Dining etiquette for seating. The most honored position is either at the head of the table or in the center, with the most important guests seated first to the left and then to the right of the head of the table or the host(s) in descending order of importance. If there is a hosting couple, one will be seated at each end of the table, with the male guest of honor seated to the left of the hostess, and the female guest of honor seated to the right of the host.
Dining etiquette for restaurants. Waitstaff may be summoned by making eye contact; waving or calling their names is impolite.
Dining etiquette for discussing business. The business lunch or dinner is widespread. Take your cue from your Swedish associates: if they bring up business, then it's okay to discuss it, but wait to take your lead from their conversation.
Dining etiquette in the home. Meals at a Swedish associate's home can be either relaxed or formal; take your cue from the information your host gives you when you are invited. Unlike other countries, you may be surprised at how quickly you might be invited to a dinner at a Swedish home. Once within the home, you will be told where to sit. At the table, look for place cards or wait until the host indicates your seat. At an informal gathering in the Swedish home, you will be expected to remove your shoes, following a Swedish family tradition.