Tag Archives: social

Advice on still being a socialite when quitting smoking

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If you’re in the process of quitting smoking but class yourself as a socialite — this quiz to discover your smoker profile from Nicotinell should help establish if you are indeed a social smoker — you may find yourself questioning what this will mean for your social calendar.

This guide will explain how you can continue to be a socialite without the need to smoke:

There are links between smoking and alcohol

Before we advise you about how you can continue to socialise while being smoke-free, it is important to point out the close link between smoking and drinking alcohol.

At the extreme, government data has found that up to 90 per cent of people who are addicted to alcohol will also smoke. Furthermore, smokers have been found to be more likely to drink and have a 2.7 times greater risk of becoming dependent on alcohol than non-smokers do.

In general, it is important to understand that both alcohol and nicotine act on common mechanisms found in the human brain.

When it comes to nicotine, the chemical compound will enter the bloodstream as soon as you smoke a cigarette and rapidly get transported to your brain. Once there, the nicotine will stimulate the brain by creating receptors which release chemicals that give a feeling of pressure. These receptors will increase in number as smoking becomes prolonged and your brain will become reliant on nicotine in order to release these feel-good chemicals.

However, the nicotine supply in your bloodstream will drop within 72 hours of your decision to quit smoking — those receptors won’t disappear that quickly though, so your brain’s chemistry will react to cause powerful cravings and strong emotional reactions. Persistence is key, as nicotine receptors will go away with time and your brain chemistry should be back to normal within three months of a quit.

In regards to alcohol, researchers believe this substance fosters feeling of pleasure. If true, this reinforces the effects of nicotine on the brain. There are suggestions that nicotine and alcohol will moderate each other’s effects on the brain due to the fact that nicotine stimulates while alcohol sedates.

Tips for socialising when on a quit-smoking journey

So, you have taken the first step and stopped smoking, but now face the dilemma of socialising in a scenario where you would have previously had a cigarette. Here’s how to stick to your goals and still have a good time:

Don’t put it off

You shouldn’t delay going out for a drink because you’re having doubts. Everything you did as a smoker, you can do as a former smoker. Holding off too long from social drinking after quitting can create a sense of intimidation. Plus, socialising with friends is an important part of your life. The sooner you teach yourself how to enjoy a drink or two without a cigarette, the sooner you’ll feel like your life is back to normal.

Have a pep talk with yourself

Where you go to enjoy a drink could very well trigger your smoking cravings. Before leaving the house or in the car, be mentally prepared by saying aloud, “I’m a former smoker.” Or try, “I don’t smoke. I’m healthier and happier without cigarettes.” The main point is to remind yourself that you’re a former smoker and that you don’t need to light up anymore.

Aim to have a social get-together where no smoking is involved

Instead of going to a place where people are likely to be smoking, why not invite your group of friends to your house instead? You can celebrate your smoke-free success with them. You’ll be able to control what is served which can help stop those triggers and completely avoid cigarettes in your smoke-free home.

Enjoy time with non-smokers

Non-smokers and friends who will be supporting your decision to stop smoking will definitely help. Who you choose to hang out with can help support your ex-smoking status. Slip-ups can occur when quitters are in the company of other smokers who may not be aware of how to support their quit attempt.

Invite a quit buddy to join you

A friend or family member can prove a huge helping hand as your quit buddy, so be sure to invite them along to whatever social event you’re attending. A quit buddy is someone who supports your quit. Should you encounter old smoking friends who ask you to join them, make sure they are aware of your situation so they can be respectful. Not only that, you’ll also have your quit buddy to hang out with.

 

Influencers Attend The Leading Culture Destination Awards

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On Friday 10th October, Museum Directors, Artists, Art Patrons and Creative Industry Leaders graced the red carpet at the luxurious Jumeirah Carlton Tower to celebrate the World’s Best Visual Art Institutions. The Leading Culture Destinations Awards is the first and only international awards to celebrate the best non-for-profit visual arts institutions around the world.

