Ready for le Réveillon de la Saint Sylvestre? Let's celebrate New Year the French way.
Bonjour, chers amis. Christmas celebrations are only a few days away, and we are already preparing for New Year's Eve here in Paris.
While Christmas celebrations are often with family, New Year's Eve tends to be celebrated with friends. The French approach New Year's Eve with sophistication, yes, that’s true, but most importantly, with conviviality. This celebration is the perfect occasion to gather friends, set a beautiful table and enjoy hosting at home.
New Year Eve = le réveillon
New Year's Eve is called le Réveillon or le Réveillon de la Saint Sylvestre in French.
Why Saint Sylvestre? In France, each day of the year celebrates a different Saint. French calendars mention those first names. For example, my first name, Saint Florence, is celebrated each year on December 1st. It's a custom in France to say "Bonne fête" to every Florence we know that day. Some offer presents to close friends or family (my husband gets me an orchid every year on December 1st).
December 31 is Saint Sylvetre. So we are used to calling the new Yeay Eve Réveillon de la Saint Sylvestre.
Saint Sylvester was a pope (315-355) who became a saint in the 6th century, undoubtedly thanks to his significant contribution to the rise of Christianity. He is credited with several basilicas, including St. Peter's in the Vatican.
The Menu
The French love to celebrate with food and drink, and New Year's Eve is no exception. However, there are no set traditional menus for New Year's Eve in France.
It can be either the same kind of dishes served for Christmas (see my detailed article on French traditional Christmas menu) or fancy dishes, from gastronomic delights to festive classics such as: a platter of Seafood with fresh oysters (served with a shallot and vinegar sauce), langoustines and other shellfish..., foie gras with bread or gingerbread toasts, scallops with a creamy sauce...
As for l'Apéritif, the appetizer to serve before dinner, let me give you 5 last minute idéas :
Puff pastry shaped and filled with either pesto, pesto rosso, tapenade, or smoked salmon...and shaped in various ways: sun tart (tarte soleil), Christmas tree (sapin de noël), rolls...
Salmon makes wonderful dips or mousses that everyone enjoys. Quick and easy to prepare, I suggest pre-cooked salmon with cream cheese, or a smoked salmon mousse.
Make bites with Boursin cheese (or any fresh goat cheese or cream cheese flavored with herbs and spices): stuff small mushrooms and bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes at 300-350°F, spread on ham, roll out, and cut in bite-size...
Bake cake salé savory loaf, cut thick slices, and cut each slice into cubes again. You can flavor it in many ways: from the classic ham and cheese + olives, to roasted bell pepper, tuna and sundried tomatoes, zucchini and feta cheese...
Bake a pain d'épices, which is the French way to prepare gingerbread. It will make fantastic toast that changes from the classic bread.
Find out more in my complete guide of what to serve for a perfect French appetizer.
As for the drinks: Champagne and beyond
No French celebration is complete without exceptional wine and champagne. There are many cheaper alternatives to Champagne, such as Crément de Loire and Crément d'Alsace, that are delicious as well.
For those who prefer something sweet, definitely add a dash of crème de cassis blackcurrant liqueur (or opt for other fruit liqueur) with white wine (this drink is called a Kir) or with Champagne (making it a Kir Royal) is a festive option.
Toast thoughtfully: When raising your glass, make eye contact and say "Santé" (to health)...
The Countdown: Bonne Année !
As midnight approaches, we fill glasses and count the seconds until midnight: dix (10), neuf (9), huit (8), sept (7), six (6), cinq (5), quatre (4), trois (3), deux (2), un (1)...
When the clock strikes twelve, everyone yells, "Bonne année !" (Happy New Year!)!
This is the moment for hugs, kisses on both cheeks, and well-wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year.
So there you have it, a taste of how the French ring in the New Year whether you're planning to host your réveillon or simply want to add a touch of French flair to your celebrations.
As for me, Champagne is in the refrigerator, and dinner preparations are on their way. I will start the evening watching a show at the theater, then gathering for a light and late dinner.,
À votre santé et bonne année !
Florence