How to Follow French Table Manners

While many French table manners are the same in American culture, there are some distinct differences. The French value table manners so much, so it's important to familiarize yourself with these customs before traveling to France.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wait until the hostess places her napkin in her lap before you follow suit.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Place your bread directly on the tablecloth rather than on your plate. If there is a bread plate provided, you can use that.

5. Break a piece of bread off a roll before eating it or buttering it.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Show that you have finished with your plate by putting your knife and fork together vertically on the center of your plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to eat all of the food on your plate.
• Saying "please" and "thank you" is expected in French culture. In the French language, "please" is "s'il vous plait," and "thank you" is "merci."
• Unlike in the U.S. and Britain, you don't have to pass the salt and pepper together when asked for one in France.
• If you are unsure about whether you can eat a certain dish with your fingers or other table manners, follow the lead of the host. Most food is not eaten with fingers, however.
• It's acceptable table manners to use a toothpick at the table if you cover your mouth with your free hand.
• Turn off your cell phone when eating at a restaurant. The French consider it incredibly rude for phones to ring during dinner.
• Avoid asking for ketchup with your meal. The French often think adding ketchup to a food is an insult.