Midsummer Party Checklist – Complete Guide 2026

Midsummer is Sweden's most beloved tradition – but also one of the most logistically challenging parties for the host. Herring, schnapps, maypole, games, weather plan B, and a guest list mixing family, friends, and neighbors. Here is our complete checklist for a successful Midsummer party 2026.

Do you want an app that keeps everything together? Try Joynify's party planning app or read our guide to graduation parties for more tips.

4 weeks before: The basics

• Decide on a location: home, summer cottage, rented venue, or a public meadow.
• Set a budget and divide it: food, drinks, flowers, decor.
• Create the guest list and send digital invitations via Joynify.
• Ask about allergies and dietary requirements directly in the RSVP form.
• Book any catering or fish for the herring table.

2 weeks before: The menu

A classic Swedish Midsummer table according to the Swedish Food Agency's tradition guide includes:

• New potatoes with dill.
• Three to five types of herring: mustard, onion, matjes, "glasmästar" (pickled), classic.
• Cured salmon (gravlax) with mustard and dill sauce.
• Västerbotten cheese tart.
• Crispbread, butter, and cream cheese.
• Strawberry cake or pavlova for dessert.
• Schnapps – at least three varieties – and non-alcoholic alternatives.

Order strawberries from a local grower for the best flavor. According to the Swedish Board of Agriculture, Swedish strawberries are harvested most during weeks 25–26.

1 week before: Drinks and details

• Estimate 1.5 bottles of beer + 1 glass of schnapps + 2 glasses of wine per adult guest.
• Order flowers for the maypole (birch, daisies, bluebells, lupines).
• Buy wreath materials – wire, light-colored ribbon, fresh flowers.
• Create a playlist with Swedish summer classics + modern favorites.
• Print out schnapps songs or put them in a QR code on the tables.

2 days before: Preparations

• Put wine and beer in the fridge to cool.
• Prepare the herrings and cured salmon (lasts 1–2 days).
• Wash and bring out tableware, glasses, and cutlery.
• Set up a rain plan – tent or indoor alternative.
• Check the weather forecast and communicate with the guests.

The day before

• Bake the strawberry cake.
• Peel and boil the new potatoes.
• Erect the maypole (if it is large, 4–6 people are required).
• Make flower wreaths together with the guests – plan this as the first activity.

The day itself: Schedule

• 11:00 – Coffee and cinnamon buns for the helping crew.
• 13:00 – Guests arrive, flower wreaths are made.
• 14:00 – The maypole is raised together.
• 14:30 – "The Little Frogs" dance and other games.
• 15:00 – Herring table and schnapps.
• 17:00 – Coffee, strawberry cake.
• 19:00 – Swimming, walking, Kubb.
• 21:00 – DJ, dancing or a calm evening atmosphere.

Classic games and activities

• Små grodorna (The Little Frogs) around the maypole.
• Kubb – the winning outdoor game.
• Wreath tossing.
• Tug of war – popular if there are many children.
• Seven types of flowers under the pillow at night (traditional folklore).

Photo sharing and memories

A Midsummer party is full of beautiful moments – from wreath-making to dancing around the pole. Set up a QR code leading to a shared photo wall so you can collect all the photos in one place. Read our guide on how to collect photos from guests at a party.

Rain plan and practical logistics

According to SMHI (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) statistics, it rains on Midsummer's Eve in about 40% of years. Always have a plan B:

• Party tent or pavilion.
• Extra blankets and rain jackets.
• An indoor alternative to take over if the weather turns.

After the party

• Thank the guests the day after with a digital greeting and a link to the photo wall.
• Do the dishes and clean in teams – offer pizza on Saturday as a thank you.
• Evaluate: write down what worked well so you have your own Midsummer template for next year.

Conclusion

With a clear checklist, digital invitations, and a shared photo wall, you can focus on what actually matters: spending time together. Get started in Joynify and host your entire Midsummer party in one app.

Traditions and their history

Midsummer is loaded with symbolism and tradition, and understanding the origins makes the party more fun. According to The Nordic Museum, Midsummer was celebrated as early as the Middle Ages as a fertility festival around the summer solstice.

• The Maypole originally had nothing to do with the month of May – "maja" means to dress with greenery.
• The Flower wreath was a prehistoric protective symbol meant to give the wearer strength and luck.
• Seven kinds of flowers under the pillow is a romantic folk belief from the 18th century.
• The Schnapps songs as we know them today are primarily from the 20th century, but the tradition of singing at the table is older.

Sharing a bit of history between the games sets the mood and engages even guests who did not grow up in Sweden.

Adapt the party for the guests

A great strength of the Midsummer tradition is that it works for all ages. Think about who is coming:

• Families with children: plan shorter games early, have a room for diaper changes, and ideally an adult in charge of children's activities.
• Elderly relatives: seating options, less schnapps, clear times.
• International guests: explain traditions, translate the schnapps songs, send out a welcome guide via Joynify.
• Vegetarians and vegans: offer vegetarian tart, vegan herring (available at most major chains), and a vegetarian main course.

Drinks – quantities, choices, and non-alcoholic

According to Systembolaget's industry statistics, more beer and schnapps are sold during Midsummer week than any other week of the year. Estimate:

• 1.5 bottles of beer per adult.
• 1 bottle of wine per two adults.
• 1 bottle of schnapps (35 cl) per four adults.
• 1 liter of non-alcoholic beverage per adult (important when it's hot).

Consider creating a non-alcoholic signature drink – for example, strawberry lemonade with basil. It makes the alcohol-free option feel festive rather than an outlier.

Eco-tips for the Midsummer party

• Use reusable glasses and plates – single-use plastic is banned under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive.
• Serve locally grown strawberries and new potatoes.
• Compost the peels and scraps after the party.
• Collect the bottles for recycling – make it a competition between the kids.

Digital thank-you note

A short thank-you email the day after with:

• A link to the photo wall with all the pictures.
• The best quote of the night.
• A short "see you next year" sentence.

Strengthens relationships and ensures guests are already looking forward to next Midsummer. In Joynify, the thank-you email is sent automatically.

Common pitfalls

• Too much food – the rule of thumb is to count on 25% less than you think, especially when it's hot.
• Too little shade – always have umbrellas or tents, even in sunshine.
• Booked DJ not finding the way – double-check the address the night before.
• Schnapps running out too fast – always buy an extra bottle.
• No cleaning help planned – invite someone for lunch the next day in exchange for a 90-minute effort.