Floral designer and military spouse Kassie Peterson has created dazzling centerpieces for dozens of events. This year, she used her skills to help deck the halls of the White House.

Decorating the White House for Christmas has been a tradition of the first lady since Jackie Kennedy hung ornaments on a tree in the Blue Room in 1961.

“It’s the first lady’s initiative,” Peterson said. “It’s neat to see their style come out, but also how it’s maintained traditional throughout the years too.”

Peterson spent three days decorating at the White House, ending with a reception hosted by first lady Melania Trump. One of the trees she helped with was the Gold Star Family Tree, which displays ornaments and ribbons bearing the names of fallen servicemembers.

“I was able to take time perfecting every bow and ornament before it was placed on the tree because I understand the gravity and sacrifice of what it means,” said Peterson, who works as a floral designer in Clarksville, Tenn. “It symbolized to me of where the foundation of our freedom begins in the great sacrifices of our fallen heroes. These fallen heroes’ families are who we stand beside and support as a nation and honor them for their strength and sacrifice.”

The event was particularly special to Peterson, she said, because her husband, Army Capt. Zach Peterson, will be deployed in the Middle East over Christmas.