Dining Etiquette and Table manners

If you are asked to supper at a French home: Show up on time. Under no circumstances should you show up more than 10 minutes beyond the scheduled time without calling to let someone know you will be delayed. The more flexible time is, the farther south you travel in the nation. Send flowers the morning before the event if you're invited to a big dinner party, especially if it's in Paris, so they can be shown that night. Put on appropriate attire. French people are fashion aware, hence their definition of casual is more formal than in many other western nations.

Continental table manners dictate that the knife should be held in the right hand while eating and the fork in the left. You might be shown where to sit if there is a seating plan. Wait till the hostess says "bon appetit" before starting to eat.

Cross your knife and fork on your plate, the fork going over the knife, if you haven't completed eating. Even though your hands should be out in front and not in your lap, avoid resting your elbows on the table. Complete the food in your plate. Avoid using a knife and fork to cut salad. Place the lettuce on your fork folded. Before eating fruit, peel and slice it. If you don't want any more wine, fill your glass almost to the top.