Several days in advance: Make 30 garland valances in royal icing. Cover pattern with waxed paper and fill in area with tip 16 zigzags. Make extras to allow for breakage and let dry. Also in advance: Make 30 tip 103 roses in royal icing; make extras to allow for breakage and let dry.

If used without cake plate, prepare base using triple-thick cardboard or foamcore; wrap with foil. Ice 2-layer cakes smooth and prepare for push-in pillar construction. Divide 8 in. cake in 6ths, 12 in. cake in 8ths and 16 in. cake in 12ths. Pipe tip 18 shell bottom border on all cakes.

At reception: Assemble cakes. Attach garland valances at division marks, with ends about 1 in. from edge of cake; press very lightly to attach. Pipe tip 2 triple drop strings from 3/4 to 1 1/2 in. deep at center of valance and tip 2 double drop strings from 3/4 to 1 in. deep on each side of valance in royal icing. Add tip 2 dots at string points. Position a rose at each division point on cake tops. add tip 352 leaves in buttercream. Position ornament.