Offering a toast to the host of a dinner party, a friend or newly weds is an eloquent way to say thank you and to express your heartfelt appreciation. Columnist and etiquette maven, Pam Harvit, shares some fascinating history about toasts and great pointers in her column, Why we toast, and how to receive a toast in your honor, in the Sunday Gazette-Mail.
A few pointers from Ms. Harvitt are:
Remember the three B's - begin, be brief and be seated.
Toasts do not have to be made with alchol: however, some people believe that making a toast with water will bring bad luck.
Avoid tapping your glass to obtain everyone's attention before proposing a toast.
Stand when proposing a toast (unless the group is ten or less.)
If you are the guest of honor, you should propose a toast to thank the host or hostess before desert.
Never pre-empt the host or hostess by making a toast to a guest of honor before they do. It is their responsibility to offer the first toast.
If the toast is made in your honor, you should neither rise, lift your glass, nor sip your drink. Accept the kind gesture graciously.
It is proper form to return a toast to the person who proposed one in your honor in order to thank them.
A toast to my readers, "may you have a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!"
