"I recently was invited to a formal dinner and was confused when the toasts began. Who offers the toast", asks Kim?

The formal toast is offered first by the host. The host stands, says something nice about the occasion or guest of honor, and asks everyone to join them in a toast. Everyone takes a sip except the person being toasted. They make eye contact with the group, and receive the toast. A toast is reciprocated.

Once the host sits down, the person previously toasted stands and toasts the host. This time the host does not take a sip. Watch for cues, avoid long toasts and do not try humor. Longevity, prosperity and health are all short subjects that work in most situations.

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