After many years of visiting my in laws - they own an Inn/Restaurant in the French Alps and my BIL buys the wines for the Restaurant - we have worked out the present thing.

My American SIL and French BIL both enjoy "sippin' bourbon and my BIL likes a bottle American wine.

Point is, they too might like something they can't or would have a hard time getting. A nice west coast Pinot Noir might be nice.

hth and have a great trip,

There is something which ALWAYS works. Always, when we had guests from France, they brought a bottle of (real) champagne - and of course not one of those large commercial brands.

All of you have been so helpful -- and kind. I've learned lots from your input and we will consider each suggestion. cherrybomb is right -- our friends are the most gracious people and will act delighted with whatever we bring. I'd just like it to be really nice, so we'll work on it. Thanks again.

I would still warn against excessive expense, because for normal people that takes away the enjoyment, as you begin rationing it.

Has anyone ever had the misfortune of bringing alcohol(beer) to a host who was an alcoholic. I had no idea and wondered why the other guests gave me these sneers. It was an academic affair where I wasn't in the loop about people's addictions.

My host graciously thanked me and asked me to take the beer home with me. This, however, didn't stop me from having one in full view of the others. So, if someone has a drinking problem, should no one drink? If a person is obese, should everyone leave the buffet?

I bet these people won't be at the door "screening" the gift as it walks in with the gift horse, for sure.

Thank you Dukey.

As a hostess, all I can say is "WOW". I appreciate any one who is thoughtful enough to bring a gift to a dinner party. If it compliments my meal or is appropriate, if not I graciously thank the giver and move on.
Please tell me that the French are this anal that they can't accept a gift in the spirit it is given?

eliza61 wrote: "Please tell me that the French are this anal that they can't accept a gift in the spirit it is given?"

I think people generally do not think that. I interpret crckwc1's question as an effort to get things right in a different way: if you spend €30-40 on a gift, it would be nice if it were something to the recipient's liking.

By chance, Herself and I have a similar item on this week's agenda, and she went shopping yesterday for gifts for friends we will be visiting in France next week. I am now considering adding a bottle of wine to the gift, as wee will be in the Loire Valley before we see them.

"wee": some typo!

I'm the original OP here and am just back from my visit with friends in Paris. Again, thanks for all the input on this topic. What I ultimately purchased was a bottle of very nice cognac, purchased in Cognac, with the help of a salesperson. I'm quite sure my friends liked the choice because the bottle was nearly empty when I left (and DH and I had only one tiny glass). Based on our experience, I would recommend a good cognac as a nice and "safe" choice to give to Parisian friends.