New Year’s Eve Toasting Etiquette: Raising a Glass with Class

Poised & Proper
8 hours ago
3 min read

New Year’s Eve is one of those rare nights where everyone’s in high spirits, the champagne is flowing, and the energy is contagious. But before you clink glasses and count down to midnight, there’s a little etiquette magic that can make your toast memorable, heartfelt, and graceful, without making anyone cringe.

Here’s how to raise your glass with class, confidence, and just the right amount of sparkle.

1. Timing is Everything

Plan your toast just before midnight or when the host calls for it.

Avoid interrupting other speakers or the flow of the evening. Wait for a natural pause.
If it’s a small gathering, keep it brief yet meaningful, aiming for 30–60 seconds.

2. Crafting a Heartfelt Message

Start with gratitude: Thank your host, the group, or specific people who made the year special.
Keep it inclusive: Use language that makes everyone feel part of the celebration.
Skip the jokes or sarcasm: Holiday toasts aren’t the place for humor that could fall flat or be misinterpreted.
Add a touch of optimism: Wish health, happiness, and success for the coming year.
End on a cheerful note: Raise your glass, smile, and invite everyone to clink along.

Pro tip: Practice your toast once or twice beforehand. Confidence shines, even if your wording isn’t perfect.

3. Delivery and Body Language

When it’s time to toast: Do not clink your glass with a fork (or anything else that could break the glass). Simply stand confidently and announce loudly, “I would like to propose a toast.”
Stand tall, make eye contact with the group, and smile warmly.
Speak clearly and with intention. No rushing, mumbling, or filler words (um, uh, so, like, you know).
Keep gestures natural: a gentle lift of your glass is perfect; no dramatic arm swings needed.
Raising your glass: When someone announces a toast, raise your glass - even if it’s non-alcoholic or empty. The gesture matters more than the content of your glass.
Clinking: Make eye contact with those you clink with. You don’t need to clink every glass, just those nearby. For others, a friendly “air clink” with eye contact works perfectly.
Receiving a toast: If a toast is made to you, do not raise your glass to drink. Simply smile and say thank you.
Pause briefly after key points to let your words land.

4. Toasting Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

Do keep it sincere, upbeat, and positive.
Do include everyone when appropriate.
Do clink glasses gently with those nearby, maintaining eye contact.
Do participate in the gesture even if your glass is empty or non-alcoholic.

Don’ts:

Don’t overcomplicate it with long stories or inside jokes that exclude others.
Don’t drink too much before giving your toast; poise matters.
Don’t forget the simple elegance of a smile.
Don’t rely on humor or sarcasm; keep it heartfelt and inclusive.
Don’t feel you need to clink every glass; air clinks and eye contact are acceptable.
Don’t drink when a toast is made to you—acknowledge with a smile and a thank you.

5. Make It Fun (But Polished)

Even though etiquette calls for grace, New Year’s Eve is about celebration and joy. A brief, warm toast that acknowledges the moment and the people around you is all you need. Think of it as a mini performance where you’re polished, poised, and approachable. A moment people will remember fondly as they step into the new year.

Final Thoughts

Want to feel confident in every social setting, from office parties to family gatherings to New Year’s Eve toasts? My adult digital courses cover all of this, from dining and professional etiquette to conversational skills. Plus, my K–8 curriculum teaches kids the art of thoughtful toasting, polite conversation, and social confidence, so everyone can ring in the year with grace. Check them out here.