The Art of Southern Charm

by Patricia Altschul, Deborah Davis (With)

Fan-favorite Bravolebrity Patricia Altschul from the primetime show, Southern Charm, finally brings fans of the show her opus on etiquette and living a glamorous champagne Southern lifestyle (on a beer budget). From how to throw the best party, to how to dress for an event, to how to handle a drunken bore at the dinner table, to how to deliver the perfectly-phrased insult (like her now iconic "shameless strumpet"), THE ART OF SOUTHERN CHARM will delight fashionistas and millennials alike as Patricia--and Michael the Butler--offer advice and tips on emulating the grand dame of Charleston.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Self Help, Biography, Audiobook

240 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2017

Reviews

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/

Patricia Altschul is the reason why phrases like “YASSSSSSS QUEEN” were invented – although she’s way too classy to use such common language herself, I’m sure. In case you aren’t familiar, Miss Pat is the resident matriarch of my most favorite television viewing pleasure (notice I didn’t include the word “guilty” because I don’t feel the least bit guilty when I watch it) . . . . .



From her oh-my-lort-I-could-just-die-from-envy home . . . . .



To being chauffered through the McD’s drive-thru in her Rolls Royce.

To her line of “couture” . . . . .



To her seemingly endless quips that steal the show with her cameo appearances . . . . .







Miss Pat is everything I want to be when I grow up so of course I had to read this book. Obviously this is for fans who want to know more. While it does provide some high society sorts of pointers regarding etiquette, the truly interesting tidbits are learning about Patricia’s life and how she got to her current level of fabulosity.

My favorite selections had to be her least favorite things. Here’s a few . . . .

I don’t have anything nice to say about…
Toilet paper folded into points—and worse than that, toilet paper folded and topped with a sticker
Fake Christmas trees (Sorry, Miss Pat!!!)
Man buns
Carnations
Bringing untrained puppies to visit
People who don’t watch TCM (Turner Classic Movies)
French manicures
Women or men who wear too much cologne
Side boob (OH MY GOD I LOVE HER!)

And Then There’s the End of Western Civilization…
Visible piercings
Underwear that’s worn in place of real clothing in public
Flip-flops, except at the beach

She also lets readers take a peek into her Kindle . . . .

Belgravia, by Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey. I also loved his novel Snobs.
Crazy Rich Asians and China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan. Can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy.
The Knockoff by my friend Lucy Sykes
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin Bright
Precious Days by Jay McInerney
Gertrude Bell, Queen of the Desert, Shaper of Nations by Georgina Howell
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year and Superficial by the one and only Andy Cohen
Beach Music by Pat Conroy
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

And, for a psychotic Christmas decorator like myself, offers up some helpful advice when it comes to trimming the tree . . . .

While there’s no right or wrong way to trim a tree, here are a few practical tips: If you have a very large tree topper, as I do—I have a giant peacock with a sweeping tail on the top of my very tall tree (doesn’t everybody?)—the best way to attach it is to do so before the tree is set up. Use wire to secure the ornament, whether it’s a star, a bird, or something else that strikes your fancy, then position the tree in its stand.

She even lets you in on the secret behind the tastiest egg salad for your tea sandwiches . . . .

[Amy Landino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t watch the show but now I will! As I said on my Twitter, this book is probably one of the most useful, real world, lady instructionals I’ve read. I highlighted 60% of the book in Kindle and one of my favorite tips is about clothing vignettes!!

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the city of Charleston and the show Southern Charm. This book is revealing, full of personality, and captures the chic lifestyle and Southern philosophy of Patricia Altschul. The book contains recipes, words of wisdom, recommendations, and etiquette associated with Southern living. Recommended for all interested in Ms. Altschul and her way of life. I truly enjoyed reading this book.

[hannah ☆ ୨ৎ˚࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews can be found at http://inspiredtoreadblog.blogspot.com.

I picked this book up because I am a HUGE fan of the show Southern Charm on Bravo, and if you know the show then you know the lovely Patricia Altschul. (PS if you don't know the show, check it out! It's one of my favorite reality shows of all time.)

Patricia is such an elegant woman and the way she lives her life reflects that. There is so much great advice packed in this book; whether you're curious about how to dress, how to host a party, even some great books to read, and a ton more. Patricia definitely lives her life in a more traditional, elegant way that the world seems to have forgotten. I think there is a lot to be said about acting like a lady. I also loved hearing about Patricia's early life and the way things were when she had her son Whitney (who we all know and love/hate on Southern Charm).

There are a couple things about this book that I found unrealistic, which is the reason for 4 stars and not 5. For example, Patricia has a butler and assistants to do a lot of her organizing and admin tasks. Not a lot of people have this luxury and there were moments while reading this book where I felt a bit of a disconnect between things she says that should be done in life/around the house and the fact that she is not actually doing them herself. I can't fault Patricia for this though- I think a lot of people would have a butler and assistants if they had the opportunity! I still just love Patricia's attitude towards life in general.

[Bethany Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!).

