What to bring to dinner in France
 

Hi all, I know there have been threads about this before and I seem to recall that you're not to bring wine (or is that in Italy?). In any case, I searched but couldn't find the old threads. I am going to dinner at the home of my former French tutor who moved back to Paris a few years ago. She has a new baby and a small child. What is an appropriate gift to bring?

Or if anyone can find the old threads, I will just go through those myself.

Many thanks. I apologize in advance if wine or flowers are acceptable--cannot remember what I've read or where I've read it.

flowers are always acceptable anywhere i think though non of my many French friends and in-laws seem to do that

they would rather bring some nice chocolates or yes a bottle of wine or cider.

Wine or flowers are the most common items as dinner gifts. When you know someone well, a "pre-approved dessert" is also acceptable -- you must ask the host or hostess if you can bring the dessert, because it is not something that you can spring on them by surprise, since they will obviously have a dessert planned otherwise.

A novel idea - how about bringing something from home - something very typically American that is not available in France?

I too thought that wine was a no-no because you don't know what the hostess is preparing for dinner and you might bring wine that's not appropriate for the meal. I thought that was for France, but I'm not sure.

I like the idea of something from where you live.

Monica ((F))

Please don't try to be a trade ambassador and bring "typically American" products that those poor ignorant French people want but someone can't manage to buy. Besides, this person obviously has lived elsewhere. Next thing you know someone is going to suggest Oreos.

Where is Polly Platt when we don't need her?

Flowers or wine are fine (they don't have to serve the wine that night), or some Ladurée macarons or Joël Durand chocolates, or nice tea or coffee, or anything you might take to any friend's house.

I'd bring French wine and a gift for the baby.
Flowers are usually sent before or after so the hostess doesn't have to stop what she is doing to look for an appropiate vase to put them in

A nice cider to my in-laws is as welcome as wine - they not being big alcohol imbibers.

1. The wine that is brought does not have to be drunk with the meal. The host never has a problem with setting it aside for future use if it is inappropriate for the menu.
2. There is practically no 'typical American product' that is not available in France. That's what globalization is all about. When a certain American product cannot be found in France (uh, let me think -- Cool Whip, Jell-O, Cheez Whiz), it means that it has been determined that the French DO NOT LIKE IT.

Pal/Christina,

Oreos is a good suggestion. How about a jar of Mayonnaise or Best Foods salad dressing?

It's about time the French learned about America's haute cuisine. LOL

Flowers are universally acceptable so that would be my choice.

Oreos are now sold in France (and made in Finland).

They are even getting special publicity now since they are one of the items available on a McFlurry in France.

If you bring wine don't expect it to be served with that meal - as it may not match.

A box of high quality chocolates is always welcome - since they can be offered after the dinner - or kept for later.

Flowers are also fine - but you need to know the meaning of various flowers in each culture (some are appropriate only within a specific relationship, or at a particular time or event).

There's no way I would turn up with a bottle of maple syrup (which you can buy in any reasonbly sized town in europe). What if they don't eat pancakes? How would you feel if someone brought you a jar of that odd British stuff (marmite is it?)?

Bringing wine as a gift does not imply that it needs to be served with the meal--normally the host and or hostess keep it for another time. If you choose a white wine, it should not be chilled; chilling it would indicate that you expect it to be served. However, if the meal is for a special occasion, a bottle of good Champagne would be appropriate.

Our French friends are always pleased with an offering of good chocolates. Flowers (but NOT chrysanthemums, which are for funerals) are good too, as are nice potted plants.

Well if not OREOS how about some SPAM?

Ha -- while the Spam brand is not sold, its Dutch equivalent is available everywhere.

There is a tea room-confiserie in the passage Jouffroy that offers unusual sweets--better in my mind than picking up a standard high priced fancy chocolate, as it indicates personal effort.

Thanks for the responses. I must have been confused about the don't-bring-flowers-or-wine thing. I'll keep it simple.

I was waiting for someone to suggest this, but as they haven't I will jump in...with a new baby and a toddler, I think you should bring a little something for the children...and that could be an American toy or product. Certainly our Italian friends and family love it when we bring Canadian (Mountie dolls, Anne of Green Gable books, Ookpiks, moose and beaver stuffed animals)items for their children. I can't imagagine the 'rules' in France would be that different.

And, frankly, I am way more inclined to flowers than wine in uncertain circumstances. Flowers cannot be misinterpreted and present even the most nervous hostess with no dilemna.

About the flowers: they should be " loose," not arranged--which would mean you question the host's ability to arrange them. French bouquets are absolutely gorgeous!