On Friday it's time for one of the biggest celebrations in Sweden - Midsummer's Eve. It's an event so entrenched in the Swedish culture that it's considered as important as Christmas. It's become my favourite celebration of the year. Put simply, it's magical. Think crowns weaved from wildflowers, dancing around a maypole and playing silly games. Tables are laden with a spread of pickled herrings, new potatoes, quiches, boiled eggs, sour cream, dill, salmon, strawberries, and crisp bread, washed down with beer and schnapps. It's a day spent outdoors no matter the weather (thankfully it looks like the sun will be shining on Friday!) and a time for friends and families to come together and chat and sing and dance under the midnight sun.
Why not join the celebrations from afar? Here's a beautiful Midsummer tablescape by Linnea on the Swedish island of Gotland (who's beautiful home I featured recently) to inspire you!
So pretty!
Looking to join in the celebrations? Here are 5 simple steps for hosting a Swedish midsummer.
Single? Swedish tradition says if you pluck 7 different wild flowers and lay them under your pillow on Midsummers Eve, you'll dream of your true love!
Glad midsommar!
Niki
PS since I will be busy doing preparations for the big day on Friday, there'll be no post tomorrow. I look forward to blogging again on Monday. Vi ses!
Photography: @leintosinspiration - shared with kind permission.
Enjoy your time with family. Gorgeous table setting!
ReplyDeleteI can't help but admire the tart (or quiche?) in the last but one pic.
ReplyDeleteI love everything about this - we should do the same here in England. Still, you know...Glastonbury...
ReplyDeleteGlad midsommar! Here in the Netherlands we enjoy it in different styles, according to where you live. Mostly with music on friday eve before or after the 21th of june.
ReplyDeleteWhat as beautiful setting! I love your photographs! :)
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