors across Nantucket, Palm Beach, and beyond, Gary and Bill share the subtle hallmarks of East Coast coastal design, the role of heirlooms and storytelling in their work, and the ways history shapes a place. They also open up about their firm's recent rebrand and what it means to design with a sense of place–and permanence.
Plus, get a special sneak peek into this year's Nantucket by Design!
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In this episode of Grandma's Silver, I'm joined by bestselling author and celebrated food writer Anne Byrn to discuss summer food staples—cultural artifacts that tell stories of migration, memory, and meaning.
Anne joins us to talk about her latest book, Baking in the American South, a sweeping, story-rich celebration of Southern baking traditions.
We also wander into nostalgia territory: long-lost summer desserts.
It's a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and sugar-dusted storytelling!
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