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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2015 19:57:04 GMT 1
I was busy spraying the brambles in our field when the neighbour who lives at the top of it stopped for a chat. For 12 years now we've been on nodding terms and the occasional chat. However, today he invited Anne and me round for aperitifs at 19.00 on Thursday. I've been to "does" before but usually at close English friends with French folk in attendance also. So what is good manners in Brittany? Do we take a small gift? Do we arrive on time, earlyish, latish? How long do we stay? Any other tips will be most appreciated! I am under the impression it will just be the 4 of us because it was originally for today until his wife pointed out that they were off out. He then suggested Wednesday which we couldn't make and we then agreed on Thursday!!! BE  |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2015 21:15:38 GMT 1
We don't usually take anything with us, when we get an invite for a meal we take some flowers for the wife.
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Post by Ali on Apr 13, 2015 21:57:32 GMT 1
Aperos are wonderful  A way of getting to know each other without the cooking Always be on time. An apero is usually a drink or so with nibbles before each wander off to their own dinner. I'd suggest taking a desert wine, something Pétillant and sweet perhaps so that they can enjoy that long after you have departed  I would only stay an hour max. To me an invite to an aperitif is just that, an apero before dinner. A lovely invitation and brave on their part too coz we Brits don't speak much french - well done |
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Post by davidb5964 on Apr 13, 2015 22:35:15 GMT 1
Our visits started as per Ali's comments. to be honest we have now moved on and when they come to us they stay for around 2 to 3 hours and we tend to do the same but we are now over ten years of visits.We always take a bottle and perhaps a flower for their posh garden. We started with 4 French English dictionaries but we are now down to one, Just enjoy.
Dave
PS if we go for dinner or BBQ it can take 6 hours
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2015 22:09:09 GMT 1
We were told by a French friend, never to bring wine as you are implying the host cant buy a decent wine.
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Post by meldrew on Apr 15, 2015 10:34:30 GMT 1
Sabjac I agree, small posy or plant for the wife is always acceptable.
One thing to watch out for is when the drinks are poured, wait for the host(s) to lift the glass for the 'chin-chin' first before you neck it! In UK we are used to taking a sip as soon as it is in our mitts - never in France - wait wait wait, sometimes the host will wait for any latecomers to arrive before they lift their glass, this can be very frustrating for Brits who like me are partial to a drop of the good stuff!!!
The other thing is that they will offer pastis, whiskey, various types of fortified wine, or bubbly but rarely ordinary red wine - that is reserved for the meal to which you haven't been invited!!!!
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Post by davidb5964 on Apr 15, 2015 13:32:17 GMT 1
Yep I was told about not taking wine but everyone else [French} that came did so we now follow suit.Perhaps our hamlet has a alcohol problem :-)
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Post by littlemouse on Apr 15, 2015 14:01:54 GMT 1
Yep I was told about not taking wine but everyone else [French} that came did so we now follow suit.Perhaps our hamlet has a alcohol problem :-) no it just shows there are no set rules just be yourself. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2015 16:45:20 GMT 1
Thanks for the help folk. It's going to be jump in and enjoy it!!!!  |
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Post by davidb5964 on Apr 15, 2015 17:33:41 GMT 1
As I have said before, watch out for the apple juice in the plain recycled bottle, for some reason it smells and tastes odd and gives me a bad head! :-)
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A way of getting to know each other without the cooking 
