I think this is what the term ‘edible art’ was invented for. Having played a blinder with my son’s Star Wars cake, I commissioned Sara Allen Cakes from Longwick, near Princes Risborough, to come up with something for my 7 year old daughter who was having a horse-riding party… and this is the result. I mean, WOW.

I was just blown away by the attention to detail – check out the bridal stitching and the spookily lifelike eye – and it was the hit of the party. All the kids were amazed, and it tasted great too, a lovely light vanilla sponge with jam and cream, as requested by the birthday girl.

Even more incredible is that Sara doesn’t do this job full-time, she’s usually found running a trampolining school in Stoke Mandeville! But her passion has developed into a brilliant sideline and it’s easy to see why she’s getting such a great reputation around this part of Bucks. I love all the sculpting and shading and creativity which, hand on heart, I can’t say is apparent when I’m blobbing iced lettering onto my rock hard fairy cakes.

Obviously you don’t have to go horrendously over the top like me – Sara does normal cakes at normal prices though a creation like this is bespoke, with prices starting at £85. But truly, for the impact it makes and the relief of knowing that at least one section of your party-planning will go without a hitch, sometimes it’s worth spending the money on a thoroughbred, don’t you think?

saraallencakes.co.uk. Tel: 01844 347555; 07740486868