https://www.wired.co.uk/article/wired-work-smarter
French entrepreneur Loïc Le Meur has been living in San Francisco since 2007 and had to relearn how to throw a dinner party. "'Dinner' means different things in Silicon Valley and in Europe," he says. Here's his guide.
US: Bring gifts at your own riskSilicon Valley dinners can be 100-person affairs, so gifts could be tricky.
UK: Bring a bottleIf friends invite you in Europe, bring something. "A sure-fire choice is wine or flowers," Le Meur says.
US: Stand upDinner here means standing round a buffet. You can also arrive and leave when you want.
UK: Sit downDinner in Europe means sitting at a table and eating several courses.
US: Prepare for networkingDinners are social events. "Attend more than two a night," Le Meur says.
UK: Don't talk shopSuggested topics of conversation: food, wine, life. Definitely not business.
US: Thank the (hired) chef"Food is good, but it's usually cooked by private chefs," Le Meur says.
UK: Thank the chef"In Europe, it's the host who cooks," Le Meur explains. Forget vegan, gluten-free or low-carb choices.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
