I planned a wonderful baby shower and all was "perfect" until the guest-of-honor found a large metal icing tip in her piece of cake. It wasn't baked in the cake - it had frosting in it so it must have been dropped between the layers when frosting. I'm wondering what's the best course of action. The cake was beautiful and no damage was done, but I want to acknowledge the problem to the bakery and let the guest-of-honor know I didn't dismiss the error.

I would tell the bakery the truth (no damage done, but concern about any other mistakes) and ask them what they want to do about it. If they waffle or ask you what you would like, have an answer ready. I would want a partial refund; I think I would want at least half. Local reputation is everything with bakeries.

Hello m:

Write a letter to the bakery and send a copy to the guest of honor.

excon

And it will be a wonderful laugh in years to come, No party, no wedding, no event is ever really "perfect"

It is definitely something that the bakery needs to know about so that they can take extra care in the future. It is up to you to decide just how upset you are about the incident. If you feel that it was a minor oops. Treat it that way.

Be honest with them. Let them know how beautiful the cake was and that you appreciate the hard work put into it, but that there was an incident with an icing tip.

If you aren't angry or upset and no damage was done, you might handle the incident with a bit of humor by asking if they want the tip back (I hope you still have it in case they want proof.) The guest-of-honor will then know you listened to her concern and the bakery will be put on notice.

If you want compensation or they offer any, instead of money, you might look into cupcakes or cookies to welcome the little one home when she or he arrives.

Any reputable business would be grateful to know what happened with the cake.

That kind of carelessness could have happened on a birthday cake for six year olds, and a kid could have choked on it.

I would return the icing tip, the owner will know what to do with it.