How to Throw a Dinner Party at Home, Like The French

Long conversations and the perfect combination of cheese and wine, here's a guide to hosting a traditional gastronomic French-inspired meal at home

France is known for its lengthy dinners, punctuated by various food courses, carefully selected wines, and, of course, lots of conversation among friends and family. A privileged moment for many in the country and one that usually starts at 8pm or later and goes for a few hours, France's evening meal is in the spotlight this week as several cities in the country prepare for a 9pm curfew and close bars.

Holding Unesco intangible heritage status since 2010, we look at the essential elements of the "gastronomic meal of the French."

Above Image: The Alkaff Mansion

1. The importance of food and wine pairing

The late Alain Senderens was the first award-winning chef to proclaim the importance of selecting wines in accordance with various dishes. The chef from Paris's Lucas Carton restaurant was one of the first to make food and wine pairings a marker of culinary culture in France. This key aspect of French traditional meals has even been acknowledged as a dining pillar by Unesco.

Above Image: Louis Hansel/Unsplash

2. Don't forget the 'apéritif'

French meals usually start with pre-dinner drinks. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. The French think that l'apéro (short for apéritif) is the best way to whet your appetite. The word "apéritif" comes from the Latin verb "aperire," which means to open (or whet). Back then, fortified herbal wines were legion to encourage digestion. The "aperitif" therefore had medicinal properties at that time, today however, it is no longer the case.

Above Image: Rebecca Orlov/Unsplash

3. Nor the cheese

Before dessert, French dinners feature a cheese platter. With over 1,200 different kinds of French cheeses, there's always plenty of choice. A report published by France's senate on the subject of culinary arts stated that the history of cheese and French history go hand in hand. The document explains that cheeses are "linked to French history and traditions, each cheese coming from specific soils and geographic zones... The place where it is produced often gives its name to the cheese... French cheeses contribute to cultural diversity and are representative of human creativity, of French cultural heritage and its different communities."

Above Image: Luigi Pozzoli/Unsplash

4. Decorate the table

During a dinner "à la Française," you need to select the right ingredients, preferably locally produced with "matching flavours," notes UNESCO experts. However, while flavours matter, the table setting is also key. Tableware is essential to gastronomic meals in France. You can show off your best silverware and crockery for important milestones such as weddings, birthdays or Christmas dinners. And for the holiday season, miniature Christmas trees, mistletoe branches or fir cones often bring a natural vibe to family gatherings.

Topics

french meal wine pairing cheese aperitif French food French dinner

Tatler Asia

How to Throw a Dinner Party at Home, Like The French

1. The importance of food and wine pairing

2. Don't forget the 'apéritif'

3. Nor the cheese

4. Decorate the table