The Leading Culture Destination Awards at Jumeirah Carlton Tower The Leading Culture Destination Awards at Jumeirah The Leading Culture Destination Awards maureen

The eclectic guest list included Radio & TV presenter George Lamb, Countess Nathalie v Bismarck, Suede band member and Arts Editor Mat Osman, make-up artist Daniel Sandler, model Oooota Adepo, artist Antony Micallef, actor Neil Stuke and fashion designer twins Felder Felder. Cultural institutions in cities as far and wide as Paris, New York, Miami, Shanghai, Oslo and Berlin, were among those competing to win awards at the event with London scooping the prize for “Best Culture Destination.”

 

 

Channel 4 commissions Benefits Street live

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After only one episode Benefits Street became one of the most controversial television shows, sparking debate and a slew of articles. After the controversy (which included a petition for Channel 4 to stop broadcasting the show attracting 17,000 signatures after only one episode, so much for free speech), Channel 4 has commissioned a live debate.

BenefitsStreet_logo_wChannel 4’s Head of Special Programmes, Ed Havard, has commissioned Mentorn Media to produce a 1 x 60 live debate around the issues brought to the fore by the observational documentary series Benefits Street. This series, filmed over the course of 12 months, documents the reality of life on a street in Birmingham where the majority of households are dependent on benefits and in an area of Birmingham that has had the highest rate of unemployment in the country for the last eight years. It has attracted a great deal of attention – generating tens of thousands of responses on Twitter, press headlines and questions raised in parliament.

Channel 4 Head of Factual, Ralph Lee, says: “This is a series which reflects the reality of day-to-day life for some of the residents of a single street who, for the most part, rely on benefits to survive. It does not and never has set out to reflect the experiences of every person who receives benefits yet it has triggered a national debate about state welfare at a time in which further welfare reforms are being proposed. We feel it is timely to provide a forum in which these issues can be raised and discussed.”

The programme will be live and interactive allowing viewers to submit questions; it will be chaired by broadcaster Richard Bacon. The panellists will be confirmed closer to transmission but will represent the views across the political spectrum – and crucially those who claim benefits.

It will be broadcast at 10pm on Monday 10th February, directly after the final episode of the five-part documentary series airs. The Executive Producer is Mentorn Media’s Director of Current Affairs Hayley Valentine, she says: “It is vital that voices on all sides are heard, and we are pleased to be providing a forum for both public figures and viewers to debate the series that has brought a pertinent political issue to life so vividly.”

 

Anti-Social Media

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New research from youth charity reveals youngsters are facing rising abuse online – but also that more and more are becoming trolls themselves


  • A third of young people (aged 14-18) have been trolled online in the last six months, with over a quarter (27%) of young people facing ‘regular’ attacks


  • A third of youngsters (29%) are shattered by these attacks and are ‘losing confidence’, with the majority of these messages about the victim’s appearance (40%) or religion and race (16%)


  • But almost half(47%) of victims keep the attacks secret as they don’t feel they can tell anyone


  • However, one in ten youngsters admit to being trolls themselves, with nearly a quarter (23%) admitting they find it funny, and almost a third (29%) doing it because their friends are too


  • A quarter (25%) want to learn about how to use social media correctly, with 38 per cent wanting to learn about it from the social channels themselves


  • The new Lolz not Trolls campaign is the latest Do Something UK action from youth volunteering charity vInspired. The Lolz not Trolls campaign gives young people the opportunity to make a positive pledge not to troll, as well as to share information on appropriate online behaviour with their peers by following a set of ‘netiquette’ guidelines, with the aim of making social media channels a happier, safer place


  • Celebrities supporting Lolz not Trolls include reality TV star Lauren Goodger, Hollyoaks actress Jazmine Franks, TV presenter Caroline Flack and singer Delilah


YOUNG people are battling a tide of vicious internet troll attacks, with almost a third (32%) falling victim to cruel online comments in the last six months, a shocking new survey from youth volunteer charity vInspired, as part of its Do Something UK initiative, reveals.

