Icing Inspiration

I've been thinking about my Christmas cake. It's sat on the top shelf in a cupboard in the kitchen, and it's taking all of my will power not to pull it down and ice it now. Sadly it's over 4 week and four hundred miles South until the day. But I've been roaming Pinterest for decorating ideas, and I thought I'd share with you what I've found so far.

Disclaimer: All images are from Pinterest - if you know who they belong to I'll happily credit them or take them down.

I love the draped snow effect of this one, and it's all just so fun in general!

My Mum loves deer, so this would be right up her street. But I have no idea how I'd do the tartan look. I guess I could do it in another colour but the tartan is so lovely - any suggestions?

A Christmas tree made of stars! How lovely! The silver ball bearings could be coloured for real decorations.

I really love the 3D trees on this one, and the glitter. But I probably wouldn't bother with the cut out shapes round the outside, I don't think they add that much to the cake.

I love love love this. I only have one layer, but it could definitely look as good. But how does one create this magical effect? Lots of little dots of icing? No idea.

RETRO! I wouldn't do this I don't think, but so fun, I couldn't leave it out.

We're coming in to the real contenders now. This wreath is beautiful, although I would need to get my hands on a holly cutter. I could maybe do it with real holly leaves from the garden, which would match the table centre piece beautifully, but it wouldn't be as satisfying to cut into - having to take the greenery off first.

I think this is maybe more of a winter cake than a Christmas cake, but I can think of a few ways to make it a bit more festive. The bunting could be red and green, or could be mini paper chains. Or, it could even be winter leaves to make a little garland. I'd definitely use rolly icing too, not butter cream. You can't beat rolly icing and marzipan on a Christmas cake.

Finally, the winner I think. Although my point about rolly icing still stands, the rest of it is so beautiful and simple. I'll have to source a snowflake cutter, but that shouldn't be too hard. If I make the snowflakes a few days ahead, they'll be ice and stiff so they stand up just like in the picture. Have you got any ideas about what you're going to do with your Christmas cakes yet?