Grandma's Silver

Each April, as Virginia comes into bloom, a remarkable tradition unfolds. During the third week of the month, private homes and gardens, many rarely open to the public, welcome visitors in celebration of beauty, place, and history.In this episode of Grandma's Silver, I sit down with Karen Ellsworth, Director of Historic Garden Week, and Virginia Gillock, Board Member and Chair, to discuss the origins and evolution of this nearly century-old tradition.We explore the Garden Club of Virginia's founding vision, why the event has endured for generations, the deeply place-based nature of the tours across Virginia, how gardens tell stories that architecture alone cannot, and what visitors can expect this year. From floral arrangements and front-door hospitality to the anticipation of spring across the Commonwealth, this conversation highlights what makes Historic Garden Week so special, and why 2026 marks a particularly meaningful moment in its history.RESOURCES:Learn more about Historic Garden Week here, including how to purchase tickets.Follow along on Facebook and/or Instagram to stay updated on events, photographs, and more.Interested in the book recommended by today's guests? Snag your copy of Founding Gardeners: The Revolutionary Generation, Nature, and the Shaping of the American Nature.

Tea is one of the most enduring rituals in our daily lives. A pause, a comfort, a habit passed quietly from one generation to the next.In this episode, I'm joined by Emeric Harney of Harney & Sons, the family-run American tea company known for its dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and tradition. Together, we go beyond nostalgia and into the inner workings of a heritage brand, from how their tea is sourced and blended to the relationships built with growers around the world, to the discipline required to create consistency in a product shaped by nature.Emeric shares what it means to steward a multi-generational company, how art and science come together in the process, and why tea remains an enduring ritual.RESOURCES:Visit the Harney & Sons website here.Follow along on Instagram.Check out Emeric's cocktail bar, Quantum Toad!

In this episode, I sit down with Dunn Latham, President and Designer of Little English, the children’s fashion and lifestyle brand founded by her mother, Shannon, in 2004. What began as a collection of traditional hand-smocked layette has grown into an upscale, full-service apparel and accessories line, carried by Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Maisonette.Dunn shares how she carries forward the family legacy, honoring not only the heirloom-quality garments the brand creates but also the ethos and spirit of Little English itself — a company that has been lovingly passed down and continues to shape the traditions of childhood, celebration, and thoughtful living. From crafting “forever quality” clothing meant to be treasured and passed down, to inspiring milestone moments like baby showers and first birthdays, this conversation blends nostalgia, style, and intentional living.RESOURCES:Shop Little English here.Visit the Instagram page (and be sure to follow Dunn directly).

Valentine's Day is about more than chocolate; it's a tradition steeped in history and sentiment. In this episode of Grandma's Silver, I sit down with Nancy Rosin from the National Valentine Collectors Assocation to explore the world of valentines.From delicate lace and embossed cards to clever pop-ups and handwritten notes, these collectible treasures reveal the customs, courtship rituals, and humor of generations past. We talk about how valentines were made, what made them meaningful, and how they were preserved as keepsakes. Plus, what they can teach us about love, celebration, and the joys of tangible tradition today.Whether you're a collector, a history enthusiast, or someone who enjoys celebrating February with thoughtfulness and style, this conversation is full of stories that will make you see Valentine's Day in a whole new light.RESOURCES:Follow Nancy's Facebook group here.Check out the Association's website.For visuals to accompany this episode, click here.

In today's episode, I sit down with interior designer Dana Wolter, who is known for her chic Southern style, discerning eye, and creating spaces that blend timeless elegance with comfort. From her early experiences growing up in a large family to designing turnkey residences across the nation, Dana has cultivated a philosophy that homes should be sanctuaries for family life.RESOURCES:Visit Dana's website here.Follow along on Instagram.Shop her new book, The Elegance and Comfort of Home.

