Floral Splendor & Culinary Delights: A Night to Remember at the Flower Fields

On April 11th 2024, amidst the vibrant sea of ranunculus blooms at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California, guests were treated to an unforgettable experience at the American Grown Field to Vase Dinner hosted by Mellano and Company. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, this unique gathering, showcasing stunning floral arrangements by Kelly Shore of Petals by the Shore, combined nature’s beauty with culinary delights, live music, and the warmth of community.

The setting for the Field to Vase Dinner was none other than The Flower Fields themselves—a breathtaking canvas of vibrant colors and fragrant blooms. Nestled among rolling hills, attendees were treated to a sensory feast as they strolled through the rows of colorful ranunculus flowers that stretched as far as the eye could see. The Flower Fields provided the perfect backdrop for an evening dedicated to celebrating the beauty of nature and the passion of flower farmers.

Guests who chose to add on to the experience, were treated to an hour-long in-depth tour with flower and foliage farmer Mike A. Mellano of Mellano & Company.

Kelly Shore of Petals by the Shore took center stage in showcasing her impeccable design talents at the event and her passion for American Grown florals. The entrance of the dinner table began with a breathtaking floral arch from Enticing Tables, leading guests into a captivating tablescape adorned with trio arrangements of American Grown flowers and foliages. Her lush and garden style designs showcased the flowers and foliage available from the farm Mellano and Company and beauty of American Grown flowers and foliage. Using vases from Syndicate Sales, each arrangement was a masterpiece, captivating guests and harmonizing with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

As guests arrived to the reception sponsored by Ball Horticultural, they were treated to not only a beautiful flower bar but also libations which perfectly complemented the evening. The wines and bubbly from South Coast Winery added a touch of sophistication, while Arcana Brewing showcased their craft beer expertise, offering guests a delightful range of brews to savor. The refreshing welcome reception drink by Boochcraft offered a unique and flavorful start to the festivities. The thoughtfully curated beverage selection added an extra layer of enjoyment to the festivities, allowing attendees to savor the flavors of the region.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed the soulful music by Fred Benedetti, sponsored by Floralife.

Feast on This Catering delighted attendees with a delectable menu that celebrated the season’s finest ingredients. From farm-fresh salads to savory entrees, every dish was crafted with care and showcased the flavors of the region. The culinary team’s dedication to sourcing local ingredients ensured a memorable dining experience that perfectly complemented the evening.

As the night drew to a close and guests bid farewell to the Flower Fields and The Field to Vase Dinner, they carried with them memories of an evening filled with beauty, flavor, and fellowship. The dinner was not simply a meal, but a celebration of nature, our farms and the spirit of community that flourishes when we come together. It was an event that showcased the passion and talent of everyone involved, from the farmers, floral designers and caterers to the wineries, breweries, and sponsors who made it all possible. Until we meet again amidst the blooms, may we continue to cherish and steward the importance of American-grown flowers and foliage.

See a full gallery of photos on our Flickr page: Field to Vase Dinner at The Flower Fields

Thank you again to the sponsors and participants that made this event possible!