Instead of the buffet we Americans associate with the term, the smorgasbord is actually an artful, culinary tradition that the Swedes are very proud of. Traditionally, it is a series of delicacies eaten in a specific order on clean plates. Rooted in hospitality, the concept has its beginnings with the fourteenth century merchant and upper class, who served a variety of hors d’oeuvres to visiting guests, so that they wouldn’t get hungry before dinner.