Howcast

How to Throw a Cookie Exchange Party

Howcast — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:15:35 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Invite friends and neighbors Invite friends and neighbors that have the same affinity for baking as yourself. Stress that they should bring one type of cookie to share with everyone.
TIP: Keep track of who is baking what for the most variety, and award those who respond first with their choice of cookie to bake.
Step 2: Bring enough for everyone Ask everyone to bring a half dozen cookies per person if you have 10 or more people coming. For a smaller gathering, make sure that contributions result in a full dozen cookies per person.
Step 3: Remind people to bring containers Remind your guests to bring plastic containers to take their samples home to share. Ask people to bring copies of their recipe to share as well.
Step 4: Bake a day or two ahead of time Bake your treats a day or two ahead of time and store in an air-tight container until the big day — just try not to indulge in your samples ahead of time.
Step 5: Set up Set up a table where the cookies will be displayed with a festive table cloth. Put out pens and place cards so everyone knows what kind of cookies they are and who made them.
TIP: Plan your exchange around a holiday such as Halloween, Christmas, or even the Fourth of July for an added touch.
Step 6: Set out refreshments Set out refreshments like coffee, tea, water, or milk. If the party is being held around a fall or winter holiday, set out hot chocolate or spiced tea. Now, sit back and enjoy each person’s delicious treats and company.
FACT: In 1922, all 2,000 Girl Scouts regularly sold cookies to raise money for their troop at 25 to 35 cents per dozen.

You Will Need

Plastic containers
Recipe copies
Festive table cloth
Place cards
Refreshments

How to Host a Craft Night

Howcast — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:16:06 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick a location Pick a comfortable location such as a library, book or craft store, or even a local school. Create a rotating schedule if several people volunteer their homes for a craft night.
Step 2: Plan a time Plan a convenient time for everyone. A craft night doesn’t have to be in the evening. A nice afternoon outside, or a knitting party over coffee and muffins can be just as much fun.
TIP: Decide early on if this is going to be a weekly or monthly get-together, or keep things more flexible.
Step 3: Decide who to invite Decide who you would like to invite. Pick either immediate family and relatives, old high school or college friends, or neighbors that share the same interests.
Step 4: Plan a project Surf the web for easy, fun projects that you can teach to your group or try out during your craft night. Get group suggestions or ask kids what they want to create that week.
Step 5: Locate supplies Locate supplies by either having each person bring their own, or collect recyclable materials from around the house.
TIP: Don’t forget the snacks! Something light and quick will be easiest like cookies or pretzels.
Step 6: Practice craft beforehand Practice your craft project beforehand to create a sample to show to everyone.
Step 7: Use name tags Greet each person as they enter, provide name tags if not everyone has met, and be enthusiastic as you chat and show off your crafting skills.
FACT: Elmer’s Glue-All was founded by the Borden Company in 1947.

You Will Need

Comfortable location
Guest list
Supplies
Sample of craft
Name tags
Enthusiasm
Snacks (optional)

