Hot Hosting & Entertaining How-Tos

How To: Make a spooky smoking punch bowl for your Halloween party

Hosting your own party for Halloween this year and want to really set the tone for the party? Some people have one of those smoking punch bowls that are somewhat like a smoking cauldron. Looking to make the same effect? Well you will need to get some dry ice, but regardless of that, you should probably watch this video first to get the tips on making the proper smoking punch bowl with the right tips for safety and more.

How To: Create a spooky Halloween sign for your front yard

When setting up your decorations for Halloween, you want to make sure that you create a good spooky atmosphere. A simple effect is putting up signs warning away trick or treaters and "all ye who enter". In this video you will learn how to make an awesome yard sign for Halloween that'll help create the mood for any great decoration set up outside!

How To: Make a cute DIY 4th of July centerpiece

The 4th of July is when Americans celebrate our independence. Why not celebrate yours by making this cute 4th of July centerpiece decoration instead of buying one at the store? This video will show you how a jar, some candy, and other basic supplies become a great decoration.

How To: Trick your Trick or Treaters on Halloween

In this video, we learn how to trick your trick or treaters on Halloween. You will need strong tape and a glove to do this trick. First, loop the tape and place it on as much surface area of the glove as you can (on the palm). Now, put the glove on your hand and wait for the trick or treaters to come. Now, take one piece of candy from the basket, making sure it's touching your hand. After this, place your hand in the bag and push it off, picking up other pieces of candy. Once you do this, you...

How To: Make holiday brunch ahead of time

In this video, we learn how to make holiday brunch ahead of time. Simple holiday brunch can take the pressure off and let you relax with your loved ones. Everything can be done a day ahead to let you do last minute tasks in just minutes. An overnight bread, cheese, and egg custard can sit in the fridge overnight so all you have to do in the morning is pop it into the oven. Try looking for coffee cakes that only take a few ingredients. Also, if you are making a salad, shred the lettuce ahead o...

How To: Wrap a present

In this tutorial, we learn how to wrap a present. First, lay the wrapping paper on a flat surface and cut it so it's wide enough to fit the gift. After this, place the present in the middle of the paper and fold one side out to the edge, then make a crease and tape it. Now, take the other side and fold it up the side, then make a crease and tape that. After this, you will bring the sides up and fold the creases on the bottom and on the top. Next, make creases on the side of the box and then t...

How To: Wrap a gift so it comes out perfect every time

In this video, we learn how to wrap a gift so it comes out perfect every time. Start off by unrolling the wrapping paper out on a flat surface and cutting out a large square. After this, place the box upside down onto the wrapping paper. After this, meet the two ends to the middle of the gift and tape it down. Next, start to crease the edges of the sides down and flip the gift over. After this, push the top of the sides down, then tape it. Push the sides and bottom up and then tape it togethe...

How To: Make a holiday wreath on a budget

In this tutorial, we learn how to make a holiday wreath on a budget. You will need: branches, round wire frame, Next, buy some holiday flowers, and ribbon. First, start to arrange your branches with some wire and mix different types of branches together. After this, start to add in the flowers and some holly to the branches as well. Tie these tight in different bunches so that you have a more secure bundle. After this, start to wrap them around the round metal frame that you have, then situat...

How To: Make easy custom ornaments from clear bulb ornaments

In this video, we learn how to make easy custom ornaments from clear bulb ornaments. First, you will need to grab your clear ornament, then grab some glitter glue and pour it into the middle of the bulb. Continue to fill in different colors into the bulb, then wipe off the top and shake it so the colors cover the entire bulb. The more you shake it, the more the colors will mix. After this has dried, place the clips back into the middle of the bulb, then you can hang this on your tree. This is...

How To: Fold cloth napkins into silverware holders

In this tutorial, we learn how to fold cloth napkins into silverware holders. First, grab a dinner napkin and take the end to fold it in half. Now, fold it in half again so you have a small square. Now, fold the corner down half way and fold it down again. Then, flip it over and repeat this. Then, fold the top over and flip it over again. After this, place your silverware inside of the napkin and you will be ready to set your table! This takes just a few minutes and makes the look of any dinn...

How To: Make paper Christmas gift bows

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make paper gift bows. Begin by cutting 12 one inch wide strips of paper. Then fold the strip over to itself to create a cone shape and tape it together to hold it. Do the same for the other 3 strips. This will be the bottom of the bow. Glue the 4 pieces together. Do the same thing as the first 4 strips and create a second and third layer on the bow. Finish by making a small cylinder and glue it to the center of the bow. This video will benefit thos...

How To: Set a table for a dinner party

In this tutorial, we learn how to set a table for a dinner party. On the left side of the plate should be your forks. First will be the tiny fork, then salad fork, then dinner fork. On the right side will be spoons. The soup spoon, dinner spoon, and knife. At the top should be a coffee spoon and a dessert fork. There should be three glasses, a water glass, a wine glass, and a red wine glass. For the plate, you will have a round dinner plate, salad plate, then votive candle on top. Underneath ...

