Retirement is the time to do the activities you enjoy.
Retirement can be viewed not as an ending but a beginning. As exciting as the prospect of being able to do whatever a man wants, when he wants, retiring from a job after many years of service can be bittersweet. No longer will the person see friends and familiar faces on a regular basis. Making retirement party decorations for someone, whether you are his co-worker, family or a good friend, can help him gracefully bid farewell to one chapter of his life while happily greeting the new.
Photo History
Create a photo collage or two depicting the retiree over the years, both at work and at play, to entertain the honoree and his guests. Acquire the photographs from his family, friends and co-workers; do not forget older, retired co-workers. Make quality color photocopies of all borrowed photographs, so you can return the originals unharmed. Mount the photocopies, randomly, on poster board, or place them so you can write explanations and comments under the photo. Place the poster board or boards on easels, attach twisted crepe paper streamers in the retiree's favorite colors from the top edges of the board. Also attach some streamers to the floor, at an angle, for extra flair.
Hobbies
Discover from co-workers or family what the retiree likes to do in his free time, then use that interest for your decorating. A clever retirement decoration for a man is to set up a hammock and add a pillow, radio or television, a tall glass with an umbrella, a favorite book, a hat, and other items associated with his hobby or interests. This works well for hobbies like fishing, hunting, and golf. Change it for a sports enthusiast by using his favorite team colors and items from the sport, like a football, basketball or race car items.
Picture Booth
When the retiree has worked at a business for a long time and is well-liked, designate an area of the party for a picture booth. Hang a large curtain, fabric or something like that for a backdrop. Make a balloon arch by tying helium inflated balloons close together to form a very long string of balloons. Attach one end to a weight on the floor at one side of the backdrop, and the other end of the balloon string attached the same way at the opposite side. The helium will keep the string of balloons in an arch shape. Throughout the party, take photographs of guests with the retiree while they pose in the photo booth. Make a souvenir book for the retiree to take home.
Tags: poster board, string balloons