Grandma's Silver

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.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

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.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

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.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

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

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

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.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

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).

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

For 50 years, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House has been at the heart of the design world, showcasing the work of visionary designers while raising millions for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. Now, with the release of Iconic Rooms: Kips Bay New York Decorator Show House at 50, the Show House's legacy is being celebrated in a whole new way.

In this episode, I sit down with Nazira Handal, Director of Special Events & Corporate Partnerships for Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, to explore the making of this milestone book, a behind-the-scenes look at how these show houses come together, and the legacy Kips Bay is leaving on the world of interior design—and on the lives of thousands of children. 

RESOURCES:

• Support and learn more about the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club here.
• Take a peek at the infamous Show Houses.
• Preorder Iconic Rooms: Kips Bay New York Decorator Show House at 50.
• Follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

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.

RESOURCES:

• Visit Liz's website here.
• Follow along on Instagram.
• Grab your tickets for the upcoming Southeastern Showhouse—and check out Liz's exciting outdoor space!

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

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.

Listen in for:

• The state of the White House before Jackie Kennedy’s restoration
• Du Pont’s influence and expertise in American decorative arts
• Behind-the-scenes stories from the 1962 televised tour
• How the collaboration set a national standard for historic preservation
• Winterthur’s ongoing mission to preserve and interpret historic design

RESOURCES:

• Purchase Designing Camelot here.
• Visit Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.
• Follow Elaine on Instagram.
• Follow Winterthur on Instagram.

Read about the Kennedys!
Start here: www.arcadiapublishing.com/GRANDMILLENNIAL
Code: GRANDMILLENNIAL


If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.

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.

RESOURCES:

• Visit Eric's website here.
• Purchase his latest book here or his first here.
• Follow along on Instagram.
• Listen to Eric's first Grandma's Silver interview.

If you enjoy Grandma’s Silver, follow the podcast and share this episode with a friend who loves heritage, design, and timeless living.