courtesy of: The Morning News
written by: Rosalie Klein
In the U.S., the day after Thanksgiving, notoriously named “Black Friday” augers the holiday season and shopping. Here in Aruba, it is the unveiling by the few stores that specialize in seasonal goods of their Christmas trees and holiday décor suggestions, and most certainly, “Christmas World” at Palais Hindu defines this phenomenon.
The Christmas Diva of Palais Hindu is Karina Daryanani, for whom it is a passionate affair. She will barely sleep for weeks decorating the dozens of trees in the store in stunning ornaments and various motifs in preparation of the Sunday when the family welcomes the public to view her handiwork. “This year peacocks and their colors are very in,” she explains of one feathered conifer; another, she dubbed her “Status Aparte” tree done in the colors of the Aruban flag, homage to this year’s silver anniversary of the island achieving autonomous rule within the Dutch Kingdom.
Others of Karina’s personal favorites are the fun trees for the kids in bright primary colors, the Candy Cane Tree and the Elf Tree in tradition red and green. “For the more trendy we have the minerals, gold, silver, gunmetal and bronze; whatever the color of one’s home décor, we have the colors to match or complement it!”
Karina is the person islanders turn to when they want a specialty wreath or a particularly remarkable and eye-catching ensemble for their store, home or business; these will be very busy days for her as Aruba puts on its holiday dress, but she thrives on it. “During my upbringing in Singapore the holidays were always a special time,” she reveals, “it is a lot of work, but I always look forward to it and enjoy every minute of it.”
If you are looking for holiday decorating ideas, need some new and interesting ornaments for the tree, or just enjoy the sight of a stunningly designed holiday theme, stop by Palais Hindu and be inspired.
