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L’Apéro Dînatoire: The Original Girl Dinner

The French secret to easy hosting.

By
Kit Warchol
March 30, 2025
https://latecheckouttime.com/articles/culture-digital-download-apero-dinatoires-original-girl-dinner
Photo credit:

Long before TikTok crowned girl dinner, the French had already mastered the effortless, chic way to graze: l’apéro dînatoire.

Photo credit: Comtesse du Barry

Just call it l’apéro — because that’s what everyone in France does. Short for "aperitif dinner," it’s the ultimate dinner party cheat code. What starts as a happy hour hang (spritzes highly encouraged) seamlessly turns into a full meal, thanks to an effortlessly curated lineup of snacks: tinned fish, cheese and charcuterie, crudité served alongside bagna càuda, salted butter, radish sandwiches and a good ol’ bowl of chips for balance. Basically, all the best things on one table — no stress, no sweat.

Photo credit: @foodgood_bysana

The key? Keep it simple. The whole point is to make the most of what’s already in your fridge, so you can spend more time with friends and less time overthinking the menu. Set up your spread anywhere — a kitchen counter, a coffee table or even a desk in a pinch. Mismatched plates? Très Parisian. Cloth napkins? Bonus points. Wine? Always.

Photo credit: @lolanannas_

L’apéro is all about low-lift hosting with high-level payoff. Guests naturally find their way to the snacks, plates fill up and conversation flows.

And just like that, you’ve pulled off a dinner party without actually cooking dinner. C’est magique.

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Catania Round Wood Serving Board

Crafted from durable, long-lasting beech wood, this round serving board is a charming and practical perch for charcuterie, hors d'oeuvres, and more.

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Fishwife Tinned Fish Starter Pack  

Hosting l’apéro? This tin-packed set brings the smoky, spicy and savory essentials — plus a mystery tin to keep guests guessing.

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Love Notes Juice Glass

Meticulously crafted with handblown glass, the Love Notes Juice Glass is a delightful, sip-worthy piece that adds charm to any occasion and makes a thoughtful gift for someone special.  

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Laetitia Rouget Everybody Dance Now Plate Set

Hand-painted in Portugal, this set of four mismatched stoneware plates channels effortless French charm.

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European Linen Scallop Edge Napkins

These European linen napkins bring effortless elegance to the table, with playful scalloped edges that add a pop of contrast and charm to any setting.

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