Enjoying Thanksgiving dinner at “Le Clarence” in Paris.
Oh, a celebration and the lovely sound which two crystal glasses make when they are “clinked” together. The heavier the crystal, the more full-bodied and robust the sound!
As tempting as it may be, when a toast is made in regal circles, or “polite society,” glasses are always raised for a toast, but are never clinked.
The tradition of touching or clinking glasses began eons ago. If one was afraid that there may be poison in their glass, by clinking the other person’s glass, there was a chance that a portion of their liquid would spill into the other glass… a test to prove there was no poison! So, in essence, clinking showed a sign of trust to one another. It was also a custom thought to ward away any evil spirits lurking about. At the beginning of the 20th century, clinking glasses began to be interpreted as a working-class tradition and thus was abandoned by those with more refined manners.
So, clink if you wish, but be aware that it is not practiced, nor condoned, in certain circles. As always, take your lead from the host of the table!
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Forbidden Faux Pas
No-no: Not to clink if someone extends their glass to you, making the effort to clink your glass.
What is done: Clink away to avoid making the other person feel awkward. Manners are about being polite to others.
No-no: To drink to yourself when a toast is made to you.
What is done: If a toast is made in your honor, do not hold or raise your glass, or take a drink until everyone else has. It would be tantamount to applauding yourself!
No-no: To tap your glass with a knife to attract attention to yourself when you wish to propose a toast.
What is done: Stand and lift your glass toward the center of the room or toward the person you are toasting. Hopefully, this will alert others that you are about to offer a toast.
No-no: To not raise your glass when a toast is being made, even if the glass is empty!
What is done: Always raise your glass for a toast, whether it is full or empty. I try to keep a little portion of libation in my glass at all times if I am at a large function and anticipate that a toast may be made… wedding receptions are a prime example!
Millennial Tip
Be sure to hold the stem of a wine or champagne glass low enough so that your hand does not touch the bowl of the glass. And ladies, as you sip your libation, try to keep your lipstick mark on your glass in the same position so that you don't have lipstick marks around the entire rim!
I have been told that in England one says, "Good health!" instead of "Cheers!"