Today we were at a friend’s for a final Christmas celebration. The smorgasborg was esquisite but then came the cake.
Of course, the cake would be worth showing you simply because the decoration is so pretty. As this blog, however, is about gardening rather than food unless it relates to something growing, the question therefore is: can you tell me what the leaves are?
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About Helen
I have always been interesting in living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle and used to do what I could. Now, I have come to realise that we have reached such a point in terms of environmental degradation that it is more important - perhaps - to focus on building resilience. I therefore do as much as I can to reuse, grow my own and encourage a supportive community, for example. I also keep reading and learning all the time.
Growing out of chaos 
The berry arrangement just screams ‘Ilex’… The fact that it is spiky too just reinforces it.
No idea how they got rid of the fleshy bits though. O.o
Yes, ilex! The berries were marzipan – so we ate those 😊 – but the leaves were real. My friend actually found them already in their skeletonised state, on the ground.
Skeletonised holly leaves sprayed gold?
Nice looking cake. 🙂
Spot on! I think the gold is edible icing – my daughter did some icing of gingerbread while we were there with the same stuff.
My friend was so pleased that I wanted to take a photo and put it on my blog 😊.
I’ve often seen them under holly trees but never thought of putting them to use – it really does look incredible.
I will pass the compliment on to my friend 😊.
Personally, I’ve not noticed skeletonised holly leaves but I often used to make other leaves like this when I was a kid (not knowing there might be any artistic merit in it).
I’ve lurked under many holly trees in my days as a jobbing garderner. 🙂
😊
That is pretty indeed! Cute too 🙂
I will pass on your compliment to my friend 😊.
😀
That is an exquisite cake! Oh my goodness, the artistry. My first thought was oak, followed by elm. Are those skeleton leaves dipped i something or delectable works of a talented pastry chef?
My friend found the holly leaves already skeletonised and boiled them before using them on the cake. She didn’t mention the gold but I’m guessing it was edible icing.
I’m glad you appreciate the artistry, Alys. People’s hidden talents, eh?
That’s fascinating. Of course they’re holly…that makes sense. I never would have guessed about the process though.
And yes…hidden talents indeed.
This is lovely cake – your friend is certainly a talented baker! And the holly leaves are just beautiful.
Have a wonderful new year, and I look forward to your gardening adventures in 2017.
Best
Connie
Thank you, Connie!
All the best to you and your family for 2017 .
Lovely cake. I think I’ve accidentally deleted your comment on my Christmas post on my blog – sorry – it wasn’t intentional! I hope you are having a good festive season
Thank you, Jackie. I hope you are having a good time, too!