French Gift Guide: What to Bring to a French Dinner Party (and What to Avoid!)

You're in France, and someone invites you to dinner, but you don't know what to bring to your host... In this article, discover everything French people like as a gift so you can avoid any faux-pas!

What are the gifts you should bring?

-Une bouteille de vin (a bottle of wine)

French people love a bottle of wine: however, be careful! If the quality of the wine is bad, your hosts will notice it. Don't worry, good wine doesn't necessarily mean expensive wine: you can go to any "caviste" (wine merchant) and ask for advice, and they will suggest you a good wine in your budget.

Note: check that your host drinks alcohol before bringing the bottle!

-Une boîte de chocolats (a chocolate box)

Most French people have a sweet tooth, and the best way to please them is to offer them a chocolate box! If possible, don't bring chocolate from the supermarket: go to a real chocolatier, as the French love quality items!

-Des fleurs (flowers)

Bringing flowers can be tricky, as you might not know if your host owns a vase, but this present will for sure be appreciated as it's a very delicate attention!

-Une boîte de macarons (A box of macarons)

A typically French gift! Once again, it's better not to bring macarons from the supermarket: a pretty gift box from a local shop will be much more appreciated.

-Des bougies (candles)

This one might be more for people you know well, so you can choose cute candles that will go with your host's interior.

Bonus: it's a tradition that is somewhat lost nowadays, but you can also bring a book to your host. If you know them well and can personalize the gift according to their taste, it's even better!

What are the gifts you should NOT bring?

-Flowers...

... Yes, you read well. Flowers are great, but some flowers are to be absolutely avoided:

-Chrysanthemums (associated with funerals)

-Carnations (some people like them, but they can also be associated with grief, especially white ones)

-A bouquet of red roses (best suited for a lover!)

-Cheese or pastries

If you haven't first decided with the host that you would bring cheese or dessert, it's better not to do it. Chocolates and macarons are fine, as they can be eaten on the side!

-Perfume or clothes

These presents are too personal and you risk embarrassing your host!

-Decorative items

Except maybe for candles, it's better to avoid bringing decorative items, as it might not be suited to your host's tastes.

Now you know all there is to know!

I hope you will enjoy your time with your French acquaintances, and if you follow these guidelines, I'm sure they will love the presents you will get them.

Want to learn more French words with free ebooks? Download my free French ebooks here!

See you next time for more French tips!

Amélie, founder of Académie Amélie