Worryingly, more than two thirds (67%) of 14 to 18 year olds received the vile messages from someone they know – shattering the myth that troll attacks are only perpetrated by strangers.

A quarter (26%) of the 2,000 youngsters polled said they face regular attacks and have been trolled ‘many times’ during the last six months.

But the research also revealed that a huge one in ten young people (9%) actually admit to being trolls themselves by sending negative or abusive messages to someone they know, while eight per cent admit to targeting a celebrity online in this way.

Worryingly, there is evidence of a ‘digital disconnect’ about trolling, with one in five (18%) thinking messages sent in cyberspace are less damaging than insults hurled face to face – and with 16 per cent claiming they didn’t think the messages would hurt the recipient and nearly half (49%) believing it’s ok to say things online that you wouldn’t to someone’s face.

However the majority of youngsters (60%) agree sending trolling messages is wrong. In fact, almost a fifth (17%) are adamant trolling is worse than bullying in person.

And over a quarter (28%) think that trolls send messages online due to the anonymity of their actions, with 30 per cent believing trolls are too scared to do it in person.

Shockingly, nearly a quarter (23%) did so as they thought it was funny, with nearly a third (29%) trolling because their friends were doing it too and almost a fifth (18%) because they thought the person ‘deserved’ it.

The comprehensive study shows that Facebook is the most common place for victims to be trolled, with 45 per cent of those who have experienced it having had abusive messages posted on their own walls, while 28 per cent are the subject of slurs posted on someone else’s.

Of those who are trolled, one in five (23%) receive the abusive messages on Twitter, a further one in 14 (7%) are attacked on YouTube and one in 20 (6%) are abused on their own or on another person’s blog.

While the majority of messages (40%) denigrated a victim’s personal appearance such as their weight, 16 per cent focused on the victim’s religion and race. One in ten (8%) were even aimed at getting (boyfriends or girlfriends) friends to break up with the victim.

Almost a quarter (22%) rubbished pictures posted by the victim while one in 20 (5%) posted snaps the victim did not want to share. And in a sinister twist, one in 40 (3%) admit they have been blackmailed by a troll over intimate pictures.

The effect of the electronic messages is devastating, with almost a third (29%) of youngsters receiving them confiding they had ‘lost confidence’ after the attacks.

One in five (19%) felt they could ‘no longer trust those around me’ while 12 per cent admitted that they felt alone.

SO, in order to combat this rising tide of trolling, vInspired has launched a new campaign ‘Lolz not Trolls’, aimed at educating young people on the effects of their attacks and help them to learn how to behave correctly online.

Social media expert Professor Mark Griffiths, who is working with vInspired on the Lolz Not Trolls campaign, said the phenomenon is growing as more youngsters grow up in the digital world.

He defines trolling as: “An act of intentionally provoking and/or antagonising users by posting inflammatory messages in an online environment with the aim of provoking an emotional response from who the message has been sent to.”

But despite the wave of troll attacks engulfing the internet, young people feel there is very little help or guidance for how to tackle trolling.

Half (50%) of those questioned don’t know where to go for more information on trolling, with 38 per cent wanting to learn more about the issue from social network channel themselves, such as Facebook and Twitter.

A quarter (25%) are desperate for a comprehensive guide on how to use social media correctly, with 24 per cent asking for information on how to support victims of trolling and 26 per cent wanting to know where to go for support if they are being trolled.

The Wanted, Pop band


“Through the years we have met a lot of fans, ranging from all ages around the world. It would be horrible to think that these young people are becoming the victims of trolling, or are even trolling themselves. We’d like to encourage people to sign up to the Do Something campaign and pledge their support through the Facebook page.


Show that you can make a difference!”

