Cake decorating is easier—and the results are better—if you’ve prepared your cake well. That starts at the very beginning, with the pan you bake it in. Here are the seven steps you should take to make everything go smoothly:

1. Pick the right pan and prep it well:

A shiny or light-colored pan (i.e. not dark nonstick) will turn out a light and tender cake. Grease it well and the cake will come out intact, which will make it easier to frost (there’ll be no holes to fill in!). Here’s the foolproof way to do it:

3.  Measure for even layers:

For layer cakes that call for slicing cakes in half, allow cake to cool and use a ruler for accuracy. Measure halfway up cake’s side and mark that point with a toothpick. Continue measuring and marking all around the cake. Using a long serrated knife, begin cutting the cake in half using the toothpicks as your guide.

4.  Brush off crumbs:

This quick and easy step will help your frosting stick better. Once your cake has cooled, use your hand to brush off any loose crumbs sticking to the cake. Brush off top, bottoms and sides, then set cake on a clean surface.

7.  Choose your look:

Will you frost your cake with flawlessly smooth sides and sharp edges or cover it with an entire garden scene of piped rosettes, leaves and grass? Think it through and collect the tools you’ll need. Then, we’ll show you how to bring your design to life.

How to Frost a Cake With Smooth Sides & Sharp Edges

Everyone will think your cake was bakery bought when you serve up a beauty with smooth sides and sharp edges. The key to pulling it off is applying a crumb coat so your final layer of frosting looks flawless.

How to Decorate the Sides of Your Cake

A sweet (or salty) ring—or skirt—of decorations can really make your cake pop. The key to pulling off this technique is working while your frosting is still fresh, so the decorations stick.

How to Decorate You Cake with Drips

For an elegant look and indulgent taste, drips are the way to go. The trick is to get the temperature of your topping just right, so it flows nicely. You’ll also want to apply your drips just before serving for the prettiest look.

How to Decorate a Cake with Piping

Impressive piping is something you can master—we promise! We’ll start with five simple piping techniques. The key to success with all of these is to avoid overfilling your piping bag. With a bag that’s only half full, you’ll have more control.

• To pipe a leaf: Use a leaf tip. Apply a short burst of pressure, then stop. Move your tip in a line to complete the shape.

• To pipe grass: Use a grass tip or multi-opening tip. Apply a short burst of pressure to keep the grass from getting too long. Release pressure and then lift up to finish a clump. Pipe grass clumps close together.

• To pipe stars or star flowers: Use a medium or large star tip. Hold the bag up straight. Apply pressure, stop and lift up to finish each shape.

• To pipe a dot: Use a large round tip. With your top hand, apply more pressure to create a large dot and less pressure to create a small dot. Stop applying pressure and lift up tip to finish.

How to Give Your Cake an Ombre Fade

This magical look is so much easier than you might imagine. The only trick is to (again) avoid overfilling your piping bag. If you’re using plastic piping bags, it’s helpful to prepare bags before you begin, so you don’t have to pause.