I don't know if there is a specific name for this, but it's where the top tier is at an angle and there are usually flowers or fondant to replicate tissue paper hiding the support.

My questions are: 1. have I totally confused you and 2. how do I do it?

Thanks all!
Lori/lorabell

Do you mean like a gift box or shoe box?

Do you mean like this: http://cakecentral.com/gallery/1749866 ?

I think it's mostly done by a stand and then you put the flowers, etc in the gap