Viking Party

Have you ever wanted the chance to get in touch with your inner Thor? OK, fine, apparently you don’t have an obsession with Norse paganism, but that does not mean you would not enjoy a Viking-themed party. Unfortunately, the Vikings did not do much in the way of leaving behind cookbooks to give us a good idea of what they ate (we’re guessing they had other concerns), but we understand many of the cooking styles and dishes have been passed down generation to generation, so we’ll be sticking to Scandinavian fare and looking for excuses to dress up.

INVITATION TYPE

• On-line

DECORATIONS

• Any Viking gear you can think of/find is appropriate – helmets, swords, hammers, etc.
• Just shop at IKEA. Kidding, though we hear the Swedish meatballs are phenomenal!

FOOD AND DRINK MENU

• Appetizers: Cold Smoked Fish Platter, Swedish Meatballs, Rye Crisps with Butter, Gravlax

  Create a smorgasbord, if you will, of assorted appetizers from different Scandinavian countries.

• Entrée: Prune-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin from about.com

  Serve with potatoes.

• Dessert: Doughnuts with Lingonberry Preserves

  Perhaps the doughnuts are not the most Scandinavian of treats, but this recipe from epicurious.com does pay homage to the lingonberry.

• Cocktail: Old Fashioned Glogg from Drink of the Week

  This spiced wine treat should be served warm.

ENTERTAINMENT

• Music is really up to you, unless you can find some great Viking war chants.

GAMES

• Boards games

  Playing board games like Hnefatafl was a popular pastime for the Viking warrior elite.

• Viking: Battle for Asgard

  The video game is based on Norse mythology, making it a perfect activity for this party.

ATTIRE

• Come in costume! There are dozens of ideas at Costumes Inc.
• At minimum, go for a Viking helmet and blonde wig.
• If you totally want to cop out, come dressed in Minnesota Viking gear. At least you can tell your friends you tried.

LAST MINUTE TIPS

If you’re not happy with the results of this Viking party, then please print the page and give the idea an appropriate Norse funeral.

And as always, remember to bring your camera!