Feasts and Friendship in French Affairs

In France, there is an unwritten protocol during formal meals. Decorum sets off with meal invitations to would-be guests sent via courier, email, or phone. Contrary to widespread opinion, invited guests are arranged to arrive on time for the meal. If the dinner is due to start at 8 PM, it is common courtesy to inform the hosts if you would be late.

The host will serve a display of aperitif as soon as the people arrive. It could be any kind of liquor, or other choices of alcoholic cocktail. After about an hour of tête-à-tête the hostess will announce that that dinner is served and will accompany everyone to their seats.

The formal meal itself starts with a modest serving of an entree. It is frequently arranged with a
a glass of liquor. Afterwards, the hostess cleans up all the used plates, save a different variety of silverware which will be used again for the main meal.

The main course arrives and the collection of liqour are also displayed. At the end of the meal, a plate of varied displays of cheese are given out. Dessert is served afterwards with an alcoholic refreshments, specially served at the end of the meal. The guests gather in the living room and coffee is served either with a tiny drop of milk or simply black. The socialization will continue until the end of the revelry when the guests gather to say farewell to the hosts.

It's amusing to note that in French gatherings, even the seating arrangements present meanings to the most socially keen individual. In well-off affairs, the closer a guest is seated to the hosts, the more affluent a guests is.