How To: French serve a catered dinner as a waiter or waitress

Are you a caterer? Maybe you're a new caterer recently employed as a waiter to help serve a huge dinner party… a dinner party requiring French service. Sounds simple, right? You go around and serve people food. But there's more to it than that. There's a whole technique to French serving, and this video will show how to French serve the right way, from proper foot placement, to bending your back correctly, to serving the food off the plate.

How To: Make a sequined sakura (cherry blossom) ornament

Celebrating Christmas in Japan this year? Make your own sakura X-mas ornaments. This video will show you how it's done. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in about 7 minutes' time. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Wrap a gift the easy way

In this tutorial, we learn how to wrap a gift the easy way. To begin, lay the wrapping paper down on a flat surface. Next, lay your gift down upside down on the middle of the paper. Next, fold the paper over half the gift, then tape it. After this, measure the other side to meet in the middle, and make a crease. fold it over the middle and tap it. Now, fold in the sides. To do this, fold in the edges first, then push the top layer down, and bring the bottom layer up. Tape this. Now, turn the ...

How To: Make Mario Party star coin decorations

In this video, we learn how to make Mario Party star coin decorations. First, trace templates for the star coin onto a large piece of gold paper. You can get these templates from CoolPartyBlog. After you have traced the entire outline, retrace using a permanent marker, you want your lines dark and full. Continue doing this for all of the coin stars. Now, take the star template and trace it into the inside of the circles with the permanent marker. When finished, add glitter paint or loose glit...

How To: Dress if you are attending a beach side wedding

In this tutorial, learn all about beach side weddings. You want to look great as a wedding guest but you also want to look appropriate. If you are having trouble deciding what to choose for your wedding attire, check out this tutorial. Lynn Yuen will offer you great advice for colors, styles and even what to wear on your feet. Get a big list of do's and don'ts in this video so you are ready for the big day. Have fun!

How To: Gift Wrap Using Recycled Materials with Threadbanger

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to gift wrap using recycled material. The materials need for this project are: a potato, large paper bag, tape, ribbon and paint. Begin by cutting the potato in half and draw a simple shape onto the sliced surface of the potato. Then cut out the negative part of the shape with a knife. Now open the bottom of the paper bag and cut down the side so that it lays flat. Then brush some paint onto the potato stamp and press it down along the paper to form a...

How To: Make an Irish themed gift basket for St. Patrick's Day

In this tutorial, learn how to make a beautiful traditional Irish themed gift basket for celebrating St. Patrick's Day. Give this gift baskets to guests at your St. Patty's party or save one for that special Irish friend. You can make a game out of it and the winner will receive the basket, or even auction it off! Enjoy this fun and great looking gift at your next Irish get together.

How To: Make a creative gift basket from unique items

In this tutorial, learn how to take funky items from around your home like a picnic basket, an easel, a backpack and other fun things and turn them into creative gift baskets. In this clip, learn how to accessorize the perfect gift box for a creative friend or family member. The recipient will love these personality specific, interesting presents!

How To: Relax and enjoy your wedding day

It can be difficult to remember to relax on your wedding day. All of the stress from planning and the excitement of the day can really get in the way of you actually enjoying this amazing step. Take a deep breath and check out this video from Fine Living for some helpful advice on how to stay in the moment on your big day.

How To: Buy an appropriate gift for someone's second marriage

In this tutorial from Fine Living, you will get the rundown on wedding gifts. When a friend or family member gets married for the second time, it can be difficult to know what is appropriate to buy them. In this video, you will learn all about the rules that go along with second weddings and what the do's and don'ts are for presents.

How To: Make a CD case frame for dad on Father's Day

This how-to video will show you how to make a cool and unique CD case frame for your dad on Father's Day, to make him feel all special inside. Nobody else will have a frame like this! This crafty project is a great way to recycle CD cases you no longer need, and doesn't cost you a dime!

How To: Make a lighted holiday bow

What a unique bow. Your gifts will be beautiful under the Christmas tree. Materials you will need are: plastic wrap, hot glue, LEDs, scissors, pliers duct tape, glue gun and glue, toothpicks and 3 volt batteries. First you take the plastic wrap and cut it about 5 times the size your bow is going to be. Take the end and push it together. Now make one side of the bow, push together, and make the other side of the bow. Keep going back and forth until the plastic wrap is at the end. The left over...

How To: Make a bow for any occasion

This Hosting & Entertaining video tutorial will show you how to make a bow for any occasion. LeAnn Dolan, owner of Ecru Modern Stationer, shares her secret of creating a wonderful gift pack topper. For this you will need two pieces of ribbon of same color and of course the gift box. First wrap the gift box with one piece of ribbon around all four sides, tie a knot at the center of the box. Then with the other piece of ribbon, make plenty of loops wrapping them at the center till the whole len...