Decorating home-made cakes for occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, children's parties, christenings or weddings is a perennially popular subject. Nothing is nicer than receiving a cake that has that personal touch.

The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Cake Decorating contains all the know-how and recipes needed to make and decorate cakes that are incredibly simple and quick-to-make yet look absolutely stunning. There are cakes for all occasions – Christmas, Easter, Hallowe'en, birthdays and anniversaries.

All the most popular methods of icing and decoration are covered, from buttercream, sugarpaste (fondant) and chocolate, to royal icing and marzipan. Detailed, easy-to follow instructions explain the basics of preparing and using the different types of icing, followed by recipes for imaginative cakes for each method, all illustrated with step-by-step photographs.

There are fantastic cakes to suit adults and children alike, all of which can be achieved for a fraction of the normal retail cost. Beginners will pick up the basics fast and even experienced cake decorators will find some

Carol Deacon is an experienced cake decorator and demonstrator who began her career in 1992 working with Jane Asher. In 1993 she was the winner of an icing contest sponsored by a leading food magazine and was later appointed cake consultant to an international chain store.

She is the author of the highly successful Perfect Party Cakes Made Easy, Carol Deacon's Party Cakes for Children and No Time Party Cakes, also published by New Holland. Carol writes regularly for various food magazines including Cake Craft and Decoration and demonstrates regularly on television.