Grandma's Silver

In this episode—the third and final installment in our special collaboration with the WILLIAMSBURG brand—we're chatting with Neal Hurst, the Curator of Textiles and Historic Dress at Colonial Williamsburg to learn more about the stories woven into 18th-century textiles. Neal shares how textiles and garments are used to illuminate history, revealing insights into their origins, craftsmanship, and the lives of those who wore them. 

We also discuss Elegance, Taste, and Style: The Mary D. Doering Fashion Collection, a stunning new exhibit showcasing rare examples of historic dress and accessories. Neal provides behind-the-scenes insights into curating this collection and the importance of preserving these exquisite pieces for future generations.


From decoding fabric patterns to piecing together clues about their makers, Neal walks us through the process of preserving and interpreting these historical artifacts. Whether you're a history buff or a lover of fashion, this episode offers a captivating look at the enduring power of textiles in understanding the past.

RESOURCES:

• Learn more about the WILLIAMSBURG brand, the Foundation's licensing arm, here. Plus, follow along on Instagram and Facebook!
• Visit and/or support Colonial Williamsburg.
• Take a peek at the exhibit we discussed 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 solo episode of Grandma’s Silver, I’m sharing my event-planning expertise to help you host a Thanksgiving that’s both seamless and special. After nearly a decade as an award-winning wedding and event planner in the Philadelphia area, I know that hosting a holiday isn’t just about cooking—it’s about creating a beautiful, relaxed experience for your guests.

Join me, Allie Kochinsky, creator of The Grandmillennial Lifestyle, as I reveal my pro tips for a well-timed meal, a stunning Thanksgiving tablescape, and easy ways to keep your day stress-free. Tune in for a unique perspective on hosting that you won’t find in a typical holiday prep guide.

For those looking for my personal timeline sample, follow along on Instagram. Coming soon!

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

On this festive episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky chats with Kate Stewart, founder of Bauble Stockings, about bringing back the charm of heirloom Christmas traditions through beautifully handcrafted holiday decor.

Kate shares how her own family’s cherished holiday rituals inspired the creation of timeless, ethically made Christmas stockings that serve as heirlooms for generations. Each stocking is lovingly stitched by skilled women artisans in Haiti, combining artistry, tradition, and fair trade practices.

Whether you’re a holiday enthusiast, lover of handmade decor, or interested in meaningful gifts, this episode offers insight into preserving and creating family traditions, the craft behind each stocking, and ways to make your holiday celebrations truly special.

Key Topics Discussed

• The inspiration behind Bauble Stockings and Kate’s family holiday traditions
• The artistry of handcrafted, ethically made holiday decor
• Preserving and creating heirloom holiday traditions
• How to incorporate meaningful, handcrafted pieces into modern celebrations
• Supporting fair trade practices and artisan craftsmanship

RESOURCES:

• Visit the Bauble Stockings website.
• 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.

Join me for a heartwarming conversation with watercolor artist Lydia of Lydia Marie Elizabeth as we dive into her artistic journey and explore how she captures the spirit of place, home, and belonging through her vibrant work. Lydia shares how she found her medium in watercolor and developed a style all her own—drawing inspiration from her favorite places and infusing each scene with hope and joy. 

As we step into November, the month when themes of home, warmth, and gratitude are front and center, Lydia's reflections offer a beautiful reminder of the power of place and art to ground and inpire us. 

Tune in to this episode to celebrate the beauty of art, memory, and home just in time for the season of thankfulness and gathering!

RESOURCES:

• Follow along with Lydia on Instagram and on Pinterest.
• Shop her website. If you're specifically trying to peek at the calendars we discussed, you'll find those on this part of the site.
• Lydia opened up about a piece she painted during a hard season of life—you'll find it here.
• Heading to Middleburg this season? Be sure to visit Lydia at the November 9 Holiday Market at The Paradise Antiques and/or at the December 7 Middleburg Christmas Parade!

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

Get ready for the holiday season with celebrated interior designer Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design in this festive episode! Maggie, known for her elegant Southern charm and classic design, joins us to share her expert tips for creating timeless tablescapes for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. From nostalgic decor ideas inspired by family heirlooms to fresh twists on traditional holiday settings, Maggie offers insight into how to design beautiful and welcoming tables that will make your holiday gatherings extra special.

We, of course, also dive into Maggie's journey as a celebrated interior designer, discussing how she infuses every space with warmth, heritage, and a personal touch. Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving dinner or setting the scene for a cozy Christmas brunch, this episode is filled with inspiration to elevate your holiday hosting.

Tune in for expert advice, heartwarming traditions, and plenty of design inspiration that blends classic style with the magic of the holiday season.

Quick warning: There's a brief mention of "Christmas magic" in this episode. If you're with your littles, you may want to use headphones.

RESOURCES:

• Visit Maggie's website here, where you can also check out her online shop!
• Follow along on Instagram for plenty of inspiration.

In this episode, Maggie highlights some great brands that you might want to check out for your own holiday tables, including:

• Caspari 
• Hester & Cook
• Ball Mason Jars
• Spode's paper products

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

On this special episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Kirsten Moffitt, Conservator & Materials Analyst at Colonial Williamsburg, and Andrea Magno, Director of Color Marketing & Design at Benjamin Moore.

Explore the fascinating world of historic preservation, 18th-century color research, and modern interior design as we uncover the story behind the WILLIAMSBURG Color Collection. This collaboration bridges history and contemporary living, offering authentic paint colors inspired by Colonial America while keeping today’s interiors in mind.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, design lover, or curious about color in the home, this episode reveals the meticulous research, preservation efforts, and creative process behind a truly unique color palette.

