Happy Midsummer

It's a late Midsummer this year. As late as it can be actually, falling on the 25th-26th of June. Hopefully the weather gods will smile upon us wherever we are. 14°C and rain may be traditional in Sweden, but not very nice!

As you may know, Midsummer is one of our biggest, most unique holidays, right up there with Lucia and Valborg. Even perfectly happy ex-pats will get something caught in their throats when describing how it really should be done. Add Snaps and you have a potentially catastrophic conversation. Swedes all over the civilised world will be hurrying like foxes, joining the carousel and send off rockets around the Maypoles with flowers in their hair. To join in, come to one of the traditional, Swedish Midsummer celebrations.

Food
For those who prefer to do their celebrations in the comfort of their own home, we have all you need, from herring to napkins, cheese to bread and punsch. No, not that fruity, soppy stuff of American BBQs, but the arrack smelling thick liqueur. And Snaps. We have updated the recipe pages as promised with plenty of new summer buffet treats. The Sill Tart is fabulous, just to name one. Our pickled sill, or rather Kiviks Ål & Lax' sill are in store, this year with the addition Sherry Sill, with a beautifully delicate taste. Plenty of crispbread and drum roll...real Swedish new potatoes! We will only sell it to you if you swear to forsake all other potatoes for the rest of your life. (Just kidding) Don't forget to pick up something for your host or hostess, should the party not be at your house.

The shop has extended opening hours, to ensure nobody misses out on Midsummer treats. Thursday the 24th 10-19.30, Midsummer's Eve, 10-19 and Midsummer's Day, Saturday the 26th, 10-18. Welcome!

Midsummer in London
The Swedish Church welcome all to celebrate a family friendly Midsummer in Southwark Park on Saturday the 26th from 3pm. Everybody meets up in the park by the Swedish Seaman's Church in Canada Water and together raise and decorate the Maypole. Of course there will be the traditional dancing and singing. There will be hot dogs, strawberry cakes and coffee is served, but do bring your own refreshments as well as something to sit on. This event will be finished about 6pm.

If you don't fancy hot dogs or just don't want to go down to Southwark, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce and JCC welcome one and all to Hyde Park 12-16 that same day. Bring your own picnic, play Swedish games as "kubb" and dance to traditional Swedish songs around the Maypole. TotallySwedish is happy to help you pack a suitable picnic basket!

Directions: Take the tube to Marble Arch. Walk into Hyde Park via Speakers Corner and take right into the park following the fence for approx 300 meters. Look for the Swedish flags and a Midsummer pole, of course!

The mummy network Swedish Moms are holding their celebrations in Highate Woods, between the café and the playground. Start time 10.30.

Do remember that BBQs and open fires are not allowed in London's parks.

Eco Tip of the month
Your tumbledryer costs you more in energy and shortened life span of clothes than any other appliance in your life. If you have a garden or balcony, hang your clothes and linens outside for that fresh smell that the fabric softener companies tries to sell you (yeah -and hold off that stuff too, its bad news) and enjoy not having to iron half the stuff you own. In a flat, there are plenty of contraptions to fit even the smallest space and most clothes will dry overnight. Your wallet will thank you, as well.

Happy Midsummer from TotallySwedish!