It has been a tradition in Ealdormere, and previously in the Middle Kingdom of which we were part of, to engage in a ceremony of toasts at each feast we attend. When we are called to do so, we fill our glasses, stand, and do honour to our Crown and Kingdom with a hearty Wassail and drink to the health of those that rule us.

Traditionally, one person works behind the scenes to coordinate the toasts at the beginning of feast; this can be the Feast Herald, the Head Lady-in-Waiting, Their Majesties’ Chamberlain, a Peer, or someone who holds a similar position acting at the discretion of the Crown. They arrange for specific people to raise a glass and honour certain people. Traditionally, it is the duty of the highest-ranking nobles in the hall to lead the toasts in descending order of precedence.

The first and most important toast is to the King and Queen of Ealdormere, whether they are present or not. We do honour to them because they are the premier peers of the realm, the fount of honour for our Kingdom, and when seated at head table, act as our hosts at feast and the lord and lady of the feast hall.

Next, should any foreign Kings or Queens be present at one of our feasts, this would be the time to honour them. Also, should important guests from foreign kingdoms be present, or a number of their subjects be attending, it is considered good manners to give mention to their royalty.

Should we have a Crown Prince and Princess, they are toasted as well. Should any foreign Crown Princes or Princesses, or any Territorial Princes or Princesses be present, they are toasted next. Lastly, if the event is held within a Barony, the Baron and Baroness who are also acting as hosts and lord and lady of the feast hall are toasted as well.

In olden times, these toasts were spread out over a period of time during the feast. In Ealdormere, in a slightly less formal and more efficient matter, they currently all occur in one standing. After the toasts are ended everyone may be seated and return to the matter of food.

On occasion, the toasts do not end here. For whatever occasion (someone’s wedding, birthday, peerage elevation, winning a prestigious tourney, doing something particularly chivalric, etc.) other toasts might be appropriate. Any member of the populace can do this sort of toast, and this is a good way for anyone regardless of rank to do honour to someone in a special way. However, to avoid treading on anyone’s toes, this sort of toast should wait until the traditional toasts have been completed, and permission should be asked of head table before you barge ahead and possibly interrupt other activities planned for during feast.

At the end of the feast, the royalty may feel it is appropriate to toast the Head Cook and Event Steward if they have enjoyed their day and their feast. Just because they have not been toasted in the first half hour of dinner, do not assume they have been forgotten! This is the prerogative of the head table, and is best left to them.

Lastly, it is good to remember that these are traditions and courtesies, not iron-clad laws – they are bound to change over time, and various royalty or persona-themed events may bring variations to this tradition. If you want to raise your glass and your voice in a toast, and are unsure of what you are doing, ask head table at feast before proceeding blindly.