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The basic rule
Bring something. In France, arriving at a dinner with nothing in your hands is noticed, even among friends. The gift does not need to be expensive. It needs to look chosen.
Wine, flowers or chocolates?
All three work. Wine is a gift for later: the host has planned the wine with the menu, so do not be offended if your bottle goes into the cellar. Flowers are best sent the day before or brought ready in a vase, so the host does not have to leave the table to find one. Never chrysanthemums, which in France are the flower of Toussaint and the cemetery. Good chocolates are never wrong.
Choose your own adventure
Your First Dinner with French In-Laws
A choose-your-own-adventure. His parents, six decisions and one Brie you should not touch.
Start the adventureSomething for the house
For a holiday dinner, or a host you know well, a small thing for the house lasts longer than flowers. A Le Creuset mini cocotte, or the pumpkin version in the fall. A Diptyque Baies candle. A box of Mariage Frères tea incense. For the host who has everything, a set of Laguiole steak knives.
The big one
For a wedding, a housewarming or the in-laws, the classic French present is a piece of cast iron that will outlive everyone at the table: a Le Creuset Dutch oven. It is the gift French families pass down.
If the in-laws are the hosts, our guide to meeting your French mother-in-law covers the rest.
Questions, answered
What should I bring to a French dinner party?
Chocolates, flowers or a good bottle of wine. For a host you know well, something for the house, like a candle or a mini cocotte.
Should I bring wine to a French dinner?
You can, as a gift. Do not expect it to be opened that night: the host has already chosen wine for the menu.
What flowers should you not bring in France?
Chrysanthemums. In France they are the flower of graves and Toussaint.
Is it rude to arrive empty-handed in France?
It is noticed. Even among friends, bringing something small is expected.
Still wondering?
Ask my French husband.
A short ruling in a few seconds. Written by AI from our Journal, in his voice.
He judges America weekly on Instagram, and Le Bulletin collects the best of it.
Before you go
How French Is Your Husband?
Or your boyfriend. Eight questions to find out how French he really is.
