Party Time: US Navy Retirement

We had the privilege of coordinating and decorating a retirement ceremony and celebration for a Chief Petty Officer of the US Navy that I wanted to share with you. It was held on the fantail of the USS Little Rock on the Buffalo waterfront. This is truly a unique location to host an event! They allow you to hold anything from a casual party to a wedding right on the fantail of the ship! Here's a photo...





{Photo by Klaus Brink at Panoramio.com}

The location did present some challenges (including the famous Buffalo waterfront wind and ladies walking up the grated stairs in heels), but I think we rose to the occasion! It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony. Here are some detail shots of the decor...

The decor was simple and affordable, and everything was decorated in the colors of the Navy. Blueberries in a vase with a single red gerbera daisy is simple and striking! I purchased a stamp with the Petty Officer symbol and stamped the symbol on each cocktail napkin. Finally, tables centerpieces were galvanized pails with American Flags and stars that held photos of the Officer's family. It was important that she honor her daughters, and we used photos of them at different stages of their lives and attached them to foam stars. An inexpensive, yet creative way to personalize the decor.

Other centerpieces were galvanized pails with blue hydrangeas in them...

Navy blue paper lanterns were hung to add a festive flair...

All in all, we really transformed the ship into a unique and classy space for this celebration! A great time was had by all!