How to Throw a Classic Clambake

Howcast — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:32:01 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick your day A few weeks in advance, pick your party day, and invite 10 to 12 of your nearest and dearest.
Step 2: Get permission Long gone are the days of impromptu beach bonfires. Before you start, get the necessary permits by contacting your local park service, fire department, or city office.
Step 3: Dig a practice pit Nothing’s worse than a soggy dinner, so you’ll want to put your cooking pit above the high-tide line. Digging a practice hole a few days in advance ensures you’ll be out of the water’s reach, and will give you an idea of what your dig time will be.
TIP: Your pit will need to be about two feet wide by four feet long by two feet deep.
Step 4: Gather rocks, wood, and seaweed Get enough grapefruit-sized rocks to line the bottom of the pit, and enough dry hardwood to sustain a hot fire for several hours. You’ll need roughly 20 pounds of fresh seaweed, or enough for two thick layers. It’s best if you use rockweed, but if not, douse your seaweed with extra seawater.
TIP: Rockweed, which has small pockets of seawater that add moisture and flavor, can be found on the beach, purchased from a fishmonger, or ordered online at sites like “vitaminseaseaweed.com”:http://vitaminseaseaweed.com.
Step 5: Obey the health code Your ingredients — especially the clams, lobsters, and sausage — will need to survive hours of beach weather without spoiling. Buy live fish on the day of the party, and transport it using insulated coolers with an internal temperature between 32 and 38 degrees. Store the fish (along with your veggies and chorizo) in a shaded spot.
Step 6: Get your fire going On the day of the party, dig your pit, line it with rocks, and stoke a hardwood fire on top of the stones. Feed the fire as necessary to keep it burning hot for about two hours. Let it burn down for about another two hours, or until the wood becomes coals.
TIP: At the end of this process, the rocks should be about 400 degrees.
Step 7: Prep your food Right before your fire finishes burning down, wrap each kind of food — except the lobsters and corn — in its own foil or cheesecloth pack. Discard any shellfish that are already open. You’ll be able to move faster if you enlist your guests to help with this part.
Step 8: Add rockweed Shovel excess coals into a bucket of water, leaving a thin layer of hot coals on top of the rocks. Cover them with a layer of rockweed, using about half your supply.
TIP: Keep a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and a separate water bucket nearby.
Step 9: Add the food Throw on your oven mitts, and add the clams, mussels, lobsters, corn, potatoes, onions, and chorizo in a single layer. Layer on the remaining rockweed. Cover the entire pit with canvas tarps that have been saturated with seawater, and anchor on all sides.
Step 10: Bake Your food should take an hour or two to reach perfection, but start checking on it after about 45 minutes. In the meantime, grab a cool drink and party with your guests.
Step 11: Serve When the clams and mussels are open, the lobsters are red, and the veggies are soft enough to mash with a fork, remove everything from the pit. Serve with tons of melted butter, and revel in the deliciousness of your clambake.
FACT: In 2007, scientists found a 405-year-old clam off the coast of Iceland.

You Will Need

A beach and proper permits
Friends who love parties and shellfish
8 lb. littleneck clams
cleaned
5 lb. mussels
cleaned
A dozen one-pound lobsters
3 lb. sweet onions
A dozen ears of sugar corn
unhusked
4 lb. new potatoes
scrubbed
2 to 3 lb. of chorizo
Several lb. of melted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Rocks
wood
and 20 lb. of rockweed
Coolers and cold packs
Matches
Oven mitts
Aluminum foil or cheesecloth
A shovel
A fire extinguisher
a first aid kit
and metal buckets
Canvas tarps
Serving trays and utensils
Plastic cutlery
plates
and paper napkins
Cold beverages

How to Have an Outdoor Summer Movie Picnic Party

Howcast — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:31:38 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Rent or buy a projector Set up your projector. If you do not own one, you can borrow, rent, or buy one.
Step 2: Put up screen Put up your screen. You can buy, rent, or make your own screen if needed.
TIP: Make your own movie screen with white bed sheets, PVC poles, and grommets.
Step 3: Hook up cables and speakers Hook up your speakers to the DVD projector and choose a classic movie for the night. Play a bit of the movie beforehand to make sure it’s in focus and on the screen.
Step 4: Invite people Invite family and friends for a fun-filled night under the stars. Make sure you have insect repellant in case of uninvited guests.
Step 5: Set up food Ask everyone who is coming to bring a dish for your outdoor picnic. Vegetables and dip, grilled chicken, assorted cheeses, and fruit salad are great picnic food choices.
Step 6: Make popcorn Make popcorn, have an assortment of chewy and crunchy candy, and a selection of refreshments. Start a crackling fire and make s’mores.
Step 7: Enjoy the movie Find a spot on a blanket or find an empty chair and enjoy your outdoor summer movie picnic party.
FACT: The Hershey Company makes more than 373 million milk chocolate bars a year, enough to make 746 million s’mores.

You Will Need

An DVD projector
A movie screen
Speakers
A movie
Family and friends
Insect repellant
Food
Popcorn
Candy
Refreshments
A bonfire
Blankets and chairs
White bed sheets (optional)
PVC poles (optional)
Grommets (optional)

How to Throw a Superhero Themed Party

Howcast — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:18:42 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make invitations Make superhero invitations with construction paper, superhero stickers, and comic strips.
TIP: Unique superhero invitations can be purchased online.
Step 2: Request to dress up Request that your friends dress as their favorite superhero, sidekick, or villain, complete with capes and tights.
Step 3: Coordinate colors Coordinate the colors of the streamers, balloons, tablecloths, and paper products with your child’s favorite superhero.
Step 4: Decorate Decorate the room with superhero posters.
TIP: Use your child’s superhero figures for the centerpieces.
Step 5: Serve food and beverages Serve muscle burgers, superhero juice, superman subs, and carrot sticks with power dip.
Step 6: Give comic books Give your guests a loot bag filled with superhero stickers, pencils, comic books, and candy.
Step 7: End the party End the party with a “POW” and a “BAM” by having a real live superhero visit the party. Get your camera ready for some great pictures.
FACT: In 2007, Ian Sharman set a record for completing a marathon wearing a superhero costume in 3 hours 4 minutes 5 seconds.

