The French art of dining is first and foremost a way of setting a table because, in the land of gastronomy, food is appreciated even more when it is eaten in a practical and elegant way:
Your table is properly set and you can't wait for your guests to enjoy the good meal you've prepared for them? Even if they are surely impatient, as good Frenchmen they must respect these few gestures:
It is also customary to leave a small portion of your meal on your plate.
While it may seem frustrating to waste tasty food, it does demonstrate your satiety to your host, who is the only person allowed to leave the table during the entire meal.
So now you know the main good manners to adopt when you receive, or are received, at a dinner and lunch in France. Enjoy your meal.
Valérie from Comme des Français
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