Dinner Parties with the French

In America, when the terms French and dinner are in the same sentence, you either think of frog legs or Julia Child. However, the dinner culture in France has much more depth and substance to it. The dinner party is typicall divided into four courses, each just as important as the next. Learning about it can give you ideas and suggestions for your next family or friend gathering.

Appetizers

In France, dinner parties happen on the weekends, and often times are more like two meals than one. Usually, some family comes over and the dinner starts right away with appetizers or in French "entrée." Appetizers could include salmon spread on mini baguettes, smoked salami, or patte, and is served with champagne or mixed drinks. Like in the U.S., appetizers are served around the living space and allow time for people to catch up and talk.

Main Course

Once all the appetizers are gone and the champagne bottle is empty, dinner commences and the family moves to the table. The main course can be anything from seafood to lamb and always includes bread and lots of wine, specifically white wine. Food is passed around the table just like Thanksgiving in the States and is shared between all.

Second Course

After the main course, comes the cheese and bread. What is better than bold flavored cheese that spreads like butter? Absolutely nothing. Some standard cheeses at French dinner parties include goat cheese, brie, and blue. The baguette type varies, but is really not as important as the cheese. The bread is simply a vessel for all the cheese flavor. This course is always served with red wine. Yes, in fact by the time the cheese course comes around, you are onto your third type of alcoholic drink. Don't you just love the French?

With the cheese, also comes salad. Why does salad come after the meal? The French believe eating salad after the meal actually helps digestion and is better served after the main course.

Dessert

By the time you hit dessert, the dinner party is likely reaching its two hour mark. Dessert can be anything from apple tart with custard or chocolate-banana cake, but is served with water, as people do have to go home eventually. After people are finished with their dessert, coffee is served. However, not in coffee cups but in small espresso glasses.

Your Turn

So what can you take from all of this, besides a growing appetite for French cuisine? For starters, relax. A two hour dinner never hurt anyone and the dirty dishes can wait. Secondly, make the food a part of the party. Meaning, take as much effort with the food as you do with the decorations or the guest list. Don't serve all the food at once, but in stages, so people can really appreciate your craftsmanship. And lastly, try to add some French cuisine to the menu. It is sure to satisfy your crowd.