You Will Need

Invitations
Construction paper
Superhero stickers
Comic strips
Costumes
Streamers
Balloons
Tablecloths
Paper products
Superhero posters
Food
Loot bags
Pencils
Comic books
Candy
Real live superhero
Camera
Internet access (optional)
Superhero figures (optional)

How to Throw a Princess Party

Howcast — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:15:47 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Create your own invitations Create your own invitations with pink construction paper, puffy paints, and colored rhinestones.
Step 2: Ask everyone to dress up Ask everyone who attends to dress in pink or to dress as their favorite princess.
TIP: If boys are invited have them dress as princes.
Step 3: Serve dainty sandwiches, pink lemonade, and a castle cake for the grand finale.
TIP: Cut the sandwiches into princess-themed shapes using a cookie cutter.
Step 4: Play music Play music from Snow White, Cinderella, or Swan Lake.
Step 5: Make necklaces Let the girls make their own beaded necklaces or bracelets.
TIP: You can get necklace and bracelet supplies at a craft store.
Step 6: Decorate the room Decorate the room with pink streamers, balloons, and a princess banner.
Step 7: Make a princess parlor Turn the party room into a princess parlor by having wands, costume jewelry, tiaras, and boas. Everyone will be a princess for the day.
FACT: The Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World is 190 feet tall.

You Will Need

Pink construction paper
Puffy paints
Colored rhinestones
Dainty sandwiches
Pink lemonade
Castle cake
Music
Beaded necklace kits
Pink streamers
Balloons
Princess banner
Wands
Costume jewelry
Tiaras
Boas
Princess-themed cookie cutters (optional)
Craft supplies (optional)

How to Throw a Pool Party

Howcast — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 04:02:16 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Decide if it’s adults only Decide whether your party includes children and specify it on the invitation. If you are hosting kids, post safety signs around the pool and ban diving. Make sure parents know they’re responsible for supervising their youngsters.
TIP: Consider contacting your local parks and recreation department about hiring a professional lifeguard.
Step 2: Plan the food Plan the menu. Focus on finger food that can be served straight from the fridge or at room temperature. Avoid anything that could go bad in the sun. Use unbreakable plates and cups so you don’t have to worry about bare feet on broken glass.
Step 3: Prepare the pool Clean the pool, check its chemical composition, and place a few life preserver rings nearby. If it’s an evening party, set out floating candles at dusk, and arrange tiki torches near the pool.
Step 4: Set up food stations Set up the bar away from the buffet to prevent bottlenecks. Space permitting, have more than one food station and a few tables where guests can sit to eat.
TIP: Serve a signature cocktail that you can prepare ahead of time and serve in pitchers.
Step 5: Add some niceties Designate one room for changing, and stock it with clean plastic bags for wet swimsuits. Put a bottle of hair conditioner on the bathroom sink for guests whose wet hair needs a little help getting untangled.
TIP: If a guest is feeling the heat, give them a paper towel-wrapped ice cube to hold against their wrist. This can reduce body temperature quickly.
Step 6: Stock some extras Have on hand extra sunscreen, bug spray, and several pairs of inexpensive new flip-flops so guests don’t traipse wet feet into the house. And plenty of clean towels for swimmers –in case someone lands in the pool unexpectedly!
FACT: The design of the Ritz hotel pool in Paris is inspired by ancient Roman baths.

You Will Need

Invitations
Pool safety signs
Finger food
Unbreakable plates and cups
Food stations
Tables
Life preserver rings
Floating candles
Tiki torches
Sunscreen
Flip-flops
Clean towels
Professional lifeguard (optional)
Signature cocktail (optional)
Ice wrapped in paper towels (optional)

