The Art of Southern Charm

If you like the idea of striving to be a proper yet modern lady, then this book is for you! There are many etiquette guides in print and online, but what sets Altschul's book apart is that she provides the "why" behind why you should or should not do certain things. There is absolutely no hint of our mothers' oft quoted, "Because I told you so" form of explanation. Altschul succinctly lays it on the line for her readers. Take for instance, she advises that, "...you should accept your uniqueness and not try to follow fashion or trends, because they can backfire and make you look ridiculous." She will then follow her advice with a real-life faus pas from her own past! Her wise maternal tone along with her ability of laughing at her own past mistakes make for a very enjoyable reading experience. More than anything, Altschul left me feeling with a sense of relief that I am on the right track when it comes to managing my career, maintaining a household, caring for myself, and entertaining friends and family. My hope is that she will consider creating an expanded, coffee-table book with full-color pictures of her fabulous life and surroundings.

Patricia Altschul’s book is pure fun-while obtaining good advice on what I refer to as “getting life right”. Before I purchased her book, I read some of the “negative” reviews; and, purchased her book regardless because I am a fan of hers via Bravo’s “Southetn Charm” series.Patricia does not disappoint. True, there is some repeat of advice/commentary she has given during S/C programs. But, there is plenty more to hold one’s interest. I especially love her personal anecdotes re her life, with and without husbands.She enforces the fact that she is completely genuine. Very well educated, reared in a certain style that still suits her, and, experienced in a full, sophisticated cultural life. She shares a lot.I only hope she will write more of these little gems.They make great re-reads, too.

Having been a fan of Southern Charm since its inception (a guilty pleasure), I was intrigued to see what the grande dame, Patricia Altschul had to say in her book. I read “The Art of Southern Charm” in a few hours one rainy afternoon, hoping against hope that there would be something smart, snarky, funny, or in the least, interesting and informative between its covers. Sadly, I was wrong. As a primer on Southern manners, mores, style and entertaining by the doyenne of Charleston, the book is a silly bit of fluff and about as interesting and original as the potato chips and onion dip, or the celery sticks and pimento cheese spread that Ms. Altschul highly recommends and serves at all of her parties. The woman must have watched too many Kraft food commercials during her formative years to honestly consider these to be staples of elegant entertaining. I was so surprised by this revelation, that it was almost a disappointment that she did not recommend a jello mold or pigs in a blanket as hors d’ouevres to accompany her favorite party offerings.I could go on and on about the lack of substance and lack of so-called Southern charm this artless book claims to possess, but it is not worth the time it would take to do so. In short, I do not at all recommend this book. It was a real disappointment all around. Shame on you Patricia Altschul for wasting our time with what could have been an interesting, fun and thought provoking book.

I only wish Patricia herself had read this audiobook, or at least someone who sounded like her. The reader sounded air-headed and breathless, spoke with a terrible imitation of a southern accent, occasionally forgetting it altogether and speaking with her own voice. The book itself was very interesting. I'm a Southern Charm fan and I like Mrs. Altschul, but I didn't like the way she felt she had to give the definition every time she used a big word or unusual phrase. It was as if she thought only uneducated people were her audience. Other than that, I would have given it five stars; I did enjoy the content. (Content: components of, or material within).

My husband holds the Prime account but it's Laura writing the review! This book is as entertaining as it is helpful. From modern manners and etiquette to style and hosting dinner parties, this book is a must read for anyone who wants to see the return of classy traditions!

Big fan of Southern Charm and I love Patricia. Her book, however, smacks of condescension. Including the definitions for more articulate words and phrases in each chapter as if we, her readers are ignorant and can’t possibly understand “big words” truly irritated me. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Patricia touches on a little bit of everything from how to entertain at home from tips on how she has her home taken care of. She also has some of her favorite recipes for food and drink. I got to meet her informally this past June while driving around and looking at the beautiful homes in Charleston. She was getting out of a car and was walking to her gate when my friend and I told her how we enjoyed her on the show Southern Charm. She was very polite and wanted to know where we were from. We replied “WV ! ( We should have said the other Charleston, WV)! But our moment had passed. But because she was so polite I decided to buy her book and I was not disappointed! It’s an easy read and I would highly recommend it! Looking forward to this next season of Southern Charm!

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.

Absolute drivel. Beyond awful.

I absolutely loved this book. I love the way Miss Patricia eloquently explains the southern way of life. I enjoyed reading about the way she does things, holidays and everything in between. It's a wonderful reminder that regardless of economic status you can enjoy life family and friends, be polite and well mannered and well put together. I believe the messages here are taking pride and joy in life and living which we all need to be reminded of so I'm grateful for that.

This book was a pleasure to read, written by Patricia Altschul, with her natural and easy going Southern style, manners and wit, she generously lets you into her world. In fact, I liked this book so much that I tried to savor it by putting it down for later without much luck.

Not at all what I expected.........

A great read. The section on etiquette was great.