At the dining table, etiquette speaks louder than words.
Let your elders or superiors drink first before offering your own toast. They may toast a group, but you should not. When holding your glass, use your right hand and support the bottom with your left, keeping your glass slightly lower than theirs—unless you are the senior, in which case there is no need to lower it.
When toasting someone, if you don’t clink glasses, you may decide how much to drink, but never drink less than the person you’re toasting. A toast should always come with a thoughtful remark—prepare one in advance.
If you are junior, refill your superior’s glass when needed, but avoid offering to drink in their place. When no special guest is present, toast in clockwise order to show equal respect.
There’s a saying: “Deep feelings, drink it all; shallow feelings, just a sip.” But never say it aloud. True wisdom lies in knowing when to speak—and when to stay silent.
In every toast lies a lesson in grace. Drink with heart, but act with measure. That is the art of living well.