Festive Table
NOVEMBER 2025
Ladies' Committees Canapes
In November, all across Latvia, as well as in Latvian homes, cultural centers, and church halls abroad, Latvian communities warmly celebrate November 18, the founding day of Latvia. For the diaspora, this day becomes a moment to come together, enjoy festive concerts, recite poetry, share stories, and, of course, savor a delicious, carefully prepared holiday feast.
A richly set table is an indispensable part of these celebrations. It is prepared in various ways – sometimes participants arrive with baskets of their own homemade treats, including savory and sweet snacks, Latvian canapes, curd or apple pies, Russian-style salads, and other dishes. Other times, the tables are arranged by hostesses – dedicated and warm-hearted women’s groups, such as church or Latvian society committees, who, in addition to other responsibilities, take care of the event’s decorations and food. These women, often working behind the scenes, are nonetheless the cornerstone of these events, bringing warmth, order, and the true taste of the holidays to Latvian communities abroad.
Video in Latvian, with subtitles in English
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In Latvian communities outside Latvia, it is customary to offer a plentiful table at festive events. The food is prepared in various ways — participants may bring baskets with homemade treats, or a ladies’ committee may take responsibility for setting the table. For private celebrations, Latvian catering companies often prepare the food.
Latviešu sabiedrībās ārpus Latvijas svinīgos pasākumos ierasts piedāvāt bagātīgu galdu. Tas tiek gatavots dažādos veidos – pasākuma dalībnieki atnes groziņus, vai dāmu komiteja ir atbildīga par galdu klāšanu. Privātos svētkos daudzreiz galdus klāj latviešu ēdināšanas uzņēmumi. Šajā galerijā redzamas fotogrāfijas no latviešu kopienu svētku galdiem dažādos laikos un valstīs.
Inta Šķiņķis hosted a birthday party with a Ladies' Committee canapé theme! She invited everyone to revisit childhood memories and bring a plate of Ladies’ Committee canapés in two categories: traditional Ladies’ Committee canapés and modern interpretations in a global style. The event also included a competition, awards were given for best traditional canapé, best modern interpretation, best taste, and best appearance.
Inta Šķiņķis rīkoja dzimšanas dienas balli dāmu komitejas maizīšu tēmā! Viņa aicināja visus atgriezties bērnības atmiņās un atnest šķīvi ar dāmu komitejas maizītēm divās kategorijās: tradiocionālās dāmu komitejas maizītes un mūsdienu interpretācijas globālā stilā. Pasākumā notika arī sacensības — tika izvēlēta labākā tradicionālā maizīte, labākā mūsdienu interpretācija, labākā garša un labākais izskats!
A richly set table is an indispensable part of these celebrations. It is prepared in various ways – sometimes participants arrive with baskets of their own homemade treats, including savory and sweet snacks, decorative “pretty buns,” curd or apple pies, Russian-style salads, and other dishes. Other times, the tables are arranged by the hosts – dedicated and warm-hearted women’s groups, such as church or Latvian society committees, who,...
Vēsturniece un skolotāja Aija Abens stāsta par Dāmu komitejām – to vēsturi un pirmsākumiem, kā arī iesaistīšānos diasporas latviešu sabiedrības ēdināšanā.
Ingrīda Hawke sets tables for the Australian Latvian community — for weddings, funerals, and anniversaries. In this interview excerpt, she describes her own festive table creations: one of the main elements is often a salmon, baked in such a way that it looks as if it’s swimming!
Ingrīda Hawke klāj galdus Austrālijas latviešu sabiedrībai – kāzām, bērēm un jubilejām. Šajā intervijas fragmentā viņa raksturo pašas radītos svētku galdus: viens no galvenajiem elementiem bieži vien ir lasis, kas uzcepts tā, lai izskatītos, ka tas peld!