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Southern Delight! If you are a fan of the Bravo series Southern Charm, then this book is a must have. If you haven't watched it yet, go binge watch it. If you aren't into tv but love the South, then this book is also for you! This book combines the best qualities of both the South and Patricia: graciousness, welcoming, a little reserve and a lot of wit. You learn about her family history, recipes, places one must visit in the South and much more. Patricia has it all-both class and sass! More often than not, she will have you smiling as you read and you'll soak up her fresh ideas and Southern lore.

[Emily Palmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grabbed this book on a whim while waiting on a few other books to become available at the library. I do enjoy the occasional autobiography and I like the TV show Southern Charm so I figured why not. Got a kick out of Patricia's sharp sense of humor and found it interesting to learn a bit about her life experiences.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Around you people will swarm,
if with grace their fear you disarm.
Be happy and bright,
and always look right
to live the Art of Southern Charm

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This diversion of a book made me chuckle quite a few times, and it made me crave ham more than a few times.

[Megan Landry]

I don’t think I was the target audience for this one but it was definitely giving Miss Pat!

[Megs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining for fans of Southern Charm but vapid when compared to other etiquette/entertaining themed books.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[The Suburban Eclectic · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 style is classic, which I appreciate, but her advice 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.
If The Art of Southern Charm is to be taken as tongue in cheek, then it failed for me. 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.

[Tensy (bookdoyen) · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're like me and have a secret addiction to Bravo's reality TV show, Southern Charm, then you will enjoy this book written by my favorite person on the show, Patricia Altschul. Patricia's snarky comments and impeccable taste and charm puts all the other young Charleston elite to shame. There are some useful nuggets of wisdom in this book, like how to handle a drunken boor at a dinner party or how to deliver the perfectly phrased insult that seems innately bred into Southerners and Lady Violet Crawley in Downton Abbey. She also makes a case for older women (young ones can go without) wearing stockings (to which I fully agree) mainly because they even out the skin tone, and as she says,"holds in what nature wants to spill out, and make legs look lean and shapely." If Queen Elizabeth, Kate, Meghan and Patricia endorse wearing stockings, then go get you some Hanes asap!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so entertaining! I listened to it on hoopla, and at first was disappointed that Patricia was not narrating, but I quickly got used to that.

I do love watching Southern Charm (I haven't missed an episode), but was glad this book was not a tell-all about the show. Instead, Patricia gives her advice on how to be a Charming Southerner, and includes everything you need to know. And she's funny!!! She also shares her recipes for everything from Brown-Sugar-Glazed Bacon to the perfect martini. The Charmers were mentioned only briefly here and there, so you don't have to be a viewer to love this book. I'm actually thinking of purchasing the hardcover so that I can have all this information at my fingertips. Thanks for sharing, Patricia! I'll be sure to follow your website.

[Debra Stagias · Rating 2 out of 5]

MY OPINION OF THE ART OF SOUTHERN CHARM

This book was so pretentious I just had to laugh. First of all, the author thinks we are all stupid and need a dictionary to explain the big COMPLICATED WORDS she uses at the end of each chapter.
The tone of her "advice" is so pretentious it seems she thinks everyone but she and her family

[Mz Raiyed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Bravo’s show, Southern Charm (well the seasons that had Kathryn and Thomas in it. Once he left, I suffered through it and truthfully have never finished the series).

Charleston’s Grand Dame, Patricia Altschul (Whitney’s mom) is my favorite cast member and honestly one of my favorite character/personalities on television. So I was thrilled to find out she had written a book.

Except sadly, she didn’t.

She has a double masters I. art and Architecture and one of the most vast vocabularies I have heard in contemporary tv.

She had a ghostwriter/writer/what ever she was that did the book which was a HUGE disappointment.

The book was meant to cover all of Patricia’s advice for how to be a lady of the south, entertain, and run a home. There were several valuable tips and pieces of advice. (Example: Store your cloth napkins by pattern/design flat and separate them with flat pieces of cardboard. Store upright like books=mind blown and I am enacting this).

There were also a few good drink and food recipes like her martini recipe and the bourbon sours shown on the show.

The Art of Southern Charm fell flat for me after the first thirty five pages where you can tell Pat stopped writing and the accomplice-ghostwriter took over and essentially just rehashed scenes and quotes from Patricia’s scenes on Southern Charm.

If I wanted that, I would have just rewatch old episodes. I wanted more.

This is a book that should have been a listicle. That’s a great idea. I will write it out and post it here later to save everyone time.


Patricia has another book coming out in a few days called Eat, Drink, and Remarry. I am hoping for more from this one.

[Lore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it funny, interesting and diverse. It truly has a bit of everything.

In the beginning it is a memoir of the author's life, then anecdotes provide a colourful splash here and there as Patricia talks about receiving, cooking, decorating and being your better self. There is a little something for everyone. From advice on makeup, clothing and organizing life to dealing with guests, providing seasonal entertaining and enjoying being a hostess.

