Forgotten Holiday Hosting Traditions: A Comeback Worth Celebrating

We’d like to think that all beloved holiday traditions will withstand the test of time.However, times change, and gatherings naturally start to look a little different over the years.

But long-lost traditions are frequently enough easy to revive; we just sometimes need a little reminder. We asked three Southern entertaining experts to share which forgotten entertaining traditions they’d love to see us bring back in 2026. So get out something to take notes with and cue the nostalgia.

• Jeanne Lyons Davis is the author of The Southerner’s Y’allmanac, a book full of inspiration on Southern entertaining, cooking, gardening, and decorating.
• Dr. Sheree Bryant Sekou is a Texas-based etiquette professional certified by the Emily Post Institute. She offers consulting through her business, Elevate with Etiquette.
• Jill Higgins is the co-owner of 1861 Distillery, located in Thomasville, Georgia. Her new book, In Good Spirits: The Simple Art of Socializing, celebrates the slow, soulful side of Southern entertaining.

The Welcome Drink

Author and distillery owner Jill Higgins literally wrote the book on spirits and socializing,

Beyond “To the Bride and Groom”: Crafting Toasts for Any Occasion

Toasts aren’t reserved solely for weddings.A well-delivered toast can elevate any gathering – a birthday,a retirement,a team win,or even a casual holiday get-together. It’s a powerful way to express appreciation, celebrate achievements, and strengthen bonds.While the context shifts,the core principles of a great toast remain the same: sincerity,brevity,and a touch of warmth. This guide will help you craft memorable toasts for occasions beyond the traditional wedding reception.

Why Toast at All? The Power of a Shared Moment

Historically, toasting was a gesture of trust – raising a glass to show you weren’t poisoning anyone! https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-surprisingly-violent-history-of-toasting-180976659/ Today, it’s evolved into a symbolic act of camaraderie and celebration. A toast pauses the event, focuses attention on the person or occasion being honored, and creates a shared moment of positive energy. It’s a small gesture that can have a big impact, fostering connection and leaving a lasting impression.

Occasions Ripe for a Toast

Here are just a few examples where a toast is perfectly appropriate:

* Birthdays: Celebrate another year of life,highlighting accomplishments and offering wishes for the future.
* Anniversaries (Non-Wedding): Mark work anniversaries, friendship milestones, or other notable durations.
* Retirements: Acknowledge a career well-spent and wish the retiree well in their next chapter.
* Promotions/Achievements: Recognize professional successes,personal bests,or significant accomplishments.
* Team Victories: Celebrate a successful project, a sales goal reached, or any collective achievement.
* Holiday Gatherings: As suggested by experts, a holiday toast can add a special touch to your festivities. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-give-a-holiday-toast-4778688

* Farewell Parties: Offer well wishes to someone moving away or starting a new adventure.
* Housewarmings: Celebrate a new home and the memories to be made within its walls.

Crafting Your Toast: A step-by-Step guide

Here’s how to structure a toast that resonates:

1. Start with a Greeting: Address the person(s) being honored and the audience. (“Good evening, everyone. Sarah, we’re all so thrilled to be here celebrating with you.”)
2. Briefly State the Occasion: clearly articulate why you’re raising a glass. (“We’re here tonight to celebrate Sarah’s amazing promotion to Senior Manager.”)
3. Share a Specific Anecdote or Quality: This is the heart of your toast. Rather of generic praise,share a specific story that illustrates the person’s character,a memorable achievement,or a quality you admire. Keep it concise and relevant. (“I remember when Sarah first joined the team, she instantly took initiative on the Johnson account, turning a challenging situation into a huge success. That dedication and problem-solving ability are what make her so valuable.”)
4. Offer a Wish for the Future: Express your hopes for the person’s continued success and happiness. (“Here’s to Sarah, may this promotion be the first of manny, and may you continue to inspire us all.”)
5. The Toast Itself: Raise your glass and offer a final, concise toast. (“To Sarah! Cheers!”)

Key Tips for Delivery

* Keep it Short: Aim for 60-90 seconds. Respect people’s time.
* Practice: Rehearse your toast beforehand to feel confident and avoid stumbling.
* Make Eye Contact: Connect with the person you’re honoring and the audience.
* Speak clearly and Slowly: Ensure everyone can hear and understand you.
* Be Sincere: Authenticity is key. Let your genuine feelings shine through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I’m nervous?
A: It’s perfectly normal to be nervous! Practice helps, and remember that people are there to celebrate – they want you to succeed. Focus on your genuine feelings for the person you’re honoring.

Q: Is it okay to be funny?
A: Humor can be great, but be mindful of your audience and the occasion. Avoid inside jokes that others won’t understand, and steer clear of anything perhaps offensive.

Q: What if I get emotional?
A: It’s okay to show emotion! A little vulnerability can make your toast even more meaningful