Do you know people who can tell much about national Swedish cuisine? Or maybe you are one of those who specialize in it? If the answers to both questions are “no,” the new online classes run by Chef Jørn and sponsored by IKEA will help you learn more about the unique world of northern dishes. As it may turn out, these can be as delicious and filling as the Italian menu and in some way as exotic as the Japanese one.

Plant a Tree. Clean the Air. Cool the Globe. This thought has been the driver that has inspired IKEA US shoppers. Since June 2006, IKEA US in partnership with American Forests, has had a national in-store ‘Plant A Tree’ program which asks customers to donate $1 to plant one tree. These contributions, together with money donated by IKEA, have resulted in raising $1.5 million dollars to plant 1.5 million trees across America.

IKEA UK is moving from kittens to kitchens—soon after the launch of its feline TV-ad, the global furniture and household goods retailer has released a gorgeous commercial based on Jona Lewie’s 1980-hit “You’ll Always Find Me In The Kitchen At Parties” refreshed by a promising UK group Man Like Me and remixed by producer Arthur Baker as the soundtrack of the advert. The new spot is all about kitchens of all kinds and styles, which are good for various parties, no matter how extravagant they might be.

IKEA, the global furniture and household wares retailer, teamed up with Swedish photographer Carl Kleiner to create a series of photos to feature the new baking book «Hembakat är Bäst» (Homemade Is Best) presented by the company. Unlike other sets of recipes, which are usually illustrated by already cooked meals, the new edition is unveiling the world of ingredients, which are playing ‘the leading role’ in the stills.

IKEA USA announced the launch of The Life Improvement Project, a program designed to educate, inspire and empower people to improve their lives, as well as the lives of others in their community.  The national program consists of a range of contests and activities, giving IKEA employees the opportunity to get further engaged in local community initiatives.

IKEA Canada is celebrating 60 years of the IKEA Catalogue by asking Canadians to “Capture” their favourite page from the 2011 IKEA Catalogue. Launching this week, the catalogue campaign also introduces the home furnishings retailer into the social media world with the launch of a Canadian Twitter (@IKEA_Canada) and Facebook page. A new iPhone app where IKEA customers will be able to view the new catalogue from their iPhone or iPad is also scheduled to launch in the coming weeks.