Swedish Etiquette

Guests are typically welcomed to a Swedish house for coffee and cake rather than a meal, but if you are invited for a meal, make sure you: Be on time because being late is seen as being exceedingly unfriendly. In a similar vein, avoid showing up too early. In Sweden, it's normal for visitors to wait in their car or take a short stroll around the block until the scheduled arrival time.

Dress formally since failing to do so would be regarded showing disrespect to the hosts. The house may be shown to you, but avoid asking to see the rest of it because Swedes are often quite private people. When eating, place your wrists on top of the table so that they are clearly visible.

Knife in the right hand and fork in the left should be used according to European eating etiquette. Until the host or hostess says "vars goda," you are not allowed to eat. Never take the final bite off a dish. It is considered impolite to leave any food unattended, so finish everything on your plate. Don't raise a glass to someone who is older than you.

When making a toast, hoist your glass and give a wink to everyone in attendance while gazing from your right to your left before taking a sip. After that, nod once more and set your glass back on the table. You should avoid discussing business at the table since Swedes tend to make a distinction between home and work. In formal settings, the person seated to the hostess' left usually gets up to thank her on behalf of the entire party during the sweet. Within a few days of the meal, make sure to write or phone the host or hostess to express your gratitude.