Photo by Heidi Harris for the November/December 2025 issue
As the crisp fall air begins to settle and the warm glow of winter holidays approaches, the season of gathering with loved ones is officially upon us. Now is the perfect time to start planning your upcoming dinner parties and holiday feasts. And who better to take inspiration from than the French, the masters of the art of savoring life’s pleasures?
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A French dinner party not only promises excellent food and wine, but also an atmosphere of intimacy and joy. Here are some tips to help you host like the French โ combining a delicious meal with a warm and welcoming touch.
1. Set the Mood with Ambiance
In France, ambiance is everything. Prioritize creating an inviting, cozy atmosphere. Start with warm lighting from candles or dimmed lamps. This adds an intimate glow to the room and instantly sets a relaxed tone. Use natural elements to decorate the table, such as autumn leaves, pinecones, or fresh herbs. A simple bouquet of seasonal flowers should add to the table without taking over the meal presentation.ย
To set the mood, choose music carefully โ French jazz, classical, or acoustic chansons are great choices. The key is to let the music be subtle, complementing the conversation rather than dominating it. Check out this playlist weโve created to help get you started!
2. Prioritize Quality, Not Quantity
The French approach to dining is all about savoring quality ingredients, and this should be applied to your dinner party menu. Rather than overwhelming your guests with a huge spread, focus on a few carefully selected dishes made with fresh, seasonal produce. A perfect starter could be a rich, pumpkin quiche or a red onion tarte tatin with goat cheese. For the main course, consider a classic French dish like coq au vin or boeuf bourguignon โ both slow-cooked to perfection, rich in flavor, and perfect for the cooler months.
When it comes to dessert, something simple and classic is delightful โ like a vanilla crรจme brรปlรฉe or a Parisian custard tart. The idea is to give your guests a memorable meal that lingers in their minds without overwhelming them.
3. The Art of the Apรฉritif
No French dinner party is complete without an apรฉritif โ a light drink served before the meal to stimulate the appetite and get conversations flowing. This is the moment to invite your guests to relax, sip on a glass of champagne, Kir, or a simple spritzer. Find out how to mix the perfect French cocktail here.
Serve a few small bites, like tapenade on toast, or slices of raw vegetables and saucisson. The apรฉro sets the tone for the evening and gives everyone time to ease into the event without rushing to the table. See our ultimate guide to the apรฉro here.
4. Create a Communal Experience
In France, dinner is not just about the food; itโs about the shared experience. Instead of serving a plated meal, consider a more communal style of dining. Present dishes in large, beautiful serving bowls or platters, and encourage guests to help themselves. This brings a relaxed feel to the dinner as people pass plates and share stories.
Another lovely French tradition is offering a cheese course. After the main course, serve a selection of French cheeses like Brie, Roquefort, and Comtรฉ alongside a basket of fresh baguette slices. Itโs a delicious way to continue the conversation and bridge the gap between dinner and dessert.
5. Linger Over Wine and Conversation
The French love to linger at the dinner table. Encourage this leisurely pace by selecting a few wines to pair with each course. Introduce them to some French classics, like a crisp white from the Loire Valley or a bold red from Bordeaux. Itโs not about how much you drink, but rather how you enjoy it. Wine is an extension of the meal, not a hurried accompaniment.
Leave plenty of time between courses, giving everyone the chance to savor each bite. By creating space between dishes, the meal feels less like a race and more like an indulgent experience.
6. Finish with Digestifs and Sweet Treats
To bring the evening to a close, offer a selection of digestifs. These are small servings of liqueurs like Cognac, Armagnac, or Chartreuse that aid digestion and help guests unwind after the meal.
Pair these with a few smaller sweet treats, like macarons, madeleines, or chocolates. Once the holidays roll around, you can offer a grand presentation of macarons in the shape of a Christmas tree!
7. Embrace Imperfection
The true charm of a French dinner party lies in its imperfection. The French are experts at creating an effortlessly chic atmosphere, but they never strive for rigidity or perfection. If something doesnโt go according to plan, donโt fret. The point of the gathering is to enjoy time with your loved ones. Laugh, pour another drink, and go with the flow.
In the end, itโs not about how perfectly executed the evening is, but how much joy and connection it brings.