Sep
I'm going to be visiting my friend's family in southern France for the weekend, and I'm hoping to get some suggestions on what to anticipate and what to say/do?
I am American but am living and studying in Germany, so I'm not totally inept in regards to traveling and staying with families. I can also talk passable French.
So, I'm wondering about what things to say when meeting them, at the table, etc. Should I bring a gift? If so, what would be good? Are there huge do's and dont's that I should be aware of?
Thanks in advance =)
Answer:
No flowers - no wine is the basic rule - target kids if there are any
otherwise something without risk - such as book about your country,
or anything for the lady - the husband being in the ranking of “present-
receivers” the last number -
Bring some candies, from a good shop, not any basic candy, and
you'll be all right - don't be too excessive in aything, make a compliment about only one or two things ( furniture ) and show yourself fascinated, ask very general questions - ” Explain me why ….” and above all taboo
on money, religion, politics - as a stranger ask stranger's questions
“what is the height of the Eiffel tower ” ” How can french planes be so exceptional ” or ” Are women in France more numerous than men ” ??? Be neutral, and eschew each time you feel that the temperature goes upwards even if you're not directly involved -
Never pour wine in your glass - ask the Monsieur, he'll be pleased, and it's not unpolite to ask - Monsieur will think you like HIS wine. Wine is his only field of power during the meal - so be careful…
Only meats and fish are proposed twice - don't refuse -
Keep your hands ON the table - put the napkin on your knees - Think you have to wipe your lips -sometimes
Answer:
A gift is a very good idea, flowers for the lady will be ok in any case.
We eat together at dinner and breakfast & lunch if it's possible, not alone , that was the only thing i've noticed about americans i've meet 
Have a good trip to France.
Answer:
Bringing a gift is a must, but it doesn't have to be anything huge. Just avoid chrysanthemums, as these are known as the flowers fo the dead =] Book Mark it-> del.icio.us | Reddit | Slashdot | Digg | Facebook | Technorati | Google | StumbleUpon | Window Live | Tailrank | Furl | Netscape | Yahoo | BlinkList