A case of wine and a garland of onions
June 25, 2007
After writing about our picnic on Sunday, I thought about the differences in social etiquette between France and the UK.
Last week some friends came round to say hello and to chat about life, the universe and anything - not a dinner party, they came before 7:00 pm - which means thay do not expect to be fed, but just for a drink and a chat.
They are local people so they came with a case of wine (a really good rose from their own vines) and a bunch of onions from their own fields. I am a great fan of the local onions - I can eat them like apples (no one kisses me anyway) - they are mild and crunchy, there is nothing like them in any supermarket.
It just occured to me that this is a lot nicer than a pot plant and a bottle of wine which may be from five thousand miles away - nothing wrong with that, but it is sort of more personal if you walk your dogs in the same fields that people bring things from.
Comment by Maria Howard
Having moved out here 2 months ago, we are attempting to live the French life however we cannot cope with aperos and amuse guelles in evening with friends and neighbours. We are a) tipsy and b) starving when we get home. Any tips? How long is it polite to stay for drinks?
Comment by Tony
Hi Maria,
A very important question - times for lunch, drinks and dinner are set with the precision of an atomic clock.
The best time to drive or shop in the supermarket is between 12:00 and 2:00pm - for an eving drink you are expected to arrive at 6:30 pm, no late that 7:00pm or the host may thing you are scrounging supper which will be at 8:00pm
The key thing to remember is that French tummies are designed to start working for the supper shift at 8:00pm so if you are invited for drinks you must definately say thank you and be out of the door and away at 7:59pm.
You should not be able to get tipsy in the allocated time, but with practice you should be able to manage it.
Eventually your metabolism will adapt to French eating schedules so after a few pastis before supper you should be OK - I assume you are having a proper French lunch, this is the key meal of the day and usually avoids starvation before the evening snack.
Enjoy
Tony