Toasting is a means of expressing good will toward others on a social occasion. It may take place at receptions, dinners, dining-ins or wetting down parties. Toasting originated with the English custom of flavoring wine with a piece of browned and spiced toast. In 1709 Sir Richard Steels wrote of a lady whose name was supposed to flavor a wine like spiced toast. Thus evolved the notion that the individual or institution honored with a toast would add flavor to the wine.
Etiquette calls for all to participate in a toast.
Even nondrinkers should at at least raise the glass to their lips. Those offering a toast, men or women, should stand, raise the glass in a salute while uttering the expression of good will. The subject of the toast is always based upon the type of occasion. When the formality of ceremonial toasts is to be observed on state occasions, the order and subject of all toasts should be arranged beforehand between the host and his ranking foreign guest. Such toasts are initiated by the host, during or after dessert wine is served.