Ice the cake over with almond paste, royal icing, and boiled icing, then add one of the following:

1. Small leaves of shamrock, made out of slices of pistachio nuts, arranged in a wreath round the top.

2. Tiny fancy crackers arranged round the side of the cake and kept in place with icing, with crackers or a small figure on the top.

3. A design of leaves and flowers cut out of green and red candied fruits, and arranged as a spray on the top.

4. Red and green brochettes, either whole or cut in halves, and set in the royal icing; these cost is. 2d. a pound, and weigh light.

5. Tiny silvered balls arranged here and there in the piped design.

6. Any suitable motto or greeting piped in white or coloured icing on the top.