How to Throw a Mad Tea Party

Howcast — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:01:46 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Send invitations Send invitations that include the line: “Don’t be late for a very important date!” Ask everyone to wear a whimsical hat.
Step 2: Hit flea markets Hit flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores for interesting teacups and saucers, teapots, hats, and vintage bottles to hold “Drink Me” signs.
TIP: Buy white cups and saucers at a dollar store and paint them in stripes, polka dots, and other colorful patterns.
Step 3: Get a stuffed mouse Seat a stuffed mouse at the table as the Dormouse.
TIP: If you can’t find a big enough mouse, stick a smaller one in a teapot so its head sticks out.
Step 4: Set the scene Set the scene: Take the batteries out of a clock to signify that time has stopped, and create a looking glass by hanging a mirror on a door that guests must pass through to get to the tea table.
Step 5: Prepare tea treats Make a hat cake by baking a 9-inch round cake and 6-inch round cake to sit on top of it. Trim it with real ribbon and edible flowers. Bake cupcakes that say, “Eat Me” on top in icing. Prepare a variety of finger sandwiches with delicate fillings, like smoked salmon and cream cheese. Be sure to cut the crusts off!
Step 6: Decorate the table Mismatch the teacups and saucers. Place your hat cake in the center of the table. Make and hang signs that say, “This Way” and, “That Way” leading to the tea table. Decorate the table and chairs with playing cards.
TIP: Provide a few whole decks so guests can play card games.
Step 7: Enjoy your tea Sit down with your guests and enjoy your tea. Just be careful not to fall down any rabbit holes.
FACT: Lewis Carroll is a pseudonym for British author Charles Dodgson, who wrote Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in 1865.

You Will Need

Invitations
Cups
saucers
and teapots
Hats
Vintage bottles
A mouse stuffed animal
A clock
A hat cake
Cupcakes
Finger sandwiches
Playing cards
Directional signs
A variety of teas
White teacups and saucers (optional)
Craft paint (optional)

How to Host Gold Parties

Howcast — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:16:06 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Hire gold representative Hire a gold representative who will come to your home with testing and evaluating equipment. Research the company to make sure they’re reputable and that they will offer a fair price for items.
TIP: Find companies in your area and search the internet for national consultants.
Step 2: Pick a date Pick a date for your party when the representative can attend.
Step 3: Organize a guest list Gather names and address of friends, coworkers, and family members who may have unwanted gold, and send out invitations.
TIP: Only about 30 percent of the guests invited will attend so invite more people than you really want to come.
Step 4: Set up a table Set up a table for the representative. Requirements may vary, but most representatives need only a well-lit kitchen table.
Step 5: Mingle or watch Mingle with guests or watch as the representative weighs and tests items and gives guests cash based on the weight and carat of the items and the current price of gold.
Step 6: Plan the party Plan a menu of simple food and beverages to serve at the party. You don’t want your grocery bill to cost you more than you make at your party.
Step 7: Collect your money Collect your payment, which is based on a percentage of the total sales at the party. Compensation is usually 10 percent of the sales.
FACT: Did you know? Gold is the most malleable of all metals and can be hammered into sheets 1/100,000 of a centimeter thick.

You Will Need

Gold representative
Invitations
Table
Party food and drinks
Friends with old gold
Internet access (optional)

How to Stage Your Own Groundhog Day

Howcast — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:02:45 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Get a “groundhog” Unless you have access to a real groundhog, get a groundhog stand-in, and give it a name befitting this important holiday.
Step 2: Create a den Create a den outside. Cover a table with a blanket or tablecloth that reaches the ground and put your groundhog’s cage, carrier, or a cardboard box underneath it so one side peeks out from under the cloth. Then, make a decorative sign with the groundhog’s name and tape it over the entrance.
Step 3: Write the scripts Write two ceremonial scripts, each on a piece of white construction paper. For both scripts, state the date and various weather predicting titles of your groundhog. Finish one with a short rhyming proclamation about early spring, and the other about six more weeks of winter.
Step 4: Turn the scripts to scrolls Turn each script into a scroll. Wrap one end of a script around a pencil, and roll it to the center of the page tightly so the paper stays coiled when you remove the pencil. Then, roll the other end of the sheet to the center of the page. Repeat the process with the other script.
TIP: Consider getting costumes for the ceremony like a top hat, a long black coat, and a fake, old-timey moustache
Step 5: Begin the ceremony! Stash your critter in its den, gather your audience, and welcome them to the Groundhog Day festivities. Then, knock three times on the groundhog’s home and coax them out.
Step 6: Listen for the predictions Using your fluency in Groundhog-ese, listen to whether the groundhog sees its shadow, meaning six more weeks of winter, or sees no shadow and spring is on the way. Once you have the little oracle’s prediction, thank it, place it back in its den and read the appropriate scroll to your eager audience. That beats a TV weather report any day!
FACT: A newborn groundhog is called a kit.

