Cake makers and decorators - I need your help!!

[SaintDeliasprotegee]

I'm making a birthday cake for MIL's 70th birthday. I'm having the party at my house and will have loads to do on the day (party is a lunch in the garden) so I need to do the cake beforehand (would love to do a summer fruits gateaux with cream and stuff but I'm sure it would go too soggy if I make it beforehand). What I was thinking of was a chocolate fudge cake then decorated with lots of summer fruits, I was thinking of possibly making the fruit look frosted (sugar and egg whites...I'm not sure of quantities??)
Basically any tips, recipe, help would be brilliant - thanks

LOL at sparkly brocoli.

What do you reckon to the recipe ComeOveneer?

Oh you must you must you must. Just because she's 70 why shouldn't she have glitter? I used it on my mums 87's birthday cake last week!

LOL Seeker. I may make one bit of fruit sparkly just for you!

This is the recipe I use. I find the buttermilk makes it lovely and moist.

COV - I've just printed that out, looks fab!! What size tin do you use? Also a couple of people mentioned covering it with foil to stop it burning towards the end of cooking...do you do that?

I have these and this to ensure even cooking. I use various size tins depending on what size of cake I am making.

That way it doesn't burn, nor get that bulge in the middle.