Gift Giving Etiquette
• Flowers should be given in odd numbers but not 13, which is considered unlucky.
• Some older French retain old-style prohibitions against receiving certain flowers: White lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals; red carnations as they symbolize bad will; any white flowers as they are used at weddings.
• Prohibitions about flowers are not generally followed by the young. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism.
• If you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford. The French appreciate their wines.
• Gifts are usually opened when received.