Delilah, musician


These days if you are a teenager, the chances are that you have been born and brought up with a computer and you will know exactly the impact that things like trolling have on web users. Log onto Facebook  and pledge your support to be more positive online!

Jazmine Franks, Hollyoaks actress currently going through a Trolling storyline


I recently had first-hand experience on Hollyoaks of exactly what trolling entails as my character Esther was pushed to try to commit suicide due to both on and offline bullying – it’s an awful situation for anyone to find themselves in.  Thankfully many instances of trolling aren’t as severe but it’s not an experience anyone should ever have to go through.


In the 21st century, bullying doesn’t just stay in the playground, it follows you home to your computer and it’s getting harder to escape being victimised.

It’s surprising how many young people don’t realise that what they write is sdo hurtful and the impact they have on the recipient. This is why the vInspired’s Lolz not Trolls Do Something campaign is so important – educating young people on how to behave online and empowering them to stand up and be counted against the trolls. This is why I urge you to pledge your support and sign up to take the pledge online at www.facebook.com/DoSomethingUK  to be Lol, not Troll and help make the internet a happier, safer place.

 

So to help youngsters become aware of correct online ‘netiquette’, vInspired, together with Professor Griffiths, have created a downloadable guide on the top ‘dos and don’ts’ for using social media, with all the tips crowd-sourced from youngsters themselves.

This guide is available from the campaign Facebook page where youngsters are also encouraged to sign up and take a ‘pledge’ to ensure they use social media correctly:

·       Look at what I write before I post – recognise how it might make someone feel
·       Own what I write – take responsibility for what I say
·       Live online the way I live offline – treat others how I would want to be treated

vInspired has also created a ‘Trolling under the Bridge’ experience at Waterloo’s IMAX underpass to show people the real effect that negative messages can have on people.

On 22nd February, displays of real life trolling messages will be projected and written on the walls of the underpass and people’s mood and response to these being measured to show the impact these do have.

Professor Mark Griffiths, Director of the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University, said: “The ability to remain anonymous online can lead to people saying what they may not in person over social networking channels. Young people need to understand the consequences that these comments can have, and it’s important to teach them how to use social media correctly, to make the internet a safer and happier place.”

Terry Ryall, CEO at vInspired, said: “We have all heard of cases where youngsters have harmed themselves due to troll attacks – so writing a trolling message isn’t harmless fun, it’s potentially deadly. Our aim isn’t to attack the trolls, but instead to get young people to do something positive and pledge not to be a troll themselves, abiding by the ‘netiquette’ guide we have created.

“Through our campaign ‘Lolz not Trolls’ we are hoping to make a real difference to the way young people behave – and are therefore treated – online. We are encouraging all young people to sign up to our campaign page on Facebook  – www.facebook.com/DoSomethingUK  to take a positive step towards making the internet a more secure and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

 

The Benefits of Playing Bingo

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Ah, the game of Bingo; we all know someone who plays it regularly, whether it be our mums or our grandmas, and although we all know how to play it ourselves, none of us do. Why? Because, I bet we all believe the stereotype that the game of Bingo is only for the elderly generations, right?

Well, it’s time to quash the stereotype, because playing Bingo isn’t just for the over 65’s. In fact, the game holds many benefits for all, and more and more of the younger generations in Britain are enjoying the game because of them.

Still don’t believe me? Well, here’s a rundown of some of the benefits that playing bingo could bring you:

1. Money, Money, Money!

So, although this benefit may be pretty obvious, it often baffles me that people shun the benefit of being able to win money just because they feel the game’s for the older generation. Whether you choose to play at your local bingo hall, or whether you choose to join an online bingo website, join up fees cost next to nothing, when you consider that you have the chance to win up to thousands of pounds!

However, aside from also helping you to make money, playing bingo can also help you to save money – particularly if you choose to play online. Many bingo sites offer promotional incentives, either in the form of voucher discounts for all your favourite stores, or even the chance to earn points which can be accumulated over time to be spent or exchanged at some of the nation’s biggest stores. 

