My friend asked for my help to decorate a cake for the 80th birthday of a local retired race horse trainer.
As this was for an adult, and I did not know him, plus had to take into account my friend's lack of a craft bone - I made all decorations in cardstock.
Yes, she was most impressed. I provided all the decorations and guided her on icing and decorating.
My favourite 4 year old (her son) was MOST unhappy that I would not let him help because I knew how important this was for my friend...sucks being 4 sometimes.
I was told that the cake recipient, normally a reticent man - would take friends especially to show off his birthday cake - that is success.