Hi all.
I am a Navy wife and after 22 years my dh is retiring (not sure if that's good or not, he's been gone for the last 3 years). Anywho, I am planning a "dining in" style retirement but much more casual as their will be mostly civilians in attendance.
I really need military spouse ideas. I've been a Navy spouse for 15 years but must admit I've really kept to civilian life most of that time.
Here's my plan: 1. cocktail hour & hors d'hoeurves
2. Bagpipes escorting into dining room (sit down dinner)
3. head table
4. POW table
5. center pieces (have no idea)
6. MC??? hopefully someone military
7. Color guard (local ROTC)
8. DJ
9. videographer
10. Showcase of awards, certificates, photos, etc...(have absolutely no idea how to do this)
11. dining in rules (but I'll keep it casual and fun)

Here's my dilema,,,How to get a hold of all dh's friends and co-workers without him knowing it. He is on Long Island and I am in Rochester, NY

Thanks for any ideas, advice and for reading.
Stellinator