Follow the directions on the cake mix box, but just before pouring the batter into the tube pan, add the sprinkles.

Mix them quickly and gently with as few strokes as possible and pour the batter into the pan immediately. If you mix and pour too slowly, the colors may bleed and color the surrounding batter.

Make the frosting right before you plan to apply it so that it doesn't set. For best results, apply the frosting, sprinkles, and decoration no more than an hour before serving.

Combine the gelatin and water in a small saucepan.

Let it stand until thick.

Set the pan over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin dissolves.

Don't let it boil, as that would reduce the gelling power of the gelatin.

Remove the gelatin from the heat. While it cools a bit, combine the cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl.

Whip them with an electric mixer until the mixture thickens slightly.

Gradually pour the liquid gelatin (don't let it set) into the whipped cream mixture and continue to beat at slow speed until blended. Then whip it at high speed until it's stiff and peaks form when you lift the beaters.

Frost the completely cooled cake with a generous, fluffy layer, making swirls and peaks as you go.

Add confetti (colored sprinkles) and the sparkly year decoration. (Tip: We applied the sprinkles to the sides of the cake by lightly tossing them against the frosting. After we stuck our store-bought metallic sprays entwined with a star garland into the cake, we cut a 2-inch star out of paper, wrote the year numerals on it, and taped it to the sprays.) Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.