Rock On

Overview of Olympic Stadium transformed to the streets of London with a coloured flag created
by world-famous British visual artist Damien Hirst

While the much tooted Danny Boyle opening ceremonies of the London Olympic Games was an entertaining (the storyline of the young lovers in the age of modern media), moving (the minute of silence as a tribute to all the losses of the Great War), beautiful (the village green of pastoral Britain), and even cheeky (the Queen as a Bond girl) performance, it was last night's closing ceremonies that rocked -- literally and figuratively.  What a brilliantly conceived spectacle!  Building on the concept of the stadium floor as the bustling streets of London and the British flag transformed as thoroughfares leading to the heart of the city, the entire show was a cohesive visual and auditory extravaganza that celebrated British culture.  Bringing together some of the best British artists, singers, dancers and entertainers, it was a creative tour de force.

Marks of Creative Brilliance

Transforming the stadium floor to a party on the streets of London.

Using colour blocking for visual cohesion and interest as the Pet Shop Boys sing their hit, West End Girls.

Marrying Russell Brand, Willy Wonka and the Magical Mystery Tour bus.

John Lennon on screen singing Imagine accompanied by a children's choir dressed in white, while performers create a 3-D image of Lennon in the centre of the stadium.

Freddy Mercury on screen followed by Queen band members Brain May and Roger Taylor performing We Will Rock You with singer Jessie J -- fabulous.

Incorporating iconic British images like...

            Winston Churchill popping out of Big Ben;

       
          The Spice Girls cavorting on the top of London cabs;

          beginning with London's trademark skyline;

          pairing the red-coated, beaver-hatted British marching guards with Monty Python's Eric Idle;

          and clothing the crowd-control performers in Bobbyesk costumes with light bulb topped
          bowler hats.

Finally, my best of the best...

          A vibrant George Michael singing Freedom 90,

          Streets lined with newspapers highlighting British literature,

          And Liam Gallagher performing the Oasis hit Wonderwall accompanied by the London
          Philharmonic Orchestra.

All images via The Huffington Post

A Return to Elegance

Her History

What is age but a number?  At twenty, she was starting to show hers.  With roots in Louis XIV France, she came from a great line -- noble, elegant, classic.  A real beauty.  Unfortunately, she was looking more ugly duckling than serene swan.  A tear down? it was foolishly suggested.  I think not!  A resurrection is what she needed: To be buff and sanded, primed and painted -- after some detailed repairs, that is.  Today, she sits, a crowning jewel in the garden.  She is the architectural structure that creates perspective, acts as a focal point, and provides privacy.  She is our gazebo, a place in which we entertain, or simply sit and enjoy the patterned shadows she creates.  In a few weeks, the work crew will reassemble for a party, and we will be toasting her and the next twenty years. 



With a brick floor, she is painted and ready for
planting along the exterior walls



Her Lineage

Pavillion Frais at Versailles, France

Steeped in history, the origins of treillage traces back to the 12th century when gardeners constructed rudimentary structures or frameworks called treille on which climbing plants were trained.  In the 17th century, Louis XIV hired landscape architect Andre Le Notre to design the gardens at Versailles.  To create an architectural presence and elegant formality, he employed treillage; while it would take years for trees, hedges and topiaries to reach maturity, treillage offered instant drama and structure.  As other royal households sought to emulate everything French, the art of treillage spread throughout Europe.  Today, treillage can be found inside and outside the home: in the garden it can add interest, create a strong focal point, establish a sense of depth, train climbing plants, bring beauty to a facade or offer privacy; inside, latticework fabric or wall covering and treillage-inspired furniture can bring a strong graphic element to any room. 

Her Makeover

It included new hardware and footings,

And new woodwork,...

And new paint -- "Stone Hearth" by Benjamin Moore, inspired by the stonework that frames our house's windows.



Now she is ready for her closeup.

 The next steps: furnishing, planting, decorating (a.k.a. the really fun part).



Her Inspiration: Other Well-Placed Treillage

 

                              A charming rustic trellis in a garden
                              photographed by Francois Halard.

       

    



    



     In its most traditional and simplest form: as an         
     obelisk supporting climbing plants.

                           Here, trellis work graces a fence, vase,
                           bench, and chairs (and is the inspiration
                           for the patterned cushion) for a very
                           formal and elegant look.
                      

 
  In a more contemporary setting, it provides
  privacy between neighbouring balconies.












In a more formal setting, again, it acts as a strong focal point in the garden providing architectural drama and support for climbing roses.

     




      On the left it adds simple graphic appeal to a garden door, and
      below, it creates a poolside focal point and suggests a sense
      of depth through the mirrored archways in the centre of the
      structure.

 

Photo Credits: Opening image and "Her Makeover" section, D. Sleziak;

Francois Halard picture through Trunk Achive; Trianon vase via Elle Decor;

Other images from Accents of France.

The Big Chill

As August creeps in, the temperature creeps up.  The height of summer brings with it a deep desire for cold, refreshing treats.  Frozen pops and elegant ices are the perfect palette pleaser.  With a sophistication that belies the ease of preparation, these desserts satisfy young and old alike.  Keeping with the simplicity of summer, the ingredient count is minimal -- say berries, yogurt and lemon juice, or fruit, sugar and a squeeze of citrus.  No fancy appliances or gizmoes required. Just a blender and fresh produce.  For children, serve on a stick by freezing the concoctions in moulds or paper cups (insert the stick after one half hour of freezing).  For an elegant dessert that is dinner-party worthy, freeze mixture in a shallow container and shave off slivers, piling them high is a pretty serving vessel.  Summer satisfaction guaranteed.

Inspiration -- fresh blackberries

Finished product -- blackberry and yogurt Tie Dye Ice Pops

Ice It

For a simple, fat- and lactose-free dessert, consider ices.  Tangy yet sweet, mango ice is flecked with lime.  With only three ingredients -- mango, lime (juice and rind), and superfine sugar -- this ice is more delicious than you can imagine.  Other suggestions for adults: the Pinot Noir-Infused Blackberry or Raspberry Limoncello ices from the Every Food blog. 

Key ingredients of mango and lime

Mango ice ready for serving

Recipe Finder

Recipes for the desserts featured above and those noted below see Martha Stewart Living:

• Tie Dye Ice Pops
• Blueberry Pops
• Creamy Orange Pops
• Fudge Pops
• Striped Ice Pops
• Neapolitan Pops
• Fruit Salad Pops
• Melon-Berry Pops
• Firecracker Ice Pops

At Canadian Living you can find recipes for the more unusual PB and J Ice Pops and Mango Kulki Pops.

Finally, the latest edition of American Vogue offers ten tasty recipes, including Caipirinha, Raspberries and Cream and Strawberry Ice. 

Photos D. Sleziak