Here is a Christmas tree found at a veterans hospital. They used a flocked green tree and covered it with flags and red and blue ornaments. Service members boots were put to the base of the tree. A collection of flags were used to make a finial on top of the tree. White lights are used but i think I would add some red and blue as well. Making a statement like this is so respectful and very beautiful to boot.
The inevitable always happens and it is one of life’s most devastating and depressing things we must go through. I found this pillow idea made from a shirt that the receivers father wore when he was alive. The patch was made by embroidering by a local sewing shop for not very much. The pillow would be easy to do by turning the shirt inside out sewing a square (sew just three sides) that ends between the collar, start of the sleeves and the bottom. Trim excess off. I would consider triple stitching it to ensure durability – it probably will get a lot of use. To stuff use stuffing bought by the bag or size the square to an old pillow to re-purpose. The shirt shown would need the bottom seam sewed down. I would leave the pockets useable so little keepsakes could be added to make the pillow feel even more like being close to the departed one. The patch would then need to be sewn on. Carefully hand stitch the remaining side after turning shirt right side out.
Country & Victorian Times 