In 1999 I was part of an organization that had engaged former First Lady, Barbara Bush, as our keynote speaker. During her stay, my late husband and I had the opportunity to host a small intimate dinner in her honor. Since I was the person involved with the organization that engaged her I was the person responsible for making the toast at our dinner. Initially, I was quite nervous about it, but with some preparation and a little practice I felt I pulled it off with adequate aplomb.

The essence of my toast thanked her for gracing our table with her presence and for helping my organization celebrate it’s tenth anniversary. Inviting everyone else at the table to join me in raising their glasses…we wished a long happy life.

Offering an appropriate and memorable toast can add a great deal to a celebration or an event honoring a colleague or noted guest. Toasts should emphasize the reason for the event and not become the event. Preparing ahead of time can help the person responsible for the toast deliver it with grace and ease. Knowing the etiquette surrounding toasting can also keep one from making a major faux pas.

Here are some tips and rules for offering a memorable toast:

• A toast is a tribute not a “roast”
• A toast can be offered at the beginning of a meal or at dessert time.
• Be appropriate for the audience. Those raucous college stories and ribald jokes should be reserved for the bachelor and bachelorette parties not at the wedding.
• Clear all stories with the toast recipients
• Keep it brief; no more than a few minutes.
• Stand to deliver a toast.
• Wait until everyone’s glass is filled before starting a toast.
• In the business world, the highest ranking corporate person is usually responsible for the toast, regardless of gender.
• In social settings it is usually the host or hostess who offers the first toast.
• As a recipient of a toast, one does not drink to oneself.
• If you are an honored guest you should be prepared to respond to your toast.
• It is not essential to “clink” glasses.

In short, be prepared, be brief, be seated.

Do you or your family members have any toasting traditions?