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
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 festive flair to a newly restored property in South Carolina, sharing how he layers heirloom touches to create spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and timeless.
RESOURCES:
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 pattern, why these pieces hold such emotional weight, and how Replacements helps connect people not just with objects, but with their family histories and traditions. We also touch on entertaining, collecting, and the timeless joy of gathering around the table, particularly during the holiday season.
RESOURCES:
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:
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 everything from date selection to recipe planning, so all that's left is the joy of cooking, connecting, and creating new traditions. We'll talk about the deeper meaning behind gathering, the importance of community, and how starting (or joining) a cookbook club can create lifelong friendships and memories.
RESOURCES:
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 stories in a historic town, and how family-friendly history tours can spark lasting memories during a crisp New England autumn.
RESOURCES:
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 spaces to life, and why decorating is about more than style; it's about creating a place that celebrates the people who gather there.
RESOURCES:
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 conversation will inspire you to decorate with joy.
RESOURCES:
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 hostess, blending elegance, warmth, and hospitality.
RESOURCES:
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
