The package arrived promptly and in good order -- especially considering that it traveled from Latvia through Poland, Belgium, and California before arriving in North Carolina. I kept it in the fridge for several days before our event. I highly recommend serving it in the Swedish way-- on warm flatbread with creme fraiche (easy to make at home!), small boiled potatoes (I used Viking Purples, but any waxy potato would do), chopped onoin and fresh dill. We had aquavit and cold beer on hand as well.
Have all of these items prepped and ready to serve when you open the can outside. I placed the can in a plastic produce bag when I pierced it, and that contained the bit of splash from the interior pressure. The odor is unique, and it is STRONG. We never brought the fish or the can into the house, and our party was outside. We had a second table about ten yards away for those who wanted to be farther from the aroma.
I ordered the fillets, which made it simple: I placed them on a separaete serving dish and sliced them into small pieces about 3/4 inch square. Our guests placed all the items on their own flatbreads and sprinkled the fish on top as generously or sparsely as they liked.
Our evening was a success. The accompanying foods give the fish a needed context, turning it from an unpleasant stunt into an interesting and unique flavor note. All but one of our guests tried it; we had other foods on hand for just that eventuality.
I would definitely repeat this experience!