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!

RESOURCES:

• Visit Anne's website here.
• Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
• Sign up for her newsletter here.

SHOP:

• Baking in the American South
• A New Take on Cake
• Skillet Love
• American Cookie
• American Cake

In this episode of Grandma's Silver, I sit down with Debbie Mathews LeRoy, the Nashville-based antiques expert and interior designer behind Debbie Mathews Antiques & Designs. With more than 30 years in the business of fine antiques, Debbie has built a reputation for her classic, curated style—and her guiding philosophy that "every room needs at least one antique."

We chat about the enduring charm of collected interiors, how her background shapes her design approach, and why antiques continue to bring soul and story to today's homes. Debbie shares what makes a space feel timeless, the pieces worth investing in, and how to start incorporating antiques into your home–even if you're new to the hunt.

RESOURCES:

• Visit Debbie's website here.
• Follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook. 
• Shop her store.

In this episode of Grandma's Silver, we're joined by Elizabeth Hutchinson, founder of Hibiscus House—a Florida-based brand that specializes in sourcing vintage furniture and transforming it with custom lacquer for a fresh, statement-making look. 

We talk about the joy of giving old pieces new life, why vintage still resonates with today's design lovers, and how Elizabeth has carved out a niche that's as nostalgic as it is colorful. 

If you're a vintage lover who loves bold, breezy style, this conversation is for you.


RESOURCES:

• Visit the Hibiscus House website here.
• Follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
• Don't forget to use the code GML15 at checkout—good for one-time use of 15% off any raw piece to customize (or ready to ship)!

In this conversation, I sit down with Sophia Demirtas, founder of Fanm Mon, the radiant brand known for its folkloric embroidery and globally inspired femininity. Sophia shares how her multicultural life experience shapes her vision—from the symbolism behind Fanm Mon's lush, hand-embroidered garments to the intentional way her team honors heritage and sustainability.

Fanm Mon explores how clothing can be both a celebration of self and a bridge between cultures, and how tradition and a love for artistry inform every pieces. If you've ever felt moved by the story behind a garment–or are looking to be—this episode is for you.

RESOURCES:

• Shop Fanm Mon here.
• Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Boscobel House and Gardens is more than just a historic home—it's a design icon, a preservation success story, and now, the focus of an ambitious restoration project. In this episode of Grandma's Silver, I sit down with Jennifer Carlquist, Executive Director of Boscobel, to explore the site's fascinating history, its role in shaping American interior design, and the exciting transformation underway.

We'll dive into how this Hudson Valley treasure became a hub for 19th-century decorative arts, the challenges and opportunities of historic preservation, and why stewarding the past can inspire the way we live today. 

Tune in for a glimpse into the past—and the vision for Boscobel's future.

RESOURCES:

• Visit the Boscobel website here.
• Follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook.
• For information on the House's recovery (& ways to support the restoration), click here.

In this episode, I'm joined by event planner Cameron Forbes, owner of Forbes Functions in New York. Cameron shares how she built a career around celebrating life's most beautiful moments. We dive into her philosophy on meaningful entertaining, her favorite ways to host in the warmer months, and how to elevate even the simplest gatherings with a thoughtful touch. Whether you're planning a cocktail party or an intimate summer dinner, Cameron's tips and perspective will inspire you to create gatherings that are warm, elegant, and full of charm.


RESOURCES:

• Check out the Forbes Functions website here.
• Follow along on Instagram & TikTok.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is more than a historic estate—it's a masterpiece where interiors and gardens exist in perfect harmony. In this episode, I'm once again joined by Alexandra Deutsch, Director of Collections at Winterthur, to explore how H.F. du Pont's passion for horticulture directly influenced his legendary approach to interior design.

We'll uncover the ways du Pont brought the beauty of the outdoors inside, from floral motifs and botanical-inspired color palettes to the art of seasonal decorating. Plus, Alexandra shares how Winterthur continues to preserve this deep connection between home and nature today. Whether you're a design lover, a history enthusiast, or someone who dreams of living with the seasons, this episode is full of inspiration from one of America's most storied estates.

RESOURCES:

• Visit the Winterthur website here.
• Follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook.

In this episode of Grandma's Silver, we're welcoming the queen of container gardening—Steph Green, founder of Contained Creations. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Steph has made a name for herself transforming patios, porches, and window boxes with bespoke seasonal planters that brim with color, texture, and charm.

We dig into her approach to spring and summer container gardens, how to think about pots as part of your home design's story, and the secrets behind a truly eye-catching arrangement. From favorite plant combinations to the classic thriller-filler-spiller method, Steph shares her best tips for creating containers that feel both curated and carefree.

RESOURCES:

• Check out Steph's website where you'll find her blog, courses, and more!
• Follow along on Instagram for plenty of inspiration.

SHOPPABLE (mentioned in the episode):

• Veradek Railing Planters
• Hanging Baskets
• Animal Repellent for planters
• Outdoor Planter with Shelf

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—as she leads the College of Charleston's in-semester archaeology field school in partnership with The Charleston Museum. Together, we explore the 18th-century gunsmithing workshop once operated by John Milner Sr., the enslaved artisans who sustained it, and the many lives that moved through this storied site.

We talk about what archaeology can reveal that written records cannot, how material culture brings forgotten narratives into focus, and why it's so important to make this kind of work more accessible to students and the public alike.

This is a conversation about preservation, participation, and the power of uncovering the past—one artifact at a time.

RESOURCES:

• Learn more about the excavationat the Heyward-Washington House here.
• Plan a visit to The Charleston Museum and follow along on Instagram.
• Interested in the College of Charleston's Archaeology program? Click here.

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, from hosting workshops at their home to preserving generations-old culinary traditions.

Whether you're a passionate home cook, a lover of vintage treasures, or simply seeking inspiration for a more meaningful connection to your heritage, this conversation will leave you craving a slice of something homemade and heartfelt.

RESOURCES:

• Follow Pantry Hill on Instagram.
• Visit their website.
• Subscribe to their YouTube channel (where you'll soon find their show!).
• Learn more about Darien's pie workshops.
• Purchase the "Afternoon Tea" blend (launches April 26).