Help! I am invited to a French diner

Congratulations!!! The first step of your integration is done: you’ve been invited to a French dinner! But now the real challenge begins. When should I arrive? (You don’t want to be the first guest, but you don’t want to be rude either). What should I bring? What should I wear?

We’ll explain what to expect from a typical French dinner invitation, and you may be surprised, because it can be quite different from what you know from your home country.

Normally, you will be invited between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., which is later than usual for Germans or Americans, but early for Spaniards. Arriving 5–10 minutes late is usually considered polite.

What does the diner look like?

First, there is the apéritif. Traditionally, you will drink champagne, wine or cocktails and enjoy some snacks. The apéritif can last quite a while, sometimes up to an hour or more. You will not sit at the dining table at this point, but rather stand or sit on the couch in the living room.

The dinner itself consists of an entrée, a main course, cheese, and dessert. Afterwards, you will be offered coffee or a tisane (herbal tea).

The host will seat guests at the table, typically alternating men and women.

What to wear? Dress smart-casual. French hosts usually appreciate neat, elegant clothing rather than overly casual outfits.

What to bring? It is customary to bring a small gift for the host, such as a bottle of wine or champagne, Flowers (not lilies or chrysanthemums, as these are associated with funerals) chocolates.

Great, now you know what to expect when your friends invite you for dinner. But what if he tells you to come over for an apéro dînatoire?

An apéro dînatoire is a relaxed, French-style gathering that combines the casual atmosphere of an aperitif with the variety of a light dinner. Instead of a formal sit-down meal, guests enjoy a selection of small, easy-to-eat dishes, such as cheeses, charcuterie, dips, vegetable platters, mini quiches, bruschetta, or little sweet bites.

Now you’re fully prepared for your first dinner invitation, but don’t overthink it. If a French person invites you to their home, it’s usually because they’re genuinely curious about your culture and traditions.

BON APPETIT!!!