Butter frosting
1/3 c butter, softened
4 c confectioner's sugar
1.5 tsp vanilla
about 2 tbsp cream or milk

Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla on low speed until well mixed.  Then add milk or cream until the frosting is of spreading consistency.

You can make this:
chocolate flavored by adding about 1/2 c cocoa
coffee flavored by adding about 2 tbsp toddy (soak about 1/2 c coarsely ground coffee in about 1 c water overnight.  Drain the coffee from the grounds)
Orange, mint, lemon, etc flavored by adding 1 tsp of the appropriate extract
colored by adding food coloring

Sources:  Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Meredith Publishing, 1962.

Notes:  Standard American frosting.  Stiff enough to form lettering for cake decorating.