The Art of Southern Charm

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.

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.