As with jollyjacktar, both my CD and, subsequently, the clasp were just thrown into my office mail slot. I was perfectly OK with that, and at this point, I suspect that the original poster may be as well. In my case, it was because I was in a unit that wasn't big on parade square pomp & circumstance; for the OP, I suspect it's because of the dubious "know your troops and promote their well-being" of the CO/RSM in question.
All of my deployment medals (which I actually value) involved "parades," in-theatre, of no more than 2-3 of us standing before the CO or some other 'dignitary.' The aim was met in an effective manner, no rocks were painted, and I've always managed to look suitably pretty in time for Remembrance Day.