Tips to tackle your next Swedish dinner party:
1) Do not arrive early...not even be a minute. If the party starts at 19:00 show up between 19:00-19:15.
2) Bring a flower arrangement for the host and hostess.
3) At the door take your shoes off and hang your coat up.
2) Do not sit next to your partner. The whole point of a dinner party is to meet new people. Wise words from Agneta: "I have nothing to say to Nils so it would just be boring."
3)Do not sit until the host and hostess have showed you where. The setting at a dinner party is very important so the host and hostess probably have already discussed where everyone should sit.
4) The male guest sitting to the right of the hostess at the end of the meal always makes speech thanking the host and hostess for the dinner. Agneta was sneaky and purposely placed Daniel to the right of her. The whole dinner Daniel had no idea he would have to say something at the end!
5) Never take a sip of your drink before a the host or hostess have made a toast.
6) Skål. Swedes like to toast, a lot. Make sure you turn to everyone, have steady eye contact with them for half a second, take sip, and then look at everyone again... just to make sure they are still there.
7) Silverware placement is a must to know. If you are still eating but pause, leave your knife and fork on an angle such as the hands of a clock at 3:40. When you have finished your meal, move your
silverware to a 4:25 angle. Plus, look for a spoon above the plate because that means dessert!
8) Eat everything that is served even if it is just a taste.
9) Stay late, listen to Spotify, chat, and just enjoy each others company!
6)
Follow the fire!
Preparation and Decoration
American Food: Shrimp and grits, chips, pb&j's, pulled pork, and tuna fish.
Indian Food: Daal Fry, kadai chicken, naan, and cummin fried rice.
Dessert: Apple-pecan cobbler and Ben and Jerry's ice cream.
