How to Host a French-Inspired Apero at Home

What Is Apéro?

Apéro, the French word for apéritif, is a tradition and a ritual in France. It’s more than a drink; it’s a way to open your appetite and relax with friends. In the evening, before dinner or after work, this is about enjoying life, snacking and sipping a light cocktail or wine.

Apéro is a time to share drinks and light snacks with friends. Unlike American happy hours, French apéros start later, last longer, and offer a different selection of food and drinks.

What Is the Significance of Apéro?

Apéro is much more than a meal starter; it’s a central part of life in France. The ritual brings people together to enjoy good food and drinks, creating a sense of connection and living in the moment. It’s an opportunity to whet the appetite while embracing the joy of social occasions. Whether it’s with family, friends, or colleagues, apéro highlights the art of slowing down and savoring simple pleasures.

Where Should I Host An Apéro?

Apéros are usually hosted at home. The French love the outdoors, so hosting in a backyard, on a patio, or even a small balcony is ideal. Fresh air and refreshing drinks make a perfect combination.

Less is More 

The French prefer a simple, unfussy setup for apéros. Open a folding chair or bistro set, drape a chic tablecloth, and add a vase of fresh flowers. In the world of apéro ambiance, less is more.

A Bit Late, But Well Worth the Wait

In France apéro is in the evening, before dinner or after work. It’s the time to unwind and socialise, at home, at a wine bar or on a picnic.

Apéro is a sacred ritual for French people, offering a pause in the day to sip, snack, and share stories.

Unlike American happy hours which can begin as early as 4PM, French apéros typically don’t start off until 6 PM or so. Apéros can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours and easily carry you into dinner — a sure sign that the company (and drinks) are both equally delightful!

What To Drink at Apéro?

At apéro, drinks range from boozy to bubbly. Aperol Spritz is a crowd pleaser with its citrusy fizz. Other cocktail hour faves are Kir Royale (dry white wine and crème de cassis) or a glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon. Wine lovers can have a light dry white wine, served chilled. Non drinkers can have soda or juice.

Classic apéro drinks are typically quite low-alcohol and slightly bitter, ideal for sipping during those couple of hours in-between hours. Different variations of spritz, Suze & tonic, kir, or a simple coupe de Champagne are also traditional choices. 

For a classic apéro beverage with a bit more punch, try pastis, the signature anise-flavored drink from the south of France. Crisp bottles of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, Chablis, or thirst-quenching rosé are also perfect for an apéro. If you prefer beer or red wine, those are great choices too. The key is to drink what you love!

What Snacks to Serve at Apéro?

No apéro is complete without snacks. For a quick gathering, you can simply provide the basics like olives, nuts, radishes, and cornichons. To take your spread to the next level, serve a crisp pain de campagne with salted butter, creamy cheese, and paté. Dried sausages (the famous saucisson), terrine, and duck rillette are some other classic French favorites. If you’re up for it, make homemade gougères, savory tartines or even savory cakes. Feeling fancy? Tinned caviar and raw bar favorites will impress your guests (and we’re pretty sure will guarantee they return!)

The snacks are perhaps the best part of apéro. Offer a few to cater to different tastes:

• Potato chips for a crunchy salty hit.
• Black olives marinated in olive oil and herbs.
• Creamy goat cheese with baguette slices.
• Thinly sliced saucisson or other cured meats.
• Fresh veg like cucumber, carrots and cherry tomatoes for a light option.

These simple platters look beautiful and feel both casual and fancy.

Other Aperitif Food Ideas to Inspire You

Looking for more apéro food inspiration ? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few other typical French snacks you can make to delight your guests at your next apéro :

• Try serving tapenade with crusty bread, marinated olives, sliced saucisson, or delicate canapés topped with smoked salmon.
• Freshly baked quiches, roasted nuts, stuffed cherry tomatoes, and deviled eggs make great additions too.
• For a touch of elegance, you can include foie gras on toast points, mini croque-monsieurs, or a selection of artisanal cheeses.

