A Celebration of California Culture

"A Celebration of California Culture" was the theme of the California State Society's (CSS) Presidential Inaugural Luncheon, held at the Ritz Carlton-Washington, DC. The Society, a non-profit, bi-partisan social/networking organization, is proud of its role in promoting California in our nation’s Capitol, and of its support for fellow Californians. Their members include all types of Californians—Members of Congress, Congressional staff, Administration officials, employees of California-based businesses, California Alumni, and others. Kasey Cronquist, California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC) CEO & Ambassador and I were honored to join over 750 other guests to pay tribute to our state’s culture.

The DC Central Kitchen, L.A. Kitchen, Wine Institute and CCFC partnered in this event to celebrate California’s contributions to food, wine, flowers, art and music. California native and Top Chef Finalist Marjorie Meek-Bradley was the inspiration for the luncheon cuisine. Chef Marjie is a James Beard Nominated Chef and Top Chef Season 13 Finalist. The program included performances by the students at The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts. SCPA is a San Diego Unified School District college-preparatory, arts-focused public magnet school for students in grades 6 through 12 who have a strong interest and talent in the arts. And, the flowers… all California Grown and donated by several flower farms!

Special thanks to Andrea Gagnon from LynnVale Studios for doing the beautiful design work for this prestigious affair.

The Secret Life of the Boutonniere

I’ll just come right out and say it: boutonnieres have been getting around DC lately. Those small ‘bouquets’ we thought were only designed to add a splash of color and texture to a wedding party’s lapels have actually been leading double lives. This week they were spotted on the Hill throughout the halls of Congress and the Senate? And, even in the offices of the USDA? The truth is, boutonnieres have become a lot more versatile than they may seem at first glance. For the 20 American Flower Farmers visiting our nation’s capital this week, they provided a lot of flower power – they’ve become a special kind of ‘calling card’ and a great conversation piece!

So, when it’s time for the annual CCFC Fly-in, we step back and call in our flower farmer florist Andrea Gagnon from LynnVale Studios (thanks, Andrea!). Crafted with only American Grown flowers, each boutonniere she created was unique and bursting with personality - keep scrolling to see what I mean.