How to organise a French-style dinner

Looking to throw your own authentically French-style dinner party at home? Based on years of experience lingering at French tables, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you do just that! While the gastronomic meal of the French is a ritual recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage, you’ll find with these tips that it doesn’t have to be complicated: good food and wine are appreciated, but what’s most important is sharing a convivial moment with friends and family.  

The stages of a French-style dinner party  

Undoubtedly the most exciting part of hosting a dinner party is designing the menu, especially when it’s full of flavourful French specialities. But first, you’ll need to understand the pattern French dinners typically follow:  

Apéritif 

Give guests a moment to settle in and yourself some time to catch up with them during the “apéro”. Usually this stage of the evening takes place somewhere other than the dinner table, such as a terrace, in the living room, or around the bar area.   It’s common to serve beverages like white wine, rosé, Pastis, or even a cocktail, along with small bites such as olives, tapenade, radishes, flaky twists, and charcuterie.  

Starter

French dinners usually consist of three courses: a starter, a main course, and dessert. Starters are often quite simple and light, so dishes like devilled eggs, a seasonal soup such as French onion soup or asparagus soup, or even a salad would all be appropriate options. If you really want to give your guests a taste of France, consider serving escargots!  

Main

The main course is usually the most filling and also the most elaborate, so this is the one you’ll likely put the most effort into. Ratatouille and gratin dauphinois are vegetable-forward dishes that take time to prepare but don’t require too much attention once they’ve made it to the oven, while coq-au-vin and beef bourguignon involve simmering meat in a savoury red wine sauce with vegetables and aromatics until all of the flavours are well-combined.  

Cheese

Before moving on to something sweet, the French love to tuck into a cheese plate. Ideally, it’s good to have a selection of 3-5 different cheeses on hand. A local cheesemonger can help you make your selection, but if not, you can’t go wrong with favourites like brie, camembert, comté, emmental, or roquefort. And of course, don’t forget the bread: the French like to enjoy their cheese with a piece of baguette or crusty sourdough rather than crackers or– even worse– no carb at all

Dessert

The French might be known for their patisserie (pastry), but homestyle desserts are usually much simpler. Rice pudding is a comforting, regressive dessert that’s quick to whip up, and apple tarts are sure crowd pleasers!  

Digestif

The digestif is an alcoholic drink served at the end of the meal to help with digestion. This is usually when you’d reach for spirits such as Absinthe, Chartreuse, Calvados, or Armagnac.  

Art de vivre: how to set the mood  

Almost as important as the menu is the ambiance! Table settings make a big impression and the French have mastered the art of creating an effortlessly beautiful table: a simple bouquet of flowers, some candles, and a few special items that feel unique to your home (think plates you bought on holiday or a pitcher that belonged to a favourite aunt) are really all you really need.  

Background music can add to the atmosphere, especially from classic French artists like Charles Aznavour, Edith Piaf, or Françoise Hardy. Most importantly, give yourself time to enjoy the meal at a leisurely pace, allowing guests to savour the food as well as the conversation.  

Hosting tip 

A French meal isn’t complete without bread on the table! While some may prefer to serve it in little baskets, there’s something truly French about leaving a baguette directly on the table for guests to pass around and share!  

Now you know how to throw the ideal French-style dinner party, it’s time to create your menu! For recipes that will satisfy and delight your guests, head to our recipes page.