Keep your hands above the table where they can be seen. It is acceptable to rest your wrists on the table.
Hold a fork in your left hand and the knife in your right.
Do not begin eating before invited to do so by the host or until they have started eating.
Do not take the last helping from a dish unless invited to do so.
It is rude not to finish your meal.
Only offer a toast to those younger than you. Nod at everyone seated at table as you make the toast before drinking, then nod again before putting your glass down. The Swedish for “cheers” is Skål (pronounced skol).
Do not discuss politics, religion or business at table unless discussion of said topics was the original purpose of the meal.
Contact the host within a few days after the meal to express your gratitude.
Indicate that you have finished eating by placing your cutlery together and parallel to each other on the plate.
Make as little noise as possible when eating and drinking. This means chewing with your mouth closed, not scraping cutlery across plates and making every effort to conceal the sound of your eating.
If you have dietary requirements due to allergies, religious beliefs or other reasons, then be sure to inform the host well in advance. When eating out, inform the waiter who can make relevant recommendations.
Muslims should be aware that many Swedish dishes contain pork and other Haram meat.
Vegans and those who are lactose intolerant should be aware that many Swedish dishes contain cream, butter or milk.
At formal functions, the guest seated on the left side of the host usually makes a speech during the dessert course to thank them for the meal on behalf of all present.
Do not smoke at table unless invited to do so. Always ask permission to smoke in front of people and wait until all food is finished before smoking.
Do not touch people unless necessary. Respect personal space.
Tipping is not compulsory but a tip is sometimes added to the bill.
Swedes love to stop and have fika, which is a break with a coffee and sweet snack.
- See more at: http://www.empowerlinguatranslation.com/cultural-information/dining-and-food-etiquette-in-sweden/#sthash.nb92rBzr.dpuf