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But it’s up to you to assess the situation. It’s nice to help, but the hostess might not want you to see her kitchen after the preparation of what is always a large meal. 

So I’d say in formal settings don’t even bother offering. Among friends, offer ("je peux t'aider ?" - May I help you, using "tu"), but don’t insist. In a very relaxed family setting, just bring some plates and glasses in the kitchen, but don’t get involved in filling up the dishwasher or cleaning anything.


Be discreet. Your hostess will not stay long in the kitchen so she can go back to taking care of her guests. 

It will sound very un-PC but if you are a man, don’t move at all... This is changing, still VERY slowly though...

Smoking at the table

As you may know, people still smoke a lot in France. It’s not polite to do it during the meal, and people will sometimes wait till after dinner to smoke their cigars and cigarettes in the living room, while sipping on some after-dinner drinks. But the reality...

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