URGENT - ordering cake decorating supplies right now and not sure about icing...

[IlanaK]

I am ordering some supplies for making fairy cakes at Christmas: cake cases, sprinkles, etc. I am getting food boxes as I want to present some as gifts.

So, what icing do I need? I want to stick on some gold sparkles so I assume roll out type icing won't work. Do I just mix up some icing sugar? But this never looks very neat. Is there something else?

Thanks!

Anyone???

I do mine with instant royal icing - it's thicker and glossier than water icing, and tastes nice too

Ah ok. I assume I can get that in a supermarket and don't have to order it then. Does it set hard? Can you sprinkle stuff on while it's wet?

You need poured fondant icing. You mix and heat on the hob, pour on the cupcakes, and it sets, so it is like shop bought. But be quick with adding decorations, it sets fast!

The way I mix it, it sets soft, and you can sprinkle stuff on while it's wet.

You get it in the supermarket, normally by the icing sugar

Ah, I see. Ok, so how to choose between fondant and royal icing?