Impromptu cake party

Recently it was one of my best mate's birthday's.  Usually, we plan to catch up for dinner, or I organise to buy her something 'indulgent' like a massage or pedicure. Unfortunately (for her I guess) this time I was still in hospital when her big day arrived and we didn't get to enjoy our normal festive fun. 
However, we made up for it this weekend! Knowing I wasn't going to get a chance to shop or find something fun as a gift, I asked Michelle to tell me her favourite cake. Of course, it was chocolate, so on a warm Sunday morning we had a bit of a birthday cake celebration.
One of my favourite 'go-to' cakes is the double layer chocolate cake by Deb at Smitten Kitchen. No, my cake looks no where near as good as hers (cake makers/decorators, my hat goes off to your talents!), but it sure tasted really good. 
Now, I'd had no intentions of 'styling' anything for this. It was genuinely a quick catch up, for coffee and cake.... BUT, 10 minutes before they arrived, I decided to throw a few things together to make the whole 'event' seem a little more exciting. SO - this was my last minute efforts... 

 I added a couple of store bought sugar flowers to the top of the cake. Put the cake on a lovely stand, and added some pink and white linen to the table (I even dragged out the iron and did a VERY quick iron... please party lovers, don't underestimate how much creased linens detract from your table!).

I rummaged through my 'pink prop' basket and found half used store stock... and ta da... we have a pink and white table, fit for a birthday cake celebration!
What's your favourite go to recipe for a divine cake? I'd love to know and give some a go!