The Great Debate: French or English Hosting Style
Comparing the art of hosting and dining across the channel
I admit, this is borderline geeky but it all started when my mom sent me an article about the differences in how the French and the English set a table. Honestly, I had no idea there was a difference but it turns out that, as with most things, both countries like to do things (very) differently. Please note the use of the parenthesis, you’ll understand the irony soon enough :)
Before looking into the French and the English, let’s have a look at the general tips which are always helpful.
Before Diving In: General Table-Setting Tips
Tablecloth vs. Placemats
For formal dinners, a tablecloth is your best bet as you can create a whole atmosphere with the tablecloth as your canvas. That said, I love using placemats. Lately, I’ve seen the trend of layering placemats on tablecloth, mixing colours and prints and I love it! Whichever way you choose, make sure that they are freshly ironed (you can iron it directly on the table for ease) and with no stains (it seems obvious but trust me you’d be surprised…).
Start with the Plates
Always begin by positioning the plates and build around it. Make sure the plates are well positioned with the seat of the guest.
Arranging Glasses
If using multiple glasses, they should be arranged at an angle in descending order of height (champagne, water, red wine, white wine, dessert wine). Water should always be to the left of the wine.
Napkins
Napkins can either be placed on the guest’s plate or to the right of the work or with the fork on top of it.
The French Way - À La Française
The fork’s spikes are on the table and the spoon convex side is facing up.
The English Way - À L’Anglaise
The fork’s spikes are facing up and the spoon convex side is facing down.
So that’s it: spikes up or down, and the same goes for the spoon. You can imagine my surprise, and the irony. I even did a little research to see if there was a deeper reason for the spikes to be up or down. Surely there had to be some historical tale or a cultural reference that could explain why one option is better than the other? But no… As I mentioned earlier, both countries really like to make sure they do things (very) differently.
BUT there is, of course, more to the Channel divide than the spikes.
Based on my own experiences, a bit of people-watching, and some casual polling (I might be way off, so please, correct me politely, or not!), here are a few cute differences in attitude that I’ve noted:
Dietary Dilemmas: In the UK, a host practically bends over backwards to accommodate special diets and allergies, stocking up on gluten-free this and oat-milk that. In France? Not so much or not at all actually…
Punctuality Protocol: Brits treat start times as sacred—if the invitation says 7 PM, you’ll be expected on the dot, possibly with a pre-polished apology for being two minutes late. The French, however, have mastered le quart d’heure de politesse, showing up fashionably 15 minutes late so their hosts can finish scrambling.
The Bread Affair: Wiping your plate clean with bread in the UK? Not what they like to see. In France, it’s practically a standing ovation for the chef. Have you ever done it? If not, please go for it, it’s deeply satisfying and so delicious.
Lettuce Etiquette: Cutting lettuce with a knife in France is a no-go instead fold the leaves like a pro. It does take a bit of practice, I’ll admit.
If you know of any other quirky differences between the two countries, do share in the comments so I can add them to my growing list. And for those of you who don’t live on either side (or both, like me) of the Channel, with Christmas Eve just around the corner, which side will you pick: French or English?