In this episode, I sit down with Pamela Munson, the designer behind her namesake straw accessories brand, known for its timeless style, thoughtful craftsmanship, and storytelling approach to design. Inspired by summers spent near (and on!) the water, family traditions, and the understated elegance of her grandmother, Pamela creates handbags and accessories that feel both classic and quietly modern, pieces meant to be used, loved, and kept.With more than 15 years of experience in the fashion industry at CHANEL, Oscar de la Renta, and Bergdorf Goodman, Pamela brings an understanding of design and business to her work. Her straw collections are carried by luxury retailers and featured in publications like Vogue, Town & Country, and Oprah Magazine. In our conversation, Pamela shares how personal history shapes her creative process, what goes into designing with a natural, seasonless material, and her approach to building a brand rooted in longevity rather than trends. It's a thoughtful look at how memory, craft, and restraint come together to create enduring style.RESOURCES:Shop Pamela's website hereFollow along on Instagram

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:Follow Brian on Instagram.

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:Visit the Replacements, Ltd. website here.Follow along on Facebook and/or Instagram.Submit your story.EXCLUSIVE PROMO CODES:Get $15 off orders $115 or more on Tableware, Art & Antiques, and Estate Jewelry & Watches (Excludes Rolex items) - Limit to 2 uses | CODE: GS1525 (Expires Dec. 15, 2025)Get $25 off orders $175 or more Tableware, Art & Antiques, and Estate Jewelry & Watches (Excludes Rolex items) - Limit to 2 uses | CODE: GS2525 (Expires Dec. 15, 2025)

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:Visit Grey's website here.Follow along on Instagram.

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:Visit the website here.Join (available for Apple or Android).Follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and/or TikTok!

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:Visit Salem Kids Tours here.Book a tour.Follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook.

Rebecca Gardner has been called one of the top event designers in the world, and it's easy to see why. As the founder and creative director of Houses & Parties, her full-service events, interior design, and retail collective, Rebecca has a knack for blending tradition and imagination in a timeless yet delightful way.In this episode of Grandma's Silver, Rebecca joins me to talk about the joy of entertaining, what makes a gathering memorable, and how she draws on whimsy and charm to create unforgettable moments. Whether you're setting the table for two or planning a grand affair, Rebecca's playful yet refined approach will inspire you to see hospitality in a new way.RESOURCES:Visit the Houses & Parties website.Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and/or Pinterest.Order "A Screaming Blast," here or here.

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:Visit the James Farmer Designs website.Shop from A Place to Call Home.Follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook.BOOKS:Home Again | Signed or AmazonCelebrating Home | Signed or AmazonArriving Home | Signed or AmazonA Time to Plant | Signed or AmazonA Place to Call Home | Signed or AmazonDinner on the Grounds | Signed or AmazonPorch Living | Signed or AmazonWreaths for All Seasons | Signed or Amazon

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:Shop the Furbish Studio here.Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.

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:Visit Tara's website here.Follow along on Instagram: @taraguerardSHOP:Weddings by Tara GuerardSouthern Weddings: New Looks from the Old South

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.RESOURCES:Visit FLOWER Magazine here.Learn more about the 2025 Showhouse.Follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook.

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.RESOURCES:Visit the Original Round Top Antiques Fair here.Follow along on Instagram and/or Facebook.Buy your tickets for the 2025 Fall Show (October 4th-18th).

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.GENERAL RESOURCES:Listen to Jena's initial episode.Take a peek at "A Quick Drink," featuring both of our guests!Interested in more spirits history? Check out this recommended read: "The Cocktail Parlor: How Women Brought the Cocktail Home." CONNECT WITH JENA:Visit the website.Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and/or YouTube.CONNECT WITH LEANNE:Check out DoloresBK.Visit the Lustau Sherry website.

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.RESOURCES:Shop and learn more here.Follow along on Instagram.

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. RESOURCES:Visit The Greenbrier's website here.Learn more about the Cottages, Estates, and Resort Rooms.Click here for information about the Dorothy Draper connection.