This helps prepare the cake for taking on the pattern embossed onto the paper towel sheets you'll be using (make sure it's a pattern you like), and ensures you don't end up smooshing too-soft ...

A: Embossed tin sheets are not only decorative, but they are practical. They’ll last forever with the occasional coat of fresh paint. There are plenty of patterns available.

According to Etherington & Roberts’ Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, this type of 18th-century decorative paper was known as “Dutch Gilt,” although it was actually produced in Germany and ...