“Anything you like.”

Three words that sound wonderful when you're a baker.

And then immediately become slightly terrifying.

Because what does anything you like actually mean?

I have had customers give me complete freedom with a cake, and initially I think, Amazing. I can finally do whatever I want.

Then I start overthinking.

Chocolate or vanilla?

Simple or elaborate?

Fresh flowers or no flowers?

Minimal or colourful?

And suddenly I need more information.

The funny thing is that most people don't actually mean anything.

They usually mean, “I trust you, but I know what I don't like.”

And I completely understand that.

A cake is personal. It is usually being ordered for someone they know well, so there are things they want and things they definitely don't want.

I've learnt to ask a few questions now.

Favourite colours?

Favourite flavours?

Who is the cake for?

Anything you absolutely don't want?

Sometimes that is enough.

And sometimes the customer genuinely gives me complete freedom.

Those are the orders I enjoy a lot.

There is something nice about being trusted with a blank canvas.

But I have also learnt not to get too excited about the words “anything you like.”

Because there is always a possibility that anything comes with a very specific Pinterest reference five minutes later.

And yes, I still open it.

Because apparently I have learnt nothing.