Cake decorating is a fabulous mixture of cookery and art, a blend of relaxation and excitement, with a sprinkling of inspiration, precise care and reckless use of the imagination all thrown in for good measure. "The Essential Guide to Cake Decorating" will lead a newcomer through the simplest basics of this wonderful, colourful pastime, but also contains great ideas and fantastic creations to inspire experienced sugarcrafters. If you have never baked before, but want to make a teddy bear's picnic for your toddler's birthday, or if you are planning a three-tiered traditional cake with cream frangipani for a family wedding, or if you would just like to bake a luscious chocolate gateau for tea with friends, this is the book to show you how to do it.