When being invited for a dinner with a French colleague, do not arrive unannounced. Keep in mind that you are in a country that put so much emphasis on etiquette. Here are some other tips that will become handy when visiting a home in France.

Arrive to dinner on time - You should attend to your host's dinner in less then 10 minutes from the designated visiting time. If you would be late, telephone your host to explain your reason. Punctuality, however, is more flexible in the south of France.

Gift giving is left to your discretion - You may or may not give a gift to your host, but not providing a present would be rude, wouldn't it? The best kinds of gifts include books and music, as they demonstrate interest in intellectual pursuits. Wine is also a great gift, but make sure to provide the most expensive that you can afford.

Make your flowers odd - When giving flowers as a present to the hostess, make sure that they come in odd numbers except 13, which is considered unlucky.

Give the right kind of flowers - Some French retain the old-style prohibitions against receiving certain flowers. For instance, white lilies or chrysanthemums are a no-no as they are used in funerals, while red carnations symbolize bad will, and any white flowers are exclusively given during weddings. Although the younger ones do not generally follow this rule, it is best to stick to the conservative side just to make sure.

Gifts are usually opened when received - Your hosts would open the gift once they receive it. That is why it is best to provide the best (and the most expensive) possible gift for they would become truly impressed with it.

Send flowers the morning before the dinner party - If you have been invited to attend a large-scale dinner party, especially in Paris, it is best to send some flowers (minding the rules that go with it) the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening.

Check your designated seat - When attending a dinner party that has a seating plan, several ushers may direct you to a particular seat.

"Bon appetit" is the signal to eat - Whether in a colleague's home or in a large dinner party, remember not to eat any food served on the table until the host or hostess says "bon appetit".

Mind your table manners - Both hands remain above the table at all times. A man may rest his wrists, and a woman her forearms, on the table edge. However, the elbows are not allowed to be placed on the table. Hold the fork with your left hand while the knife with your right hand. Avoid drinking hard liquor in before meals or smoking a cigarette in between courses, as the French believe it would compromise the taste of the food. If you have not finished eating, cross your fork and knife (with the former over the latter) on the plate.

Finish everything on your plate - Eating all that is on the plate is an indication that you like the dishes served.

Do not cut your salad with a knife - When eating a large piece of lettuce, just fold it and pierce it with a fork.

Do not eat a fruit in whole - When eating a fruit during dinner, you must peel and slice it first.

Do not empty a wine glass if you don't want any more wine - If you think you have had enough wine, leave you wine glass almost full.