Although many French table manners are the same in American culture, there are some differences. The French value table manners very much, so it's important to get familiar with these customs before traveling to France.
Instructions
- Wait until the hostess places her napkin in her lap before you follow suit.
- Keep your hands on the table at all times. You hand should never be at your sides or in your lap. This tradition dates way back in French history, and failure to follow it will likely draw you unwanted attention.
- Wait to drink until the host makes a brief toast. "Sante!" is the French expression for cheers. Be sure to make eye contact with the person with whom you are glass-clinking.
- Place your bread directly on the tablecloth rather than on your plate. If there is a bread plate provided, you can use that.
- Break a piece of bread off a roll before eating it or buttering it.
- Rest your utensils on your plate when not actively eating. They should be placed at 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock. This indicates you are not finished with your plate.
- Use a piece of bread on the end of a fork to clean up sauce on your plate before the next course if new plates will not be used for each course.
- Indicate that you want to be served more wine by completely finishing your glass. To show that you do not want more wine, leave a small amount in your glass.
- Show that you have finished with your plate by putting your knife and fork together vertically on the center of your plate.
