In Sweden, Midsummer is a major holiday and a perfect excuse to party. It’s the longest day of the year, and in some parts of the country, the sun never sets. To fuel hours of traditional song and dance, an equally traditional feast of matjes herring, boiled potatoes, cheese and strawberries is served.
Midsummer is an ancient Swedish summer festival and is perhaps the biggest event in the Swedish calendar. The festivities usually take place on the Friday of Midsummer’s Eve. If you are planning a friendly get-together and looking for stylish and affordable dinnerware, glassware, and decoration, this curated selection should help you focus more on celebrating and less on planning.
Create a festive table setting for Midsummer
A Midsummer celebration is a festive occasion, and the table setting should reflect this. Choose a tablecloth or table runner in a bright and festive colour, such as yellow, orange, or green. Add fresh flowers and greenery to the centre of the table. You can use a vase of wildflowers, a garland of leaves and flowers, or a bouquet of sunflowers. Place candles on the table to create a warm and cosy atmosphere. You can use traditional candlesticks or opt for tea lights in decorative holders.
Finally, don't forget to add some traditional Midsummer foods to the table, such as strawberries, pickled herring and potatoes. You can also serve traditional Midsummer drinks, such as aquavit or schnapps. Prepare special glasses for all the guests.
And remember – Midsummer is a family celebration, so children have a special place at the table. Add children's small chairs or junior dining chairs by the table to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable.
Midsummer traditions and festivities for all to enjoy
In the morning, children and grown-ups collect flowers and greenery from the fields and woods to decorate the Midsummer pole and to make flower wreaths for wearing on their heads. The old tradition was that girls would silently pick a posy of seven flowers and lay it under their pillow at night to dream of the husband that fate had in store for them.
The Midsummer pole is always the centrepiece of the celebrations. In the afternoon, people gather as it is raised. They dance in rings, sing and participate in competitions while folk music from fiddles and accordions plays. When they get hungry, they set tables for a traditional feast.