Getting it Right.
Back again after my brief spell as a hod carrier and general builder's dogsbody and I must say blogging's much more fun and doesn't get underneath your fingernails or in your hair...
I found myself googling French etiquette the other day trying desperately to find out what sort of gift is acceptable to take to an aperitif: a small bunch of flowers, a tiny box of chocolates, the same size of gift you'd take to a dinner?
What should have been a pleasure almost stressed me out and by the time I'd changed my clothes three times: casual jeans and sweater? black trousers and smart sweater? H. was ready to crack..It isn't, after all, the first time we'd been invited to aperitifs and I'm usually confident enough to deal with it but these are new neighbours so I wanted to get it right and we all know what sticklers the French are for etiquette.
Of course everything went well, the flowers were the right size, the clothes, casual trousers and sweater, mirrored theirs but their house, their house is fabulous, achingly stylish and oh so pristine so now I'm stressing about inviting them back...
12 comments:
Hey, I just finished watching the last episode of the Australian Princess and then I come here to read your worry of etiquete, it made me smile.
I am so glad it all worked out for you.
I would of been beside myself, we go to BBQ's and the odd dinner party but I have never heard of an aperitif, I had to google that, LOL. Glad you had fun and I am sure your house is just perfect. xx
I know exactly how you feel. Our house is often far from being pristine and it is usually when we have people round that I notice the kids' finger prints on the windows, the spiders web in the corner...
Is that your view? Looks quite lovely to me!
I do know the "am I/is it good enough?" feeling! I'm sure you amazed them all with style and wit.
Golly - I'm moving in the wrong circles :-( I didn't realize you had to take a gift to an apéritif!! I would have probably taken a packet of Monster Munch and some peanuts.
Gigi: If it's friends getting together then I'd probably take a bottle of wine or something but these were strangers and our new neighbours.
Tut-Tut: Yes that's the tidy bit of my garden with the neighbour down there at the bottom
Shaz: an aperitif's just a good excuse to drink afew glasses of wine with friends without having to cook dinner!
Angela
I get plagued with that monster sometimes as well. It doesn't really matter what or where... it just creeps up and I'm a wreck. I'm glad you at least went...
Entertain at night...dust bunnies and such are far less visible and if things are really not so pristine, light candles! LOL
Glad all went well for you. I too have been known to google What To Do (especially since living in France!) and have felt the same sort of worry, gah!
I thought an aperitif was something you drank.
Good to see you back and posting.
French houses seem to fall into two brackets: so amazingly stylish you feel completely inadequate; 15yrs out of date with scubby brown tiles, dingy furniture and a depressing air.
There's little between the two it seems.
Just knew somehow you'd get it right.
I posted my wierd stuff a few posts ago...it was fun
Remember, they may enjoy the comfort and style of your house... the grass is always greener on the other side :) JP
Girlfriend,
You have your own style and everyones is different. As long as you have good wine and food...they be oooh so happy! :)
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