I've been asked to make a coconut 3-layer cake for an 86-year-old lady for her Birthday. I asked about putting the coconut icing as filling and using fondant as a covering but she definitely wants the traditional coconut icing. They don't want a lot of decoration but they would like something nice and maybe a "Happy Birthday" plaque. I thought about doing fondant lace around the side of the cake but I'm not sure if any fondant decoration will stick to the coconut icing. Any help or good ideas will be greatly appreciated.

I'm not familiar with the color of the coconut icing. Is it white? If so how about a nice bright pink tropical florer or two. Or if it's that brown stuff, how about a chocolate coconut half with a cocktail umbrella in it.

Why don't you toast coconut, and put that all around the sides (I do this w/ my Italian Cream Cakes), then do a pretty top border... and just some nice flowers.

This was an inspiration from monstersmom. She too has a cake similar to this one..
It was absolutly wonderful.. the combinations worked wonderful.. everyone raved about this cake when I made it..
Coconut cake, whipped cream icing and i just padded coconut all over it and drizzled chocolate icing (store bought) over the top.. just melted it in the microwave.. A plaque would work wonderful on this cake!!!

When I was growing up, coconut cake was what I always requested for my birthday. My mom always put a spray of gumdrop roses on it, and I thought it was so, so special. She didn't try to write over that bumpy surface, but that was OK....I knew it was "my" cake, anyway.

Thanks everyone. Yes, it is white. The toasted coconut is a good idea and the pink flowers. Brians baker, That cake with the chocolate ganache topper is so beautiful, I actually have it saved in my favorites. I'm just not sure if she wants any chocolate at all. I think I will ask her though. Crimsicle, I'm with you..coconut cake is so good it really needs no decoration.

I was thinking about a gumpaste or colorflow plaque.. just a thought

Hmm..I didn't think of colorflow. I've never used it. Is it difficult?

Here is a plaque I made with Fondant, royal icing for border and writing.. Used gold luster dust on the edges. and add water to brown dye to get the old antique look to the plaque.. I had so much fun making this one..

I absolutely love it. Thank you for your help. That is one beautiful border on that cake too!