This book is a mixture of etiquette, self help, home or lifestyle book and cookbook and somehow it makes the strange mixture of topics work.
I fund a lot of the tips a bit overly specific,y targeted towards a higher income bracket, but all in all this book was fun and interesting and had some nice tips.

Title: The Art of Southern Charm

Author(s): Patricia Altschul with Deborah Davis

Publisher: First Diversion Books

Publication Date: April 18, 2017

Rating: 4/5 stars

Rx: This one is for lovers of the south and all things southern; it is also a great remedy for anyone who loves the BRAVO TV show, Southern Charm, and misses being able to watch it. Season 4 recently wrapped, so hopefully this sweet little book will help hold us over until next season.

Review: Patricia Altschul is a proper southern lady, and one of the stars of the popular television show, Southern Charm. In this new book, she seeks to pass on her tips and tricks to the less informed. There are chapters on “How to be Lovely,” what to wear when, proper behavior, “Smart is the New Sexy,” relationships, housekeeping, interior design/decorating, entertaining, hostess gifts, her own life, and life in general.

Included are some neat recipes. For instance, Altschul shares the secret of Michael’s Perfect Martini, and the very specific ingredients and tools required to make it. There are a few recipes for southern cocktails, like the mint julep and General Lee’s Artillery Punch (also known as the “strongest drink in America”). These are included in a fun section about entertaining during holidays and special occasions. Also included: many recipes that did not appeal to me personally because they all have that staple of the south, Duke’s mayonnaise (I do not eat mayo, even classy, southern mayo). Those recipes were for things such as: egg salad, chicken salad, cucumber sandwiches, tomato sandwiches, and pimento cheese (the “caviar” of the south). The recipes that sounded especially delicious to me were: caramelized bacon, ham biscuits, and festive herbed nuts.

It’s hard to choose a favorite section of the book. I really liked “How to be Lovely,” in which the author discusses how to be “classically glamorous,” without all the fake options people seem to resort to these days. In this chapter, she explores: diet, exercise, skin care, makeup, and ahhhh the ritual bath. Although I loved learning how to be lovely, I think the chapter I most liked was, “Smart is the New Sexy.” This was right up my alley since it included: reading, writing, word-choice, and a peek at what’s in Patricia Altschul’s Kindle! Who can resist a glimpse of someone else’s “bookshelf” (virtual or otherwise). Finally, I also loved the chapter entitled, “Let’s Behave.” As the title suggests, this part of the book includes great tips on proper behavior. It also contains fun lists of Patricia’s favorite and least favorite things.

Altschul is a very wealthy woman, and some of her advice may not be as meaningful or as helpful to those of us not in her social class. However, there are still plenty of interesting and helpful tips on proper etiquette. It’s worth reading just for fun. The book also has a lot of funny parts (not laugh out loud, but tongue-in-cheek humor). It was a quick and enjoyable read.

If you’ve never seen Southern Charm on BravoTV, this book might not have as much relevance for you. Admittedly, much of my love for the book comes from my love of the show. I’m uncertain about whether or not I would have enjoyed it quite as much without its many references to the show and its quirky characters. I think I probably still would have loved the book simply because I adore southern culture. In any case, it is a cute book in its own right about proper southern etiquette.

Rarely do I read a book that unnerves me so much that I am unable to sleep, but The Art of Southern Charm by Patricia Altschul and Deborah Davis did just that. I am appalled that people will read this and believe this is how southern people act.

I have several problems with her idea of Southern. First every Southerner is judged by her tea (sweet is always implied) and not her martini. Second "Bless Her (His/Your) Heart" is never, ever used with a compliment. It simply softens whatever is being said. Third tomato sandwiches are not tea sandwiches. A tomato sandwich should be served on lightly toasted bread. It is best eaten while leaning over a dinner plate or the kitchen sink. A good tomato sandwich is always messy. If it is not messy, you did not make it properly. Finally I was shocked at the absence of funeral etiquette. Funerals are a big part of Southern culture.

I did not realize that Ms. Altschul had a reality show. If I had looked at some of clips on YouTube before reading this book rather than after, I could have saved myself some time. I do realize that the author would consider me "common", but I am fine with that. After watching clips of the author's show I find it ironic that she criticized "Honey Boo Boo". It is charming that Ms. Altschul finds a difference between the two. Bless her heart!

Definitely for fans of the Bravo tv show, "Southern Charm," that of Patricia Altschul, and those in communities where appearance is everything.

LOVE LOVE LOVE Patricia! She is laugh out loud funny, her comebacks are simply amazing!
She is one of my favorite people on Southern Charm on Bravo. I will have to say I am totally addicted to the show - if you haven't seen it you need to check it out now! The new season just started and the hot messes have already begun!
Not only is Patricia a true southern matriarch, she is the "mother" to all the charmers and that is not an easy task! She has the best advice in Charleston by far!
Her parties are to die for and I would love to be in attendance. He butler Michael is adorable and together they have a great time and live great lives!
Throughout this book she gives advice on dressing, parties, and life in general! She has great guest celebs that give advice and one is Carson Kressley - the amazing man from one of my favorite all time shows, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy! I miss that show!

I highly recommend this book with its household tips and delicious recipes that will have your mouth watering and planning a trip to your nearest Wegmans (or the Piggly Wiggly if you are down south!).

Patricia Altschul loves her son, the South, and Bravo, not necessarily in that order. I love Southern Charm and I do have a soft spot for Miss Patricia. Her snarky one-liners are reality tv gold, but in print it does not register nearly as well. Her old fashioned style seems out of pace with the modern woman. I’m not knocking good manners, but some of her rules seem too rigid and not entirely practical. Her penchant for antiquated language and footnotes comes across as pretentious and like she’s talking down to the reader (not ideal when you want people to buy your book).
If The Art of Southern Charm is to be taken as tongue in cheek, then it fails miserably. There is not near enough charm or nuance to laugh at, or with it. I still love Miss Patricia and Southern Charm and I fully intend to try the bourbon slushy, but the rest is a wash.

I make no apologies for being a big fan of Southern Charm and an even bigger fan of Patricia Altschul. She is southern charm personified! Reading this book felt like sitting on her piazza and having a conversation with the grand dame of all things southern. Her voice is distinct and unmistakable from start to finish.

This book is just awful.
I have seen the show on Bravo, so I am familiar with the author. After reading the first chapter, I thought, wow, this woman has a lot more smarts than what she lets on.
And then I got to Chapter 2 - How to be Lovely.
And Chapter 3 - which includes topics such as Caftans and Tiaras
And then there is the annoying glossary at the end of each chapter, to explain fancy words to us commoners.
I'm received this as an advanced reader copy.