Definition: Originally defined as "buttered bread table" or "sandwich table," the Scandinavian smörgåsbord traditionally was served simply as a course of appetizers before a main meal. It later evolved into a full-scale feast in which numerous cold and hot dishes are presented on a buffet table. Today reserved primarily for the Advent and Christmas seasons in Scandinavia, the holiday smörgåsbord (Julbord) offers a bountiful array of fish, meat, vegetable, and dessert dishes served in three courses. Using clean plates and cutlery for each course, diners progress from sampling cold-cured and pickled fish dishes, through a second course of cold sliced meats and dark breads, to a final course of hot meat and vegetable selections. In America, the term has come to refer to any buffet-style entertaining.
Pronunciation: SMORE-gas-board
Also Known As: koldt bord (in Norway)
Examples:
This year, host a lavish smörgåsbord for your holiday guests, complete with delicious cold and smoked fish dishes, sliced meats, homemade dark breads, and wonderful hot meat and potato selections.
