I have to make two 1/4 sheet birthday cakes. One is for an army colonel and one is for an army lieutenant. for the colonel i will probably make a BCT of the colonel eagle and for the LT the LT insignia and "Happy Birthday ......" I will also probably will do a rope border. is that enough? I am concerned, that it will look too plain and I also don't want to put flowers on it (it's a guy thing i think LOL). any simple ideas to dress the cake up a little bit?

Not that it would need anything else but you could always add an American flag or flag drape!

I think it will look great like you described!

My DH is military and I can tell you they generally dont like anything with alot of frills. If you want to add more do something partriotic - are they both in the same unit - you could do the unit crest or something with the flag....Camo is always a good thing too...If you get a chance could you explain your rope border...I have a military retirement cake this weekend that I would like to try it out on. Thanks!

My hubby is in the military and I've done quite a few cakes for him... Here's a couple.. The flag cake was my first attempt so it's not the best..My flag was way too narrow.. Anyway, I thought these pics might help you.

Thanks Ladies for the help. I probably will go with what I came up with

@cakecre8or: I have absolutely no idea how to make a rope border. I am looking at pictures and try to figure it out. I think I read something about using one of the star or shell tips and "swirl" the rope...??? I am going to practice

@tami: Your cakes are AWSOME! I only charge $35 for both cakes. I cut a deal with the secretary. It is a surprise from her to her two bosses and she couldnt come up with a lot of money. I'm probably going to use up most of the money for the ingredients, because I use cakemix extenders (darn good chocolate cake with strawberry frosting as filling and snickerdoodle cake with cinnamon frosting filling from the cake mix doctor book). BTW.. just checked your pics. YOU MADE THAT HAT CAKE, which I absolutely LOVE!!!