Cake decorating involves adding various elements to a cake such as frosting, fondant, piping, and edible decorations to make it more visually appealing. The basics of cake decorating include choosing the right tools and equipment, selecting a suitable frosting or fondant, creating a smooth and even surface for the cake, using various piping techniques to create designs and patterns, and adding edible decorations such as candies, fruits, and flowers. Also, having a steady hand and practice is essential to producing professional-looking cake decorations.