Key Topics Discussed

• The history and research behind the WILLIAMSBURG Color Collection
• Colonial Williamsburg’s conservation and preservation processes
• How Benjamin Moore translates historic research into modern, usable paint colors
• Balancing historical authenticity with contemporary interior design
• Tips for incorporating classic, timeless hues into your home

Listen now and get inspired by the incredible stories behind the colors.

RESOURCES:

• Learn more about Colonial Williamsburg
• Check out the Benjamin Moore collection
• Follow Colonial Williamsburg on Instagram and/or Facebook
• Follow Benjamin Moore on Instagram and/or Facebook
• Take a peek at the WILLIAMSBURG brand here
• Want to know more about one of the mentioned colors in this episode? Here you go!

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

On this episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Vera Stewart, celebrated Southern culinary icon, award-winning host of The VeryVera Show, and author of multiple cookbooks.

Vera shares her decades of expertise in Southern cooking, hospitality, and entertaining, offering tips for tailgates, game-day celebrations, and memorable gatherings. From her journey running a famous mail-order business to becoming one of the South’s most beloved cooking personalities, Vera offers stories, recipes, and timeless advice for creating gatherings that are both festive and elegant.

Whether you’re a food enthusiast, Southern hospitality fan, or looking to elevate your next celebration, this episode is full of inspiration and practical tips to make every event unforgettable.

Key Topics Discussed

• Vera’s journey from mail-order business to hosting The VeryVera Show
• Tips for hosting tailgates and game-day celebrations with Southern charm
• Classic recipes and little touches that make gatherings memorable
• Insights into timeless entertaining and hospitality traditions
• Advice for creating festive, elegant, and approachable events

RESOURCES:

• Visit Vera's website here to learn all about her work and show.
• Follow along on Instagram—@veryverastewart, @verahospitality, and @veryveracamp 
• Purchase Recipes from My Table and/or Occasions

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

Join me for this informative episode as we briefly dive into the rich history and enchanting folklore of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown, two iconic villages nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Our guest, Lucia Ballas-Traynor, Executive Director of the Sleepy Hollow-Tarrytown Chamber of Commerce, shares the impact of the stories that've shaped these villages, famously linked to Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and the haunting figure of the Headless Horseman.

We'll discuss how Sleepy Hollow continues to honor this legendary piece of American folklore through festive events and deep historical ties. From the colonial roots of Tarrytown to the role Irving's residence and the region's natural beauty played in inspiring his timeless tale, this episode delves into the fascinating blend of history and myth.

Lucia also gives us a glimpse into the vibrant fall festivals and hidden gems that attract visitors from around the world. As tourism surges during October, we explore how the town balances growth with preserving its historical integrity, small-town charm, and cultural significance. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a Halloween lover, this episode will transport you to the haunted yet beautiful landscapes of Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown.

Tune in to learn about the spooky, the historical, and everything in between!

RESOURCES:

• Check out the Chamber's website here.
• Click here to learn more about the town's folklore and history.
• Follow the Chamber on Instagram or Facebook.
• Read the story.

Read about Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown!
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 of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky sits down with Kathryn Sukey, Head of Design at Draper James, Reese Witherspoon’s Southern-inspired fashion brand.

Kathryn shares the heritage-driven inspiration behind Draper James and how the brand blends classic Southern style with contemporary trends. From the design process to seasonal collections, she provides insights on maintaining timeless fashion while staying relevant.

Perfect for fashion lovers, heritage enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by Southern charm, this conversation highlights the balance between tradition, innovation, and storytelling in fashion.

Key Topics Discussed
• Draper James’ Southern-inspired heritage and brand story
• Maintaining timeless style across seasonal collections
• The creative process behind the brand’s designs
• Plans for Draper James’ 10-year anniversary
• Blending tradition with modern fashion trends

RESOURCES

• Visit the Draper James website here.
• Follow the brand on Instagram here, and follow Kathryn here.
• Want to learn more about Reese Witherspoon's roots? Take a peek at her book!

Interested in specific pieces Kathryn mentioned during the episode?

• Blazer in Ponte
• Knit Pants in Ponte
• Bailey Tall Suede Boot
• Cropped Suede Jacket
• Leather Collarless Jacket
• Jonah Gold Heart Loafer
• Corey Bell Sleeve Top in Navy Mariner Stripe
• Striped Quarter Zip Sweater in Mariner Stripe
• DJ x Tretorn Rawlins Elite in Green
• Woven Headband
• Textured Hoop

Don't miss out on the new bedding collection!

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 special episode of Grandma’s Silver, Allie Kochinsky welcomes Wendy Kvalheim, CEO of Mottahedeh, to explore the collaboration with Colonial Williamsburg's WILLIAMSBURG brand.

Discover how these iconic names merge 18th-century craftsmanship with modern design, preserving historical techniques while making them accessible for contemporary homes. Wendy shares the story of Mottahedeh, the vision behind the collaboration, and insights into researching and adapting historical patterns for today’s market.

Perfect for design enthusiasts, history lovers, and collectors, this episode illuminates the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, and modern style.

Key Topics Discussed
• Mottahedeh’s origins and Wendy’s journey as CEO
• The WILLIAMSBURG collaboration: inspiration, research, and execution
• Adapting historical designs for contemporary living
• Preserving American heritage through design
• Wendy’s latest book on Mottahedeh and its impact on the design world



RESOURCES:

• Purchase the book—Splendid Settings: 100 Years of Mottahedeh Design
• Visit the website
• Follow along on Instagram and Facebook

And, of course, be sure to follow our friends over at Colonial Williamsburg's WILLIAMSBURG Brand!



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