Grandma's Silver

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.

In a digital age, there's something meaningful about a handwritten note or beautiful illustration. In this episode, I'm joined by Jennifer Hunt, founder of Dogwood Hill—a beloved brand bringing artful, heirloom-worthy stationery back to the center of our celebrations and connections.Jennifer shares the story behind the brand's beginnings, her love of tradition, and how Dogwood Hill has grown into a collective of artists who create exquisite paper goods for weddings, holidays, and everyday kindnesses. We talk about the ritual of letter-writing, the emotional resonance of thank-you notes and invitations, and why beautiful paper still matters.This episode is a love letter to slower, more thoughtful communication—and to the idea that our traditions are keepsakes.RESOURCES:Visit the Dogwood Hill website.Check out their new wallpaper and fabric collection here.Follow along on Facebook and/or Instagram.Looking for wedding content on social? Click here.

Step onto the boardwalk and into a story more than a century into the making. In this episode, I'm joined by Meryl Vangelov, who lovingly stewards her family's iconic candy shop—Shriver's, the oldest business on the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk. From saltwater taffy to the scent of fresh fudge wafting through the summer air, Shriver's is pure Americana.Together, we explore the legacy of this beloved sweet shop, the magic of summer by the shore, and why the traditions we carry forward matter. Whether you're nostalgic for family beach trips or fascinated by old-fashioned craftsmanship, this conversation is a celebration of taste, tradition, and timeless charm.RESOURCES:Visit (and shop) the website here.Follow along on Facebook and/or Instagram.

What makes East Coast coastal design so enduring? In this episode, I sit down with celebrated design duo Gary McBournie and Bill Richards of McBournie Richards Interiors to unpack the quiet beauty of seaside living—think clapboard siding, painted floors, collected antiques, and the sun-washed palette that feels effortless and elegant.With decades of experience crafting richly layered interiors across Nantucket, Palm Beach, and beyond, Gary and Bill share the subtle hallmarks of East Coast coastal design, the role of heirlooms and storytelling in their work, and the ways history shapes a place. They also open up about their firm's recent rebrand and what it means to design with a sense of place–and permanence.Plus, get a special sneak peek into this year's Nantucket by Design!RESOURCES:Visit McBournie Richards Interiors here.Shop the home line.Follow along on Instagram.Learn more about Nantucket by Design 2025.

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 SouthA New Take on CakeSkillet LoveAmerican CookieAmerican 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 PlantersHanging BasketsAnimal Repellent for plantersOutdoor 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.