This past weekend we had a very special guest come visit for her birthday celebration. I had lots of fun prepping for her arrival…this opening shot shows some of the flowers I used for her birthday dinner.
Meet Carole. Friend, mentor and my self-adopted mom. Here we are all glammed out on the night of her soiree.
Carole’s family came for the whole weekend too, which made the celebrating extra fun! One of our nights together (five kids were eating at the bar behind me).
And back to her big night. Here are the girls showing off their shoes…
Hmmm, how can I describe Carole? She has a bigger-than-life heart and radiates love. You can probably see it in her smile. I’m grateful to have known her since I was 17 years old. It wasn’t until I “grew up” and became a mom that I realized how much she really taught me all those years. Looking back, I realize that a large amount of what I know about being a loving mother, cooking and caring for my family, organizing and even entertaining all came from Carole. It amazes me how someone can be so generous with their time and love and never ask for anything in return. Such a rare trait to find in a person. Such a blessing.
I also owe great deal of my design aesthetic to Carole, as her elegant style had a profound influence on me. Every home of hers always had a soft, modern feel and each was filled with ample natural light. Her current Atlanta home has lucite spindles on her balcony…so cool. Our girls enjoying the balcony with her grandson on a summer visit.
When I was 18, I’ll never forget seeing her crystal candlestick collection beautifully scattered across her dining table for a Christmas dinner. Each candlestick totally unique in design, not a single one too matchy. At the time I remember thinking, “someday I hope to have a beautiful collection just like this one.” And slowly, year after year, I collected one candlestick at a time. Now it’s finally complete. But beyond the crystal, cooking or organizing, the one thing I have learned most from my friend is how to be true and generous to those I love.
This was a momentous birthday for Carole. And as a token of my appreciation, I really wanted it to be perfect in every sense. Full of simple elegance, just like her. Our dinner took place at this restaurant overlooking the water. There were seven of us, so I had my favorite local florist make six small arrangements for each place setting…
and one bigger arrangement for our guest of honor.
I made placecards out of some favorite paper to fancy it all up.
Dinner was a hit and she loved it all! We started with a teary champagne toast for Carole and two courses later ended with a mouth-watering vanilla soufflé.
A perfect evening.
Two nights before our celebration, Peter and I made a welcome banner for Carole and garnished it with white balloons. I didn’t get a shot of the balloons, but they looked pretty cute with the banner.
Who knew a lawyer could be such a great banner maker?
Voila!
The bonus about this weekend was that our children were able to experience the abundance of kindness and love that Carole always has to share. They all love her just like I do.
One little peep has an extra special connection with her. They say history repeats itself…
I’m sure we can all remember someone in our lives who made a huge impression on us…someone who helped shape who we became as a person and was a little bit of an angel in our life. I invite you to share who that special person was for you.
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my family. A former TV personality turned designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
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What a fabulous weekend!
My “special person” would have to be a woman I started babysitting for at 17 or 18. Everything about her and everything she did, and touched was perfection. The most important thing was she always made me and others “feel” special and important.I remember always wanting to be just like her. Gosh, that must really be a really impressionable age! Years later she ended up being a brides-maid in my wedding~
How fun! I would have to say the person that made a huge impression on me was my middle school art teacher. He always made me feel like I could do anything and always pushed me to learn more and do more but not in a “pushy” way. He was also the football coach so I guess that was the “coach” in him. He still teaches today. Favorite teacher I ever had. :)
Love those lucite spindles!
My mentor was my boss Arlene . I was a young , divorced mother of a two year old and studyng to be an Interior Designer and she hired me in her shop . She taught me a lot about design , how to enjoy life to the fullest , but more importantly she taught me how to be a lady , to treat everyone kindly and she just opened up the world for me . Now my daughter is 28 and now we all love Arlene !
Seleta, what a wonderful post. I hope you share it with Carole! I’m sure it will warm her heart.
Cute banner idea! I’m totally using that idea this weekend for my son 10th birthday at the lake!
My first babysitting job was for one of the most elegant women I’ve ever know. She was a ballerina and I can remember that on the weekends I would walk to her house ( a block away) and we would dance! She was so graceful and beautiful…but her inner beauty was what captivated me most. Plus, she was an amazing cook and had a sense of design that was simple, but intriguing…even to a young girl. We still keep in touch, thought we are hours apart…her boys are men with their own families now…but after all these years…she is still amazing and I often see her influence in my life! Now, I think I’ll go call her! ;)
what a wonderful way to celebrate a meaningful person in your life. Happy belated to Carole!
