Rene Van Rems: From Field to Vase

If you’re a fan of Rene’s Bouquets, Rene’s Bouquets for Brides, or any of the floral publications where his books and designs have appeared, our Field to Vase Dinner designer needs no introduction. However, if not… he’s a local resident and internationally renowned designer, author, presenter and instructor. Rene van Rems fills his days consulting, providing hands-on design instruction, as well as doing presentations and seminars for trade groups, garden clubs, horticultural societies and museum fundraisers. He is a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), The National Speakers Association, and the Professional Floral Commentators International (PFCI).

Busy designer that he is, we were beyond thrilled when Rene agreed to be the featured designer for our American Grown Field to Vase Dinner. He and a team of 15 designers spent two days whipping up a ‘Protea Feast’ for the eyes that dazzled the over 150 guests who attended.

In appreciation for the evening’s spectacular floral artistry, and for all our friends who weren’t able to join us… keep scrolling down to enjoy some ‘Eye Candy’ of your own.

Syndicate Sales, a major sponsor of the Field to Vase dinners, graciously provided all the vases. Their Breeze orange, green and purple bouquet vases added a touch of elegance to our rugged terrain and proteas.

Photos by Carrie McCluskey Photography and Diana Roy

The Grateful Table

It’s always a treat to attend ‘Farm to Fork – Field to Vase' events, but this week, in a vineyard right on the 50-yard line between Napa and Sonoma, CA, the human spirit came together in a very unique and special way. Over 500 people gathered in the Napa-Sonoma Wine Country community to honor and support people affected by what was the largest wild fire in the history of California. Farmers, chefs, floral designers, and tourism officials, were in attendance and most importantly, the first responders, the fire fighters, police force, EMTs, even dispatchers who received 1000’s of phone calls for help amidst the October blazes.

Visit California, Outstanding in the Field and destination partners Visit Napa Valley, Sonoma County Tourism, and Visit Mendocino County sponsored what was called ‘The Grateful Table’. In many ways this event marked the beginning of the recovery in the wine country with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards fire recovery efforts.

It was the perfect fall day, blue skies and a vineyard shimmering in vibrant autumn hues. The flowers that garnished the table ‘fit for a King’ were simply stunning. We're grateful to the California farms that donated all the flowers, Syndicate Sales Inc. for the vases, Jessup for providing the transportation and Torchio Nursery who kindly received the boxes. And, a huge thank you to the lead floral design team Venn Floral and the amazing designers who volunteered their time to help make sure the flowers at the center of the table are as beautiful as our treasured wine country! It was a fabulous way to start the Thanksgiving week and let the world know that the Napa-Sonoma communities spirit is uncrushable.