Here’s How To Give A Great Thanksgiving Toast

Reading Time: 3 minutes

The thought of having to give a great Thanksgiving toast can be scary. Whether you want yours short and sweet or pull out all the silly stops, we’ve got you covered. Grab a glass (and some liquid courage). Here’s how to give a great Thanksgiving toast.

Brew Up Some Liquid Courage

Let’s be real. Public speaking triggers panic for most people, even if addressing your nearest and dearest. Quell those shakes by keeping a drink handy while you channel your inner orator. 

A splash of vino, hearty ale or your favorite spirits can instill a moment of composure. Plus, you’ll need that glass raised high as you conclude your great Thanksgiving toast anyway!

Wait – How Do Toasts Work Anyway?

If you’ve never proposed a Thanksgiving toast before, no sweat! The basics are simple. 

• First, catch everyone’s attention by gently clinking a utensil against your glass.
• Then launch into your short speech once all eyes turn towards you.
• Wrap up by holding your beverage high and proclaiming “Cheers!” or “To our family!”. 
• Guests echo your final sentiment, clink glasses, and take a swig.

That’s it! Easy as pumpkin pie.

Now Let’s Make Sure Your Thanksgiving Toast Is A Success

Even with the mechanics down, crafting the perfect words is tough. But armed with these failsafe tips, your toast will slay.

Tip #1: Channel Your Inner Comedian

Quirky anecdotes, bad puns and inside jokes are fantastic for lightening the mood. Flash your charismatic side folks rarely witness but find hysterical. Embrace nostalgic moments guaranteed to stir laughter.

Tip #2: Share The Love 

Heartfelt appreciation, not just comedy, has its place too. What better occasion than Thanksgiving to thoughtfully articulate why you cherish these bozos in your life?

Don’t hold back on the sentimental stuff. Let Aunt Linda know, “I’m endlessly grateful for our weekly calls lifting my spirits.” And inform college roommates, “You supported me at my lowest, and I’ll never take our bond for granted.”

Tip #3: Keep It Short, Folks Are Peckish

However riotously funny or tear-jerkingly earnest you get, keep it short and sweet. The table will be antsy and ready to hit the grub. Skip the soliloquies and keep your toast under 60 seconds, so audiences stay engaged. 

Tip #4: Shine the Spotlight 

Especially commend the people planning and preparing this foodapalooza. Mention organizers, hosts furnishing their home, and especially the cooks. Mention people by name directly in your speech. Applaud their hustle! They will appreciate it.

Tip #5: Wrap It Up Strong!

Rally with an uplifting sign-off toasting to togetherness, thankfulness or wishing everyone “the merriest of feasts!”. Exit on a high note that rouses hearty cheers all around!

Types of Toasts to Try

Unsure where to launch your legendary remarks? Here are some Thanksgiving dinner toast templates.

Ultra-Short Dinner Toasts

When patience for speeches wavers thin, ultra-short toasts work wonders. Keep your remarks at Thanksgiving dinner minimal, yet meaningful:

“Dear friends – we all come from different walks of life, but I treasure each of you. Cheers to the bonds that bind us and to many more holidays ahead!”

Even a toast that’s less than 30 seconds can convey genuine gratitude and affection.

Nostalgic Family Toasts

Sentimental strolls down memory lane also captivate crowds containing relatives. Highlight cherished moments together: 

“I vividly remember my first Thanksgiving in the _________ household 17 years ago. Despite just becoming teenagers, you embraced an anxious newcomer into your tight-knit ranks with open arms. Thanks for continuing that warmth and compassion ever since.”

Traditional Ancestral Toasts

Some clans uphold time-honored toasts passed down through generations:

““”In keeping with McGrady custom during momentous gatherings that trace back to my great-grandparents in County Clare, Ireland… ‘May the roof above us never fall in, and may we friends gathered below never fall out.’ Cheers!”

Resuscitate these quaint verbal heirlooms handing your kin proud familiarity.  

Famous Quotes That Make Great Thanksgiving Toasts

Don’t want the pressure of writing an original speech from scratch? Why not leverage some famous words from notable personalities like Theodore Roosevelt, William Shakespeare, or Oprah Winfrey? Here’s a list of famous quotes that also make easy Thanksgiving toasts.

Now, Go Win ‘Em Over With A Great Thanksgiving Toast!

Before attacking that mountain of mashed potatoes, take a moment to lift your glass and give thanks. Now you’ve got an arsenal of toast tips up your sleeve, just grab a drink and clinch an iconic holiday moment. Here’s to nailing it!