I like to use buttercream or cream cheese frosting when I'm decorating large cakes. I don't like using rolled fondant. I think hundreds and thousands, fresh fruit, and chocolate can all be great decorating... depending on what type of cake you're making.
When I make cupcakes some of my most common decorations are fresh figs, candied carrot curls, chocolate moustaches, or other fresh fruit; all depending on the flavour of the cupcakes.