How to Host a Perfect Apéro

To host a perfect French apéro, start by creating a warm atmosphere. Offer a variety of drinks and snacks for all tastes. Set up a charcuterie board with black olives, goat cheese, saucisson and veggies. Add a bowl of potato chips for a fun, salty touch. Place small napkins, stylish glasses, and a fresh baguette on hand to complete the setup. Apéro is meant to be simple and relaxed, so don’t stress—just focus on creating a space where your guests can enjoy good food, drinks, and conversation.

Create an Ambiance

While food and drink are important, the main purpose of an apéro is to relax and catch up with friends. Create a cozy ambiance with soft lighting and comfortable seating. Play light background music, but keep it at a low volume, since conversation is key—soft jazz is our go-to pick for apéro playlists!

The Party That Never Ends

The best apéros are the ones that go all night. Weeknight apéros are often cut off due to dinners, bedtimes, or other obligations. When it comes to weekend apéros however, the party knows no limits.

Should you happen to find yourself at a delightful outdoor apéro with a French-inspired ambiance, tasty drinks, and great company, don’t hesitate to let it run its course—even if it means skipping your dinner plans.

Apéro Through Time: A History of French Social Eating

The apéro, though seemingly simple, has a rich history that mirrors the evolution of French social life. Let’s go back in time and see how this beloved tradition has changed over the centuries.

Ancient Times

The apéro goes back to Roman times with the gustatio, a little snack before a big meal. These early habits are the foundation of the pre-dinner rituals we see in France today.

Medieval Changes

As society evolved during the Middle Ages, so did communal eating habits. Guilds, religious festivals and new ingredients shaped how people shared meals and socialized.

From Absinthe to Pastis

The Belle Époque saw the rise of cafés and made aperitifs like absinthe—and later, pastis—wildly popular. These drinks became cultural icons, loved by artists, writers, and anyone with a taste for something special.

The Modern Apéro

Today’s apéro has adapted to fit modern lifestyles. Despite globalization and convenience food, the essence of the apéro—socializing and connecting over good food and drink—remains the same.

How to Apéro: Connecting on a Deeper Level

At the heart of the apéro is conversation. It’s not just about what’s on the table, but how you connect with the people around it. Here’s how to make your apéro more meaningful.

The Setting

The relaxed, casual atmosphere of apéro lends itself to open and easy conversation. The right ambiance, soft lighting and background music creates a perfect space where real conversations can happen.

Go Beyond Small Talk

Get beyond the usual small talk with conversation starters that lead to interesting discussions. Culture, current events, personal interests or shared experiences can lead to deeper connections.

Listening

Active listening is the key to meaningful conversations. Be present, ask good questions, engage with empathy and curiosity. This will help build deeper understanding and stronger connections.

Unplug and Reconnect

Use the apéro as a chance to unplug from technology and focus on the people around you. Put away your devices and have face to face, authentic and meaningful conversations.

What is Apéro Dinatoire?

Apéro dinatoire takes apéro to the next level, it’s a light meal not just small snacks. Instead of just small bites, it includes more substantial dishes that can replace dinner. Think charcuterie boards, vegetables, cheeses and more substantial options like savory tarts or finger foods. It’s perfect for a casual get together without the formality of a sit down dinner. Share laughs, stories, and the pleasure of being together. Whether indoors or outdoors, under the sun or by candlelight, apéro is a social occasion designed to help you unwind and enjoy life.

What Are the Variations of Apéro?

There are different types of apéros for every occasion:

• After-work Apéro: A casual moment shared with colleagues to relax and bond over drinks and snacks.
• Chic Apéro: A more sophisticated gathering with crème de cassis cocktails, fine cheeses and gourmet nibbles.
• Business Apéro: An informal yet professional environment to build relationships with colleagues or clients, often with wine, sparkling water and high end snacks.

Whatever the occasion, apéro is all about people getting together to eat, drink and be merry.