New Year's eve is celebrated differently in France than what I was accustomed to in the US. Here, the evening is spent over a leisurely feast that starts around 8pm and ends around midnight. First, are the "starters" which are often served with Champagne. This photo shows how we started with our neighbors in Amboise. After that, the guests move to the dinner table where a series of courses are served. Often this consists of a main course, a cheese course and, of course, a dessert course, and finally coffee/tea/digestifs. There could be additional courses (e.g., soup and fish courses) ! Wine is served with each course, but at a reasonable pace when spread over the four hour evening. We had a wonderful (and safe) time ringing in the New Year. I hope you did as well.
Tu as parfaitement décrit une soirée traditionnelle de réveillon de la Saint Sylvestre!
ReplyDeleteWhew ! Merci. Quel défi.
DeleteThese "starters" look really inviting. I spent once 'christmas and the New Year's Réveillon in southern France and had to loose some weight after !!!
ReplyDeleteTess
Well after three weeks in the States and a Réveillon comme ça, I gained three kilos !
Deletethe french sure know how to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteWell this is the traditional way. Of course, the kids (that would those your age!) go out and party like they do in the States !
DeleteSounds like a very nice way to celebrate the new year.
ReplyDeleteIt really is such a warm way to spend the evening. And I felt great the next day !
DeleteWhat a great way yo say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was truly memorable. Hope your NYE was as well !
DeleteLooks wonderful Stuart.. what a very civilized way to bring in the New Year :)
ReplyDeleteYes it was a wonderful evening. I hope yours was as much fun as ours.
DeleteThe Dutch tend to have similar traditions... maybe a warm dinner around six, and then a bit later in the evening various nibbles of cheese, meats, that sort of thing, til midnight, and more food after the midnight hour.
ReplyDeleteIt requires some exercise afterwards!
I can understand why !
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