An American in Paris: Surviving a Dinner Party in France
I believe there are a lot of misconceptions made by Europeans regarding the average North American citizen. We are thought of as loud, obnoxious and fat, while some of these stereotypes have some validity, i would like to put them to rest.
France is rich in food and wine history, the people of France love their food and the preparation. Naturally, one must also have impeccable table manners to accompany the fine wine and dining. Here are a few tips for dining in France.
1) Follow the Leader
In French dining etiquette this is the number one rule. If you do this and observe carefully you will almost never error. In general, it is polite to wait until everyone is served and then the host will begin eating and then it is your turn.
2) Bread
Bread is served at every meal. A formal meal, bread will get its own plate, however if you have no bread plate, the bread rests on the table cloth and not on your plate. Finally
eating bread has its own set of rules. Most Americans take a bite out of a slice of bread, the French consider this "boorish." Instead, tear off the bread piece by piece. If you are using the bread to soak up some sauce, please use your fork.
3)What to do with your hands
It is very rude to keep your hands in your lap while you are dining in France. It is equally rude to keep your elbows on the table and so the American diner must keep hands visible but not elbows. The French do not eat with their hands, this includes all "finger foods."
In summation, follow the leader, rip your bread piece by piece, speak with your hands, and absolutely NO ELBOWS ON THE TABLES! If you follow these simple rules you can survive, even enjoy a dinner party in a French home. Be sure to check back next week to learn how to dine out in France and properly tip. Au revoir!
France is rich in food and wine history, the people of France love their food and the preparation. Naturally, one must also have impeccable table manners to accompany the fine wine and dining. Here are a few tips for dining in France.
1) Follow the Leader
In French dining etiquette this is the number one rule. If you do this and observe carefully you will almost never error. In general, it is polite to wait until everyone is served and then the host will begin eating and then it is your turn.
2) Bread
Bread is served at every meal. A formal meal, bread will get its own plate, however if you have no bread plate, the bread rests on the table cloth and not on your plate. Finally
eating bread has its own set of rules. Most Americans take a bite out of a slice of bread, the French consider this "boorish." Instead, tear off the bread piece by piece. If you are using the bread to soak up some sauce, please use your fork.
3)What to do with your hands
It is very rude to keep your hands in your lap while you are dining in France. It is equally rude to keep your elbows on the table and so the American diner must keep hands visible but not elbows. The French do not eat with their hands, this includes all "finger foods."
In summation, follow the leader, rip your bread piece by piece, speak with your hands, and absolutely NO ELBOWS ON THE TABLES! If you follow these simple rules you can survive, even enjoy a dinner party in a French home. Be sure to check back next week to learn how to dine out in France and properly tip. Au revoir!
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