Celebrations and Friendship in French Festivals
In France, there is an unwritten decorum during banquets. Tradition initiates with meal invitations to would-be guests sent via courier, email, or phone. Contrary to general impression, invited guests are arranged to arrive on time for the meal. If the ceremony is due to start at 8 PM, it is normal courtesy to inform the hosts if you would be late.
The host will serve a sort of aperitif as soon as the group arrive. It could be any kind sherry, or other choices of alcoholic brew. After about an hour of chat the hostess will announce that that dinner is furnished and will accompany everyone to their seats.
The banquet itself starts with a tiny serving of an entree. It is typically presented with a glass of liquor. Afterwards, the hostess gather all the used plates, save a different sort of silverware which will be used again for the main meal.
The main course arrives and the assortment of liqour are also provided. At the end of the meal, a plate of different choices of cheese are given out. Dessert is served afterwards with an alcoholic tonic, specially provided at the end of the meal. The guests assemble in the living room and coffee is served either with a tiny dash of milk or simply black. The chit-chat will continue until the end of the festivities when the guests gather to say farewell to the hosts.
It's amusing to note that in French gatherings, even the seating arrangements show meanings to the most socially discerning individual. In wealthy events, the closer a guest is seated to the hosts, the more moneyed a guests is.
The host will serve a sort of aperitif as soon as the group arrive. It could be any kind sherry, or other choices of alcoholic brew. After about an hour of chat the hostess will announce that that dinner is furnished and will accompany everyone to their seats.
The banquet itself starts with a tiny serving of an entree. It is typically presented with a glass of liquor. Afterwards, the hostess gather all the used plates, save a different sort of silverware which will be used again for the main meal.
The main course arrives and the assortment of liqour are also provided. At the end of the meal, a plate of different choices of cheese are given out. Dessert is served afterwards with an alcoholic tonic, specially provided at the end of the meal. The guests assemble in the living room and coffee is served either with a tiny dash of milk or simply black. The chit-chat will continue until the end of the festivities when the guests gather to say farewell to the hosts.
It's amusing to note that in French gatherings, even the seating arrangements show meanings to the most socially discerning individual. In wealthy events, the closer a guest is seated to the hosts, the more moneyed a guests is.
posted by Traveler @ 1:59 AM
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