More French Dining Etiquette for Foreign Guests in a French Home

22 September 2011 by Karen Fawcett    4039  
More French Dining Etiquette for Foreign Guests in a French Home
Karen Fawcett
By Karen Fawcett
Last week’s what to do and not to do when dining as a guest in a French home drew lots of responses. So welcome to Part Two with more tips and etiquette lessons. It’s better for foreign travelers to know the unwritten rules and expectations of guests than to commit faux pas because you’re unaware of cultural differences coupled with subtle nuances. My own faux pas Before continuing, it’s only fair I confess the (OMG) crise I committed when I was younger. I knew how to use finger bowls and that you shouldn’t pick up and chug-a-lug the water complete with the thinly shaven lemon slice. However, I had an embarrassing experience once at a very fancy dinner party when served what looked like a small cup with a lid, which I politely declined by saying I didn’t want an after-dinner coffee. The waiter explained what I’d nearly missed and I clearly lived to tell the anecdote. Yes, I did indeed want that pot de crème au chocolat, a thicker-than-thick chocolate dessert with a tiny dollop of crème fraîche. The next day I bought a dozen of these adorable demitasse cups with covers to use at our next dinner party so we could (at least try to) appear more French than the French. That was more than 20 years ago and perhaps it’s time to bring them down from the top kitchen cabinet to show them off again. Fork in left hand and not just to cut food Watch a French person eat and you’ll see the fork is held in the left hand the entire time, not just when cutting food. It seems strange to the French (and most Europeans) that an American dining will switch the fork from the left to right hand. If you can feed yourself gracefully using a fork with your left hand, do; if not, don’t. Keep your hands where we can see them Why is it proper when dining in France to keep your hands visible or at least not in your lap? French history and folklore offer two explanations: one version claims hands were kept out of laps so all would know that others seated at the table had no daggers poised to stab someone. Another version has something to do with same as touching wine glasses for fear of poisoning à la Catherine Médicis, who poisoned more than one victim with poison stashed in a ring. And there’s something about playing “footsie” under the table. I’ve also been told by French natives it has more to do with where those hands are and where they’ve been. Some French don’t put their elbows on the table, others do; follow the lead of those you’re with. Bread: tear, but don’t schmear Tear a section of bread from a loaf, don’t slice it with a knife. And if butter is available (frequently not in a French home), please use your knife to spread butter on your bread, don’t swipe the bread against the butter to spread it. Salad: give your knife a rest If you’re served a salad, do not cut the leaves with the knife, it suggests your host did not properly prepare the salad. Use your fork (in your left hand, if you can) to fold the leaves into a small, bite-size portion. It’s an acquired talent, but do make the effort if you want to appear “correct.” Finger food Feel free to eat asparagus with your hands. There are numerous stories with sexual innuendos—but I won’t go there, use your imagination. Soup rules Soupspoons are used when there’s soup, and always tip the shallow soup bowl away from you when you’re finishing it. If you’re presented with a bowl that looks like a cup with handles, you may pick it up and drink the last remains and not be considered a boor. Wine glorious wine No matter how thirsty you may be, do not reach over and pour your own wine—wait for your host or  hostess or another delegate to refill your glass. It’s commonly said that the French are very good at drinking in moderation during long dinners; in other words, don’t overindulge if you’re attending a “proper” French dinner party. If you’re offered an apéritif before dinner, opt for champagne or white wine. If you drop a glass of red wine, you’ll end up on your hands and knees cleaning it up and apologizing. Some Don’ts Don’t ask your dinner partner what he or she does for a living. They’ll tell you sooner or later and if you’re French or understand the “social codes,” you’ll know when conversation turns to discussing the grandes écoles, the most prestigious schools in France. Don’t ask questions about income or salary—that’s considered ruder than rude. Don’t say you don’t like a particular food served to you. If you’re a vegetarian or have certain dietary restrictions, notify your host before the dinner and offer to bow out if accommodating your needs is awkward for the hostess. For example, a rack of lamb might be the star on the table and others at the table might be uncomfortable if you don’t eat. If you find an unappealing item before you, don’t say a word, eat other items, push the unwanted food around your plate and pretend you’re full. Don’t ask for a tour of the apartment. The French consider that an invasion of their personal space and whatever you do, never ask the cost of an apartment or home. Don’t serve cheese before dinner, should you ever entertain French guests. Cheese is served after the main course with or without salad. Dress code Even if your…
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By Karen Fawcett

Karen is the original founder and former president of Bonjour Paris. Follow her musings on Substack.