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Book Review of Class with the Countess: How to Live with Elegance and Flair

sassycountess avatar reviewed on + 5 more book reviews


There are a couple of things that de Lesseps wrote that I do not agree with. One was to give videos of the Real Housewives as gifts. I know this was just a joke by her, but I had to put that in. ;) However, others were to not take children with you to restaurants. I think that this is wrong. Children should learn how to eat out, and others should have tolerance for them. I do think that the children should behave, and that their parents should be in control! However, the only way for people to learn is by experience. Another thing that I did not agree with is Coasters are for amateurs and the uptight. I think that if you are at someones house, you should look for one, and if they do not have him or her, use a napkin. I have seen way too many water rings in my life, and find that the person not respecting anothers possessions is being rude and ungracious.

With those being said, most everything else I agree with. She did start her book with history of herself and etiquette (it drives me crazy when someone doesnt site their source!!!) Some of it was dry, but most was actually pretty interesting and relevant to the rest of the book. I have read many etiquette books, but found this one had more than that. Tidbits on how she and her friends do things brought up things that I had no clue of before (such as the not leaving the makeup counter without samples and tipping the salesperson for them.) As such, I give this book 4.5 stars.