7 Rules for Throwing the Perfect Cocktail Party With Southern Charm’s Patricia Altschul

For some reason, I seem to be the poster child

for all things cocktails and Southern.

(country music)

What I do when I entertain at home

is that I love to wear caftans.

They're comfortable, it's like wearing your night gown.

It's monkeys in space and it's fun.

So we're headed now into Spring and Summer.

It's nice to have as your classic staple

a white cocktail dress.

What are you doing up here, you old devils?

Siegfried and Roy have made an escape.

How did you get out?

The one thing that women do that I think

is a big mistake when they're going to cocktail parties

is that they take big bags and it looks

like you're coming to spend the night.

Nothing larger than this and little clutches are ideal.

So being Southern, which equals hospitality,

there's several bars on this floor,

but you can see the correct way to set it up.

Glassware, mixers, fresh lemons and limes,

doggy swizzle sticks that are cute.

Michael?

Yes, ma'am?

Always make sure you have tons and tons of ice,

enough for eight ounces for every guest that comes.

We found this in an antique shop.

It's kind of a patron saint down South.

This is Jack Daniels and so, I put him out

when I'm doing cocktail parties.

Okay, come here Monty.

Do not feed your dogs Chex Mix out of the bar.

It's a very bad habit to get into.

No, no, that's it.

I'm getting thirsty with all this talk.

Is it five o'clock yet?