2. Play From The Comfort of Your Own Home

As I’ve mentioned, bingo can be played online – there are thousands of sites, such as this online bingo voted best site, designed specifically to let you do so. So, if you’re desperate to play and start winning but are a little conscious of popping down to your local hall on your own, then you can play from the comfort of your own home!

The huge benefit of this is that the traditional game of bingo can be played in a much more contemporary way. And, this is one of the main reasons that the game has seen as huge rise in popularity in recent years amongst the younger generations.

Signing up to an online bingo site is quick and easy and you can be on your way to playing bingo against thousands of others up and down the country in a matter of minutes. And, what’s more, the thrill and excitement of getting a full house is just as fun if you were to play it in a bingo hall.

3. Social Aspect

Bingo, whether played virtually or for real, is a great social game. Traditionally, it was the thrill of playing in a packed, buzzing bingo hall that lured in players, but now, with online chat facilities and forums, you can meet and play other bingo fanatics over the web. So, whether you’re looking to grab some new bingo tips from someone who’s been playing a lot longer, or whether you just want to have a good old natter with a regular you play against often, then online bingo is the perfect way to do so

Edwina Currie, Ben Shephard go head-to-head to help young people cook

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The oven gloves are off as Edwina Currie and Ben Shephard go head-to-head to help young people master their signature dishes

 

Will Edwina’s Curry or Ben’s Shepherd’s Pie triumph in the
Red Tractor beef and lamb 5by25 challenge?

 

Celebrities Ben Shephard and Edwina Currie are hitting the road as part of the 5by25 campaign which calls for young people to master at least five simple dishes by the age of 25.  On 12th and 13th September, in an election-style campaign, Ben will be visiting southern England, whilst Edwina tours the north of England, in a bid to get young people up and down the country cooking and mastering their signature dishes.

 

Each celebrity is aiming to gain the biggest following for their dish by encouraging people to vote for their favourite via the campaign website www.5by25.com and by spreading the word through Facebook and Twitter.

 

TV presenter Ben Shephard will be visiting youth organisations and community centres in Southampton, Bristol and Watford, teaching young people to cook his very own version of the traditional Shepherd’s Pie.  Former politician, novelist and Strictly Come Dancing star Edwina Currie will be cooking her simple lamb curry – with her own special twist – in Wigan, Birmingham and Halifax, Yorkshire.

 

The young people taking part in the initiative are 16-25 years-olds currently involved with organisations around the country including The Prince’s Trust Fairbridge Programme, Kids Count, Food Positive, Southampton Voluntary Services and Focus on Food.  Each of these organisations have recognised how important learning to cook is as a life skill and that teaching the young, whatever their background or circumstance, is a key priority.  The organisations have been working with the Red Tractor beef and lamb 5by25 campaign to help make this happen.

 

Ben Shephard says: “I’m really looking forward to going on tour with 5by25 and, in the spirit of friendly competition, I am fired up about winning this challenge as I believe cooking is such a vital skill to learn.  More important than beating Edwina, success in this competition means ensuring young people master my simple shepherd’s pie and can cook the dish for their friends and family for years to come.”

 

Edwina Currie, novelist and Strictly Come Dancing star said: “All young people should have the choice to cook and feel empowered by the knowledge of how to select, prepare and cook simple dishes from fresh food. I can’t wait to get on the road and start teaching my delicious lamb curry to all the young people I will meet. Beating Ben aside, seeing my lamb curry become the champion dish means that young people across the country will learn the skills to cook from scratch and feel confident in the kitchen for years to come.”

