What thankyou gifts for French hosts?

[ajp70]

LeMans is coming around again soon and my little group of 3 cars with 6 people will once again be going over. We are lucky to have connections in LeMans and Arnage who have given us somewhere to stay and we are shown fantastic hospitality by our hosts. I have struggled to think of items to put in a Thankyou package and wanted to ask if anyone had any suggestions of anything I could bring over from England which French people would like. Things which are not commonly found in French shops.

Thanks for any suggestions. Ant.

[so called]

I found that the French love English preserves.
You can also try English Cider and Cheeses.

[timbo48]

When we visit our French cousins in Normandy, we often take plants for them. The French seem to be pretty keen on gardening judging by some of the gardens in the area.

[ajp70]

Yeh, I was thinking along the line of real ales and english cider and ploughmans type stuff as we usually have an outdoor meal and enjoy their local produce. Unfortunately, I'm clueless when it comes to plants and they could be awkward to transport in sports cars especially if it's hot.

[rdjohn]

Do you think that they might be interested in Will & Kate memorabilia? Everything about the wedding seems to have gone down really well here. This may sound naff but provided it is not a tea towel, or a photograph mug then I am sure that something ornamental would be appreciated by people of a certain age.

We once took a hand crafted pork pie to a Christmas day buffet and it went down with a French family like it was Foie Gras and caviar. We have also tried quality Stilton which was well appreciated.

I think that most high quality English foodstuff would be appreciated; French people tend to spend about 60% of their disposable income on food.

[WeirdNeville]

Most of the French people I know love a good scotch whiskey. Always useful currency in France.

[rdjohn]

WeirdNeville said:

Most of the French people I know love a good scotch whiskey. Always useful currency in France.

Yes, this is an absolute cert for the guys!

[ColinM50]

And if you're taking flowers remember NOT to take geraniums - they're the flowers for the dead and only given to the family when someone's died.

Actually thinking about it, it's not geraniums it's some other plant but the name of it escapes me at the moment.

[Mr. Magoo]

my in laws like:

Scotch,
Cheddar,
Smoked Fish,
Shortbread,
Tiptree Jams,

Not preservatives - they are something alltogether different.

most of these are hard to get. Also if you were a little tongue in cheek and they were open minded try some quality english sparkling wine - they will be surprised at the quality.

[Paul 2000]

ColinM50 said:

And if you're taking flowers remember NOT to take geraniums - they're the flowers for the dead and only given to the family when someone's died.

Actually thinking about it, it's not geraniums it's some other plant but the name of it escapes me at the moment.

Chrysanthemums are the flowers you're looking for - or rather aren't looking for

[Mr Gearchange]

ColinM50 said:

And if you're taking flowers remember NOT to take geraniums - they're the flowers for the dead and only given to the family when someone's died.

Actually thinking about it, it's not geraniums it's some other plant but the name of it escapes me at the moment.

Some really superb advice there.

English Cheese, English Beer and English Wine.