Southern Charm’s Patricia Altschul is now officially one of “America’s best party hosts." And as if we weren't already inclined to heed her entertaining tips (which we were), now we're keener than ever to turn to the kaftan purveyor for party advice.

For one thing, Pat's rule about particular off-limits party conversation topics stands to reason. (Ignore this one at your peril.) And we're also convinced that her tip on exactly when to have a cocktail when you're hosting is sheer genius.

"While preparing for a party, I have a dressing drink for two reasons," Pat told the entertaining website The Salonniere, which bestowed the hosting honor on her. "If I’m entertaining at the house, I really don’t have time to sit and have a nice cocktail because I’ll be getting up and greeting people, showing them around or introducing them, and I don’t want to be doing that while holding a cocktail."

As well, she continued, "If I’m attending an event, I know I’m not going to get what I want where I’m going — and I like my martini." (But not as much as Southern Charm viewers might think, FWIW.)

And that sounds like water-tight logic. (Or gin-tight, if you will?)