Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to help everyone relax. Tell a funny (short) story about
an experience you've had in Paris, especially it gives an
insight into your growing understanding of the French way
of doing things.
One thing NOT done in France during this 'warm-up' is a
house tour. The French consider it 'showing off' to invite
guests to see their home, and they won't be prepared for
it. So, stay where you have been placed. Don't even follow
your host or hostess into the kitchen to help. You can offer
to help, but take your host's decline seriously. You are the
guest and it is their pleasure to serve you. The only other
Rules for Gifts
Give something on which the host would not usually
indulge themselves in, something that appeals to the
intellect or aesthetic, but nothing embarrassingly
extravagant. Indulge yourself in one of the fine
speciality shops of Paris.
A present for each of the children is a good idea if
you are going for a noonday meal and need a good
distraction. For an adult dinner at a home, the children
will only appear to greet guests, then disappear for the
rest of the evening.
Arranged flowers are a good choice. Avoid even
numbers (bad luck),chrysanthemums and carnations
(reserved for funerals), and red roses (reserved
for lovers). Chocolates are an excellent choice,
especially a small box of very good ones from
a speciality shop, well wrapped. Most chocolate
and l ower shops will ask, when you buy, if your
purchase is
pour offrir
(a gift). If so, they will wrap
them accordingly.
Unless you are in the wine business, or friends have
specii cally asked for it, avoid bringing wine. The wine,
like the dinner, is usually an expression of the host's
tastes and hospitality.
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