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FriendlyFrench Dining Etiquette
Food is an integral part of the French way of life. For most
Frenchmen, dinner is the main meal of the day. It is an opportunity for
friends and family to spend time together in the evening. If you are
invited at such a dinner, be sure to observe certain rules in order not
to offend your hosts. Look out for the following etiquette traps that
might get you in an embarrassing situation:
(i) Use of Bread
Unlike in the UK or the US where bread is a part of the meal, in French
dinners, it is mainly used to wipe the plate between each course. A
typical dinner in France consists of up to six courses: the aperitif
(pre-dinner drink), Entrée (first course), plat principal, salad,
dessert, and digestive drink. All courses are served on the same plate.
Bread is used to wipe the plate clean in view of the next course. Avoid
using your hands for this! Instead, use a fork to gently wipe the plate.
(ii) Gift Giving
If you are invited to dinner, it is polite to bring a small gift for the
hosts, although this is not necessary. Be sure to choice of gifts that
is also presentable. Flowers are generally a good idea but do not bring
lilies and chrysanthemums, as they are funeral flowers. If you plan on
bringing a bottle of wine, you should be doubly careful. The French take
much pride in their highly acclaimed wines. Bringing cheap and
substandard wines could offend your host. The best gift is often
something from your own country. For example, a nice jar of marmalade
would be a treat for your hosts.
(iii) Table Manners
At formal dinners, an appreciable level of table manners is expected
from all guests. It is therefore best for the foreigner to learn some of
the basic rules governing French table manners in order not to attract
unaccommodating stares. Some things to do and not to do include the
following:
- After being seated, wait for the lady of the house to place her
napkin on her lap before doing the same.
- When aperitif is served, wait for the host to give a toast
before beginning to drink.
- Do not bite from whole bread. Tear off small bits of the bread
and eat.
- When someone asks for salt, do not give salt and pepper together
as it customary in the US. Just give only the salt.
- Wine glasses are filled ¾ full.
- Do not eat with your fingers. Always use cutlery.
- Keep your elbows off the table but your hands should be visible.
- If you do not want any more wine, leave your glass half-full.
If you are in doubt about what to do, it is better to follow the lead
of others. In general, the French will tolerate the mistakes of
foreigners quite discreetly and will not offend you with undue remarks.
One should however not abuse of their kindness! A little preparation
hurts no one.
From: www.frenchwords.org.uk
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