French Table Manners EVERYONE Should Learn Once And For ALL.

Summary

In this insightful video, the speaker shares elegant French dining etiquette passed down from their grandmother. From the proper use of cutlery and wine glasses to the art of serving bread and cheese, the speaker emphasizes the importance of respect for food, the host, and the dining experience. With tips on posture, napkin use, and even how to enjoy French pastries and chocolates, this guide teaches viewers how to dine gracefully in a formal French setting. The video highlights cultural traditions that transform meals into moments of enjoyment and respect.

Takeaways

• 😀 The importance of French table manners: Learning from childhood can help you navigate influential French circles, especially in professional settings like law.
• 😀 French table etiquette: Cutlery is placed by course, and you should eat starting from the outside inwards, similar to the flow of the 'fountain of youth.'
• 🍞 Bread etiquette in France: Avoid grabbing a piece of bread for someone else; instead, hand them the whole basket for self-service.
• 🍷 Wine etiquette: The largest glass is for water, followed by red wine, white wine, and dessert wine, each requiring specific glass sizes for optimal flavor.
• 🍇 Red wine should be poured to about two-thirds of the glass to allow proper oxygenation and aroma development.
• 🥂 Champagne etiquette: To avoid foam, tilt the glass and bottle gently when pouring; champagne is often filled generously up to three-quarters of the glass.
• 🍽️ Eating posture: Sit straight with your feet either flat on the floor or crossed at the ankles, keeping your napkin on your lap unless you leave the table.
• 🍲 Soup etiquette: Instead of slurping, tilt your spoon to eat elegantly. If you have too much soup, use the side of your plate to help you.
• 🧀 Cheese etiquette: Serve cheese at room temperature for optimal flavor. Cutting cheese should be done depending on its shape, with a cheese knife used to serve it on bread.
• 🍫 Chocolate etiquette: When offered chocolates, it's acceptable to pick one or two, and enjoy them in small bites while conversing with others.
• ☕ Tea and coffee etiquette: Always bring both the cup and saucer to you. When drinking tea, hold the handle properly based on the cup's size, and pour milk from a pot if offered.

Q & A

Why is the spoon and fork traditionally placed downwards in French dining?

The spoon and fork are traditionally placed downwards because the crest of the family was engraved on the back of the silverware. This positioning reflects both etiquette and historical significance.

What is the proper way to eat bread during a formal French meal?

In a formal French setting, you should help yourself to bread from a basket in the center of the table. You should not grab a piece of bread for someone else; instead, offer the basket and allow them to serve themselves.

How should you handle wine glasses during a formal French meal?

You should always hold your wine glass by the bowl, not the stem, unless you're wine tasting. The largest glass is for water, the second largest for red wine, and the smallest for dessert wine. Red wine glasses are larger to allow the wine to oxygenate and reveal its full aroma.

What is considered impolite when serving wine at a French dinner?

It is considered impolite to pour wine more than two-thirds full, as it can appear gluttonous. The focus is on enhancing the taste of the food, not drinking excessively.

How should you eat soup at a French table?

When eating soup, you should avoid scooping or slurping. Instead, tilt your spoon slightly and use the side of your plate if necessary. Don’t put the whole spoon in your mouth or scrape the bottom of the plate.

What are the guidelines for eating cheese in France?

Cheese should be served at room temperature to allow its aroma to develop. When eating cheese, use a cheese knife to break off small pieces and avoid spreading it like Nutella. Don’t remove the crust from soft cheeses but do remove it from hard cheeses.

What is the proper way to eat cake or mousse during a French meal?

For dessert cakes like mousse, you should cut a piece with the knife and use a fork to bring it to your mouth. Avoid starting from the middle of the cake and be careful not to make the piece look messy.

How should you behave when drinking tea or coffee in France?

When drinking tea or coffee, always bring the saucer to you along with the cup. For small cups, pinch the handle with your fingers, and for larger cups, use your middle finger to support it. Look down when drinking, as looking up is considered less ladylike.

How should you toast with your glass at a French dinner?

When toasting, raise your glass and make eye contact with others. You should not clink glasses, as it was historically done to ensure drinks weren’t poisoned. The glass should be raised, but not struck against others.

Why is it important to follow dining etiquette in French culture?

Following dining etiquette shows respect for the host and enhances the enjoyment of the food. These small rules contribute to a more refined and enjoyable meal, fostering good manners and appreciation for the food served.