 

The Red Tractor beef and lamb 5by25 campaign was launched in October 2011 after research revealed almost 60% of Britain’s 16-25 year-olds are leaving home without the ability to cook even a simple Spaghetti Bolognese.   The website is core to the campaign and contains a selection of simple but tasty recipes including Edwina’s Curry and Ben’s Shepherd’s Pie as well as guidance on selecting the best ingredients and food preparation.  Young people are encouraged to cook these simple meals from scratch and complete the ‘Master the Dish’ challenge.

 

Jane Ritchie-Smith, Head of Consumer Marketing at EBLEX, the organisation that founded the Red Tractor beef and lamb 5by25 campaign, said: “We’re very excited to have Ben Shephard and Edwina Currie involved in this year’s campaign which we hope will really boost the profile of 5by25.  It’s all about helping young people learn skills for life including time management, planning and self-sufficiency through cooking; but we’re hoping to have a bit of fun along the way as well!”

Cheers, Chin Chin, Lechaim, Ganbei, Kai Wei, Sante: A Guide to Making a Toast

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Cheers, Chin Chin, Lechaim, Ganbei, Kai Wei, Sante

Chivas Regal present the Gentleman’s Guide to Making a Toast

Toasting is an age old ritual which is practiced round the world to celebrate new friends and old friends, guests of honour, business colleagues as well as special moments. Depending on who you are with and where you are, how you raise your glass in tribute can vary considerably.

With this in mind the world’s most iconic luxury Scotch whisky, Chivas Regal, has created the ultimate Gentleman’s Guide to Making a Toast.

With endless overlapping cross cultures it has never been more important for the true gent to be well versed in how to conduct themselves with chivalry in foreign lands – you never know who you might end up insulting!

The Gentleman’s Guide to Making a Toast is part of the Chivas Regal ‘Real Friends, Make Time’ campaign which highlights the importance of making time to spend with your friends.

Chivas lovers around the world can now raise a glass in confidence no matter what the situation – we hope you enjoy the guide.

The Chivas Regal Gentleman’s Guide to Making a Toast

Toasting is a ritual respected around the world. Harking back to days of old it is how
we celebrate new friends and old friends, guests of honour, the bride and groom,
business colleagues as well as special moments.

You can muddle through on a raised glass and a cry of ‘cheers’, ‘chin chin’ or ‘good
health’ on many a shore but the true well-travelled modern gent will be prepared to
say ‘lechaim’, ‘salud’ and ‘sante’ where appropriate.

With this in mind, Chivas Regal brings you the Gentleman’s Guide to Making a
Toast. With a history spanning over 200 years, Chivas Regal has been toasted with in
more than 150 countries. Along the way we’ve picked up some useful information
that will help get you into the spirit and get you toasting like a local no matter where
in the world you might find yourself.

China

Coming together over a drink has always been at the heart of Chinese culture, but the
blast of economic growth is accelerating this to new levels. At clubs and bars in the
big cities you’ll see a bottle of whisky or vodka in the middle of the table for guests to
share. At a big meal you might find three glasses on your table – a glass for your drink
of choice, a wine glass, and a shot glass. A few notes of caution when in China: not
finishing your glass may be seen as disrespectful and the local spirit ‘er gua toe’ can
bring down a dragon – we would suggest sticking with Chivas.

The Chinese toasting ritual may be casual but whether in a social or business setting,
it is deeply associated with friendship, trust and respect and a simple ‘cheers’ is
seriously frowned upon. The host will make the first toast – probably ‘ganbei’
[‘bottoms up!’] or ‘kai wei’ [‘starting the appetite!’]. Touching the other person’s glass
below the rim is a sign of respect. If you are drinking shots, turn your glass over to
show it’s empty.

Russia

Many travelers believe the Russian toast is ‘Na Zdorov’ye’ but they would be wrong
unless they are having dinner. In fact Russians as a rule enjoy making up long and
complex toasts such as ‘Za druzhbu myezhdu narodami!’ (To friendship between
nations!). However, if you aren’t well versed in Russian and want to be on the safe
side, go with a simple ‘Za Vas!’ (To you!).