Her prose is funny, direct and very sincere. She comes through as a no nonsense person that knows how to have a laugh at life and enjoy it all.

The book is a nice window view into a privileged life and at many of its pleasantries. Like monogramming your cloth napkins and your pillow covers :)

But it is all shared with such joy and sincerity that it doesn't feel snotty in the slightest. This is the most important part, I should say. Patricia manages to be approachable and to share it all without rubbing readers the wrong way.

[Terri Fangman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Full disclosure, I’m obsessed with Southern Charm and all things related to the show. I also LOVE etiquette and entertaining, so I thought this would be the perfect book for me.
This book is part etiquette, part southern manners,, part entertaining guide, part dictionary, part cookbook, part decorating tips, and ALL opinion. Patricia is completely snobbish and somewhat caring all in one. She has lots of rules for people, but having watched the show I know she at times contradicts them (don’t discuss money or make a big deal of accidents that happen at a party, and never serve red wine at parties- yet she chastises Craig when he spills red wine all over her zillion dollar couch - granted, he was a drunk fool, but still…)
I am taking many things away from this book, but it sometimes felt preachy. I listened to this book on Audible, I probably would have rated it higher if she read it.

[Jennifer Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I'm a big fan of Bravo's Southern Charm. I'm so glad I did. I was impressed with Patricia's background; I did not know much about her and had assumed she had acquired her wealth primarily by marrying into money. I found out otherwise. Patricia is a highly educated woman who had an impressive career in the art world. Her work ethic was admirable, and I was thrilled to see her advocating for women's education and ability to take care of themselves. I found her to be old-fashioned in the right ways and surprisingly forward-thinking for her generation. I anticipated this book being pure fluff, and although it was a quick read, I appreciated Patricia's perspectives on manners and the proper ways of doing things. There were very few things I found myself disagreeing with other than Southerners having a monopoly on doing certain things the right way.

[Wendy Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was homesick and needed a book to remind me of home and picked this one. I loved it, and it was exact dose of medicine I needed to feel better. Patricia’s chapter on her parties in New York also gave me the confidence to pay homage to my southern roots, while also helping me understand why I liked certain things in my life like tomato sandwiches and pimento cheese. I had never liked tomato sandwiches until, after reading her booked, I tried them again and used Dukes Mayonnaise. With the first bite, I was immediately transported to my great grandmothers little kitchen in Louisiana. Who knew this was the only thing missing in my life. This book was charming and warm and exactly what I needed. Thank you, Patricia, from the bottom of my Louisiana/Texas heart.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an easy read. This book is about Patricia Altschul, a cast member from the show Southern Charm, and how Southern's do things. The book also covers Southern entertaining,Southern dating, Souther dress, Southern decorating etc. While the book covers the way things are done in the South the only way to do the topics covered is to come from money or have money. It will be difficult for working class people to follow everything covered. This book is light read and a good read if you are fan of Patricia or the ways of the South.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book if you are a fan of Southern Charm (the Bravo TV Show) and already a fan of Patricia's. If you are both of those - you will enjoy it as I did. If you are not both of those - you will find it a total waste of time. There is nothing new or inspirational here. The book is more of a supporting PR move for the show and really, Patricia *supporting her son's show* (which is fine with me.)

[Angela Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Southern Charm and Patricia then you will love this book. As I was reading this book I could hear Patricia talking to me through the book just like she would be talking to Shep, Thomas or Kathryn. This was a very quick read for me as I just could not put it down. Patricia gives you some good tips on how to have your own Southern Charm and she even shares with you some of her favorite recipes. Glad I picked this book up.

[Lauren Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of the show Southern Charm, you already know about the fabulous matriarch Patricia. We all know Pat is accomplished and classy, but this book also shows us how down to earth and warm she really is. Great tips for etiquette and hosting, as well as charming antidotes of her life. Definitely read this one.

[Alexis Wilbers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun easy read

This book was fun and quick to read. I like Patricia on Southern Charm and after reading this book I realize she is even more fascinating than initially thought. I love her takes on modern manners (or lack thereof), interior design, and of course her fabulous parties.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, author highly opinionated and removed from what life is truly like for most Americans.

I’m glad I read it to learn more specific sources for information on various topics. I, however, will decline from following in any sort of fashion whether it be Twitter, Instagram, her son’s show or any other publication but “Bless her heart”.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm admittedly not a huge fan of Miss Pat, but figured I'd give her book a try because I do love Southern Charm. Her book really does have a lot of practical advice on how to host and be a southern lady so I did appreciate that aspect of it but found her to be very pretentious as the narrator. Overall this wasn't my favorite Bravo-lebrity book but it's not the worst.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just such fun. Reminds me of the good ole days in Montgomery AL, where rules of etiquette are clearly defined, everyone is comfortable in their own skin, far more tolerant of others' quirks than you'd imagine and they KNOW HOW TO PARTY!

[Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

................. EH.

I guess as a Northern girl, I don't get this. At all.

I disagreed with almost every single thing in this book.

I guess it was well-written, and if that's your thing, cool. But it's definitely not mine.