VIKINGS AND COCKTAILS AT THE CASTLE

Since it's Flash Back Friday today, I'm going to flash back to last week Friday, and one of my favorite summer events in Minneapolis. Each summer the American Swedish Institute (ASI) hosts an event, usually twice a summer, called Cocktails at the Castle.

Guest are beginning to arrive. 

The event is usually held in May and September and perfectly bookends my summer festivities. This year however, due to anther large event, the ASI only hosted the September Cocktails celebration.

I would LOVE this pantry!

The Turnblad family china.

The Cocktails at the Castle evenings usually incorporate the exhibit that is currently on display at the ASI. This year's exhibit, The Vikings Begin, was a wonderful display of helmets, swords, jewelry, and other artifacts.

Dancing in the Castle.

One of my favorite rooms.

Spanning the second and third floors of the mansion, the exhibit was truly remarkable. To make the evening even more fun, the mansion also hosted, dancing, storytellers, and acting. All of this blended beautifully with the Viking artifacts. Upstairs in the visitor's center, guests could try their hand at archery and axe throwing, or at least a rather safe facsimile of them.

Outside on the grounds, beverages and food prepared by the ASI's restaurant, FIKA, was served, accompanied by live music on the outdoor stage throughout the evening. Later the music continued inside the visitor's center, where a DJ serenaded us into the evening.

Our group smiling for the camera.

An impromptu piano serenade by a guest at the event.

Under Thor's watchful eye.

Viking Helmet.

Viking Helmet.

The ASI is housed in the former Turnblad mansion, which was built with the understanding it would become a Swedish cultural center. Swan Turnblad own a Swedish language newspaper - the largest in the country - and made a sizable fortune.  He and his wife, Christina, decided they needed a home to reflect their new status.

Everyone partied into the night.

The Visitor's Center looked beautiful. 

The dancing moved from the Castle to the Visitor's Center.

The Turnblads began construction on the Chateauesque mansion in 1903, and the family lived there from 1908-1929, at which time they donated it to the American Institute for Swedish Art, Literature, and Science - now known as the American Swedish Institute.  

The American Swedish Institute is one of my favorite places in Minneapolis and I attend several events there throughout the year. With that said, the annual Cocktails at the Castle events are definitely my favorites.  


COCKTAILS ATIRE.

What I wore to Cocktails at the Castle:  
               Gingham Shirt:  Brooks Brothers
               Bow Tie:  Brooks Brothers

               Sweater: Brooks Brothers
               Tan Chinos:  Tommy Hilfiger

               Belt: Polo Ralph Lauren
               Shoes:  G.H. Bass
               Socks:  Polo Ralph Lauren
               Watch:  Timex
               Watch Strap:  Fossil