Hot Hosting & Entertaining How-Tos
How To: Bake chocolate coin cookies for Hanukkah
Chocolate coin cookies are one of the many delicious traditional foods associated with Hanukkah. This video will teach you how to back these tasty kosher desserts for your next Hanukkah party or just because they taste really, really dang good.
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 DIY Uncle Sam hat for the 4th of July
The Easter Bunny, the Santa Clause of the 4th of July in unquestionably Uncle Sam, the lanky ol' icon of American patriotism. Watch this video to learn how to make a cool replica of his iconic top hate to wear to your next 4th of July party or other patriotic event.
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: Make a DIY hot air balloon table centerpiece
Party centerpieces are something of a lost art, but this video will show you how to make a really original one quickly and easily. It looks like a hot air balloon, and requires only a basket, a balloon, some ribbon, and flowers.
How To: Make squash and gourd luminaries for Halloween and Thanksgiving
Nothing says fall like gourds and squashes covering surface you never thought you'd see them covering. If you like gourds and squashes and want to make them into jack o' lantern-like luminaries for your next holiday party, this video will show you how to do it.
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: Make an Awesome DIY Statue of Liberty Crown for the 4th of July
Lady Liberty's crown is one of the proudest symbols of America. If you are looking for a fun easy way to make your American Day (4th of July) attire more patriotic, check out this video to learn how to make a DIY Statue of Liberty crown to wear the big party.
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: Customize a pinata buster stick
In this tutorial, we learn how to customize a pi–ata buster stick. First, choose a couple streamer colors that match the theme of your party. Next, roll the streamer around the stick, covering the entire stick. Tape down the end on both sides so the streamers stay on. Next, wrap a different color streamer around the stick and tape that down as well. You can also add on ribbon around the stick to make it more decorative. When finished, make sure everything is taped down at the end and you will...
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: Fold napkin roll-ups with silverware inside
Folding napkins takes precision, but a simple napkin rollup is the easiest of them all. You don't need to be a professional caterer or waiter to get this method down. Watch and learn how to make a nice, snug, rolled napkin with silverware inside. It's the most common way to present silverware at restaurants.
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: Identify different types of dinner glassware
Don't know much about the dinner table? You know the basics: you eat from a plate, you use silverware to shovel it in and you drink from glassware. But what about if you're at a fancy dinner? Would you be able to distinguish a juice cup from a champagne glass? A white wine glass from a martini glass? If not, these two videos will show you which ones are which.
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: Chill drinks quickly at a party using ice and salt
In the midst of all your party planning it's easy to forget the little things, such as purchasing napkins for your guests or even remembering to cool your sodas and tonic waters before the event starts.
How To: Make double bows
In this tutorial, we learn how to make a double bow with Sandy. First, take two satin ribbons of different colors and place one on top of the other. Leave a long tail, then make a large loop and scrunch it in. Make a loop on the top and a loop on the bottom. Each should get a half a twist and be opposite of the one you made before it. Practice with a single ribbon before you do this one. After you have six loops, create four more to make a bigger bow. When finished, you will have six large lo...
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: Box a tablecloth for catered events
Boxing a table doesn't mean getting into the ring, but it does require a certain degree of skill to successfully complete. Boxing the tablecloth is a great technique for any occasion or party, and every caterer should know these moves.
How To: Set the dinner table properly with glass & silverware
A great dinner party is great because of presentation, and you know that everything has its place on the table, but where exactly does everything go? Learn about the placement of everything, from silverware to glassware.
How To: Make a cheap, no sew table runner for baby showers
In this clip, learn how to spruce up your entire house for a baby or bridal shower using just three yards of fabric. This decoration is super cheap and requires no sewing at all. You don't need to be very crafty to make your party look fantastic with the tips in this instructional video.
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: Origami your own party invitations for a unique touch
Your guests will be very impressed with all the effort you put into these origami invitations. In this clip, learn how to make a totally unique invitation for your next event. These origami letters will set the perfect tone for your next gathering. Have fun!
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: Craft a paper purse for your mom on Mother's Day
Are you stumped about the perfect gift to bring your mom? How about a beautiful paper purse? Moms love artwork from their kids, and they especially love practical items like purses. If you can't afford a real purse (if you're a kid), the next best thing is to make her a real one!
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: Save money on wedding invitations without skimping
One of the most expensive parts of a wedding is often the invitations. In this tutorial, learn how to order your invites the right way so that you save a ton of cash, but don't lose any of the quality.
How To: Fold napkins beautifully for Thanksgiving
If you've found yourself visiting a few too many fast food restaurants, you've probably forgotten the beauty that napkins can amount to when given the proper fold and tuck.