Toasting Etiquette and History

In Shakespeare’s time, a piece of toasted bread was put in the tankard before ale or wine was poured in, to improve the taste and to collect sediment and impurities at the bottom of the vessel. Thus, the drink became known as “a toast.” By the Edwardian era, there were a number of little details of table etiquette which were observed, the most noticeable of which was that finger glasses (or finger bowls) were never placed upon the table if a member of the royal family was present. The reason for this goes back to the Jacobite days, when the toast of the King was converted into treason by the passing of the glass “over the water.”

Drink a Toast

This civilized custom of “drinking a toast” to the good health of a friend began in ancient times, but the terminology came later. In Shakespeare’s time, a piece of toasted bread was put in the tankard before ale or wine was poured in, to improve the taste and to collect sediment and impurities at the bottom of the vessel. Thus, the drink became known as “a toast.”

Toast of the Town

The “toast of the town” is someone whose great popularity causes many to “drink his health.” The usual custom in olden days, was to pour a little of the wine into the host’s glass and some into the guest’s, before either drank. Few trusted anyone outside the family circle and this was the only way to be sure the no one had poisoned the drink. Later, the ceremonial clinking of glasses was accompanied with the spoken wish, ‘To your good health.’ — Sources: A variety of authors including Patricia Easterbrook Roberts and Judith Visser

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia©️ Etiquette Encyclopedia