In Russia toasts are made with spirits and empty glasses are always refilled. Expect
frequent toasting throughout the meal. If the toaster stands, everybody must stand.
Be sure to make eye contact with each person you clink glasses with, finish in one
swallow and place your glass down on the table. The host or the senior guest usually
kicks off the proceedings and if someone toasts you, you must toast them back; it is
the height of rudeness not to do so.

France, Germany, Italy

Across France, Germany and Italy there are many quirky local twists – and words –
but the acceptable way to toast is to make eye contact as you touch everyone’s glass at
the table. Not looking into the eyes is not only ‘bad luck’ but – to a greater or lesser
degree – in France and Germany it threatens disaster for amorous pursuits! In Italy,
this is taken to extremes – you’ll genuinely have to meet everyone’s eyes.

While you are holding that ever important eye contact prepare to toast ‘a votre sante’,
‘sante’ or ‘tchin’ in France, ‘ZumWohl!’ or ‘Prost!’ (‘good health’) in Germany and
‘Salute’ (health) in Italy – although ‘Cin Cin!’ (onomatopoeia of the sound of clinking
of glasses) will also work.

Spain, South America and Mexico

Young Spanish speaking South Americans have a curious toast that’s most often
heard if you’re enjoying a night out in a large group. You’ll hear “arriba, abajo, al
centro, al dentro!!” and see some matching movements with the glass: ‘up (raising
glass), down (lowering glass), in the center (putting glasses together), inside
(drinking!). There’s also the more generally used ‘salud’ – appropriate if you’re a
guest, to make a toast of thanks to your host. The modern gentleman is always polite,
if your host has made you feel like you’re one of the family, there is no greater
compliment possible. ‘Salud’ is also often used as part of a more personalised toast
such as; ‘un salud por la familia’ (cheers to family) or ‘un salud por la amistad’
(cheers to friendship).

Scandinavia

The Scandinavians have a rather bloodthirsty cheer – ‘Skol!’. According to folklore it
is derived from a legend that Vikings drank from the skulls of their enemies. So when
in Scandinavia drink, then nod and be thankful they’re no longer Vikings.
What do to if you forget the local toast

The modern gentleman is well versed in international etiquette, so that no matter
where they are in the world they can present themselves with the same confidence as
they would at home. But if your toasting know-how fails you at the crucial moment,
here are some tips from Max Warner, Chivas Regal Global Ambassador and toasting
expert:

“On my journeys with Chivas, I’ve observed many different ways of raising a glass
and though it is important where possible to respect local traditions there are a few
good rules of thumb which I’ve picked up that can get you by if you’re not versed on
how the locals do it.

-Try and judge the situation and formality of the occasion as toasts not only differ
around the world but from venue and situation as well
-Where appropriate stand to make a toast
-Always raise your glass, face the host first and make eye contact with your
audience
-Where possible clink the glass of each guest before taking a sip. For those not
drinking, raise a glass to the group as a sign of respect.
-Keep your toast short and non-specific but acknowledge the host and bring in a
personal touch by highlighting your relation to the person or group.”

A little bit of history

Why is toasting recognised wherever alcohol is drunk? It depends. In Chinese
traditions, toasting began with libations to the gods. In Europe, on the other hand, it
was a good way to stop your host poisoning you. Ancient Greeks and Romans – then
the British in the Middle Ages – shared their drink from a flask or a cup as a matter
of trust. If the host raised his cup and drank first, his guests knew they were safe.
Why is it called a toast? Because wine used to be so acidic a piece of burnt bread was
added – the charcoal neutralised the acid. The final sip went to the host, who ate the
bread. In medieval courts, the ‘loving cup’ would be passed around, in memory of the
first recorded formal toast in Western history – when Rowena, daughter of the Saxon
leader Hengist, cried ‘waes hael’ (be of health) to King Vortigen and they shared a
cup – leading to them sharing a kingdom as man and wife.