What a beautiful celebration for such a special person in your life. My special person was my mom. She was the most amazing, thoughtful, caring and lovely person you could ever meet. A true heart of gold. I feel so incredibly blessed to have such an amazing person for my mom. Unfortunately, she passed away a year ago unexpectedly. It turned my life upside down. The memories I have are so special and dear. I was blessed to have gone to Paris with her the year prior to her passing. Just she and I, no other siblings. We had the time of our lives and I miss her every day. She was the most remarkable person I have ever known.
can’t say I have a Carole, but, Seleta, I’m so grateful you do and I see those same qualities shine through in you. This post was just the best. Julie
Marianne, what beautiful things to write about your mom. So heartfelt. The Paris trip sounded like a such a gift to you both.
Jennifer, I love your story about the ballerina who was your inspiration…and I especially love your comment about her inner beauty. You’re right, that always shines so brightly past one’s physical looks.
Susanne, Arlene sounded like a real angel in your life!
A Little Luxe, a middle school art teacher who’s a coach sounds super cool…how great you had that positive influence at such an impressionable age. He sounded like a lot of fun too!
Janet, having a mentor who made you feel important is priceless, especially during those awkward teenage years.
These are all such dear comments, and I enjoyed hearing back from you. Thank you so much for sharing!
Seleta
I also have a second “Mom” who took me under her wing when I first came to
the United States. Her name is also Carol (without the e) and she’s been a dear
friend, mother and grandmother to the entire family. She unfortunately is
suffering from Alzheimer now, and doesn’t recognize us most of the time – it’s
heartbreaking to see her this way, but we’re trying to help her in any way we can.
There are so many special people around us, we just have to make the right connection,
and so many of us do. Great post, Seleta!
Seleta,
I love this post. I actually got teary eyed. There is little better in life than to celebrate people we love, people who have made a difference in our lives. I have always admired and respected you (and adored your style) but this post showed such a tender side of your heart. It showed such gratitude and love for someone who has been a role model to you. It gave me a bigger glimpse of your heart.
We could all use a Carole in our lives AND we should all try to be a Carole to someone else too:)
Such a sweet post and what a wonderful night to honor her birthday!
What a blessing YOU are…to Carole. Women just so “get it” don’t they? My angel-mentor was my grandmother, Mimi. Her most sage advice: “Marry only for love & laughter.” And I did…
(love your floral arrangements & darlin’ banner!).
what a beautiful weekend! thanks for sharing my most adorable friend!! hugs & love, moi
what a sweet, sweet post! Thanks for letting us share in a wonderful weekend! I’m sure Carole is lucky to have you as well!
I read this post on my reader a couple days ago and it really tugged at my heart. Mostly because my angel was my mom and her name was Carol. She has been gone a year now. Ironically, she strongly resembled your friend Carole. What a sweet girl you are for going to such lengths for her birthday. Everything you did was really, really beautiful. I’m sure she felt the love you have for her.
I’m catching up and what a beautiful post & lady. So sweet of you to honor her like that!!
My special person is my grandmother. She’s just amazing and I could go on & on so I won’t ;)
xoxo,
lauren
I’m speechless. Its taken days to be able to keep my eyes dry long enough to write about how honored I am to have Seleta in my life and how truly special she has always been to me. And, now, she makes me feel so very special by sharing her beautiful memories of our times together. The comments everyone wrote about the special people in their lives were tender and heartwarming. I loved reading them.
Seleta, you took your own style and creativity, accented it with everything you know I love, and turned it into a perfect weekend for me. I was surrounded by gorgeous flowers, the ocean, and people I love for three wonderful days. Everything was perfect. Thank you for a memory I’ll treasure forever. I’m so impressed and proud to see the beautiful, caring woman you have become, and I’m honored that you feel I played a part in how you became this beautiful person you are. I’m so happy to say, “You’ve truly trumped me!”
I’m so grateful to still be a part of your life and, now, your family’s lives as well. I love you all.
Thank you.
xoxo,
Carole
Hi! It looks like you ladies had an amazing time. A friend of mine just pointed me to your blog and I love it! Quick question…do you happen to know the designer/label of the beige dress the lady on my left (looking at it) in your group pic is wearing? I absolutely love it!
Thank you and look forward to exploring your blog more!
Kim