|
"Etiquette is not about being 'stuffy.' It's about putting yourself forward in the best possible way, using courtesy and respect for others as your guide, while still allowing your own personality to shine!"
|
I help individuals and businesses polish their ability to stand out among their competition.
|
etiquette or customer service questions.
|
Join me for more
Daily Tips on-line.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Do you know that in early 6th Century B.C., the Greeks had a pretty simple solution for common social problems, such as disposing of an enemy, silencing the competition, or preventing a messy divorce? The wine was spiked with poison!
So, in order to reassure company that the wine was safe to drink, the host would pour wine from a common pitcher, drink it before his guests, and, satisfied that it was safe to enjoy, he would raise a glass to his friends to do the same.
Thus, the practice of offering a toast!
There are several theories behind the clinking of the glasses (or tankards). Sloshing wine into each other's glass meant that if one was poisoned, all were poisoned; or, the noise was thought to drive the evil "spirits" out of the alcohol, making it safe to drink.
The ancient ritual of toasting is synonymous with the holidays and other special occasions; it is a show of hospitality and friendship that is both elegant and fun. Honor those you spend time with by offering a toast to celebrate the New Year by following these simple guidelines:
1. You may drink to a toast with any type of beverage, including water, juice, milk, wine or even Kool-Aid; it doesn't have to be champagne.
2. If you don't care for what is in your glass, or find that your glass is empty, fake it. No one should be looking at you that closely to notice, but by not raising your glass, you would give the impression that you don't join in the offering of good wishes.
3. The time to clink has passed. Not only can it be dangerous on the glassware, but it is extremely awkward to reach across and over people to make the gesture. Simply raise your glass with a smile and then drink.
4. If you are the one offering a toast, you may remain seated for a small group. Keep it short and simple -- Begin, Be Brief, Be Seated.
5. If the toast is offered on your behalf, you do not drink; in fact, do not lift your glass at all because there is a tendency to do so when holding it. If the toast is of a general welcoming or best wishes nature, then everyone may drink. |
|
Remember...
May 2012 bring you peace, prosperity, & good health.
Happy New Year! |
|
Would you like to see archived editions of Etiquette Awareness?
Visit my website, here.
|
Jodi Blackwood
Business Etiquette & Customer Service Specialist
Speaker & Seminar Leader
"Etiquette is about polishing your approach,
not changing who you are."
mailto:jodi@jodiblackwood.com
360-798-4912
www.jodiblackwood.com
|
|
|