You Will Need

A groundhog stand-in
A small table
A blanket or tablecloth
A pet cage
carrier
or cardboard box
Construction paper or poster board
Markers
Clear tape
A pencil
The ability to rhyme
An audience
Fluency in Groundhog-ese
A top hat (optional)
A long black coat (optional)
Old-timey moustache (optional)

How to Throw a Beer-Tasting Party

Howcast — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:01:16 +0000

Instructions

: Don’t drink unless you’re of legal age. Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.
Step 1: Invite friends and pick themes Invite friends who drink beer. Buy your sampling beers using a seasonal theme, or pick an array of types, like imported beers versus domestic.
Step 2: Designate drivers Designate drivers for guests and make your home available for sleepovers. Confiscate keys if you are concerned about someone’s sobriety.
Step 3: Display beer Display bottles with labels exposed. Enlighten guests with your knowledge of beers or beer history as they evaluate what to try.
TIP: Resist the impulse to try lighter ales first, moving toward porters and stouts. Save your palate and let hoppy and high-alcohol drinks wait until the end.
Step 4: Score the beers Give guests sheets of paper and pencils for scoring beer by taste, texture, and finish. If the party is a success, discussion of beer debates afterwards may be unfocused.
TIP: You could invite home brewers to bring their concoctions.
Step 5: Set out sample glasses Set out three-ounce sample glasses for tasting and lager beer glasses for those who want more of one kind. It’s a party – don’t try to force anything on them.
TIP: Ask guests not to wear colognes or perfumes that can interfere with the bouquet and therefore the taste of beer.
Step 6: Provide snacks Provide snacks such as crackers, mild cheeses, fresh fruits, and pate to clear the pallet between beer tasting.
FACT: Did you know? In 2007, organic beer sales in the U.S. jumped to $25 million, a 29 percent increase from 2006.

You Will Need

A group of friends
Designated drivers
A variety of beers
Paper and a pen
Beer glasses
Snacks
Home-brewed beers (optional)

How to Throw a Wine-Tasting Party

Howcast — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:02:37 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Buy the wine Pick a theme. Contrast whites and reds from the same region; compare wines made from the same grape but harvested in different areas or years; or focus on a single wine producer and pick several of their wines for comparison.
TIP: One bottle of wine provides five to six glasses, or tastings for about 18 guests.
Step 2: Provide the proper glasses Provide the proper glasses. White wine glasses are smaller than red wine glasses, which have more of a bowl shape. Have paper cups on hand that guests can use as spittoons.
TIP: Avoid using cut crystal or colored glasses; being able to see the wine clearly is an important part of the tasting ritual.
Step 3: Prepare the wine Chill white wines for about an hour before serving; you don’t want them too cold. Serve the red wine at cellar, not room, temperature, which is 55 to 58 degrees. If the reds have been sitting in a warm room, stick them in the fridge for a few minutes.
Step 4: Have palate clearers Have plain crackers or bread on hand, as well as water, so that guests can clear their palates between tastings. Hold off on serving food until the tasting is completed.
Step 5: Provide tasting sheets Provide tasting sheets and pencils so everyone can take notes as they sip.
Step 6: Pour a taste Pour everyone about a third of a glass of the first wine. If you’re serving reds and whites, start with whites, moving from the lightest bodied wines to the fullest.
Step 7: Discuss the color Note the color – a white wine should be clear, a full-bodied red should have a deep, rich color.
TIP: To turn the evening into a parlor game, stick the bottles into paper bags so guests can guess what they’re drinking. Or have them rate the wines from least expensive to priciest, and have a prize for the winner.
Step 8: Sniff and discuss Encourage your guests to swirl the wine in their glass and take a big sniff of the aroma. Compare notes on what you detect, like fruity, spicy, herbal, floral, or earthy scents.
Step 9: Taste the wine Instruct guests to take a sip, take a little air into their mouth, and then swirl the wine around in their mouth for about 10 seconds before swallowing or spitting. You are now the proud host of a successful wine-tasting party!
FACT: California has over 60,000 registered wine labels.

You Will Need

Wine
Wine glasses
Paper cups
Plain crackers or bread
Water
Tasting sheets
Pencils
Paper bags (optional)
A prize (optional)

How to Organize a Family Reunion

Howcast — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:32:13 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Form a committee Form a family-reunion committee to select and invite guests, coordinate planning, and form subcommittees for various tasks.
TIP: Remember – although you are the initiator, you aren’t obligated to plan the whole thing on your own – or even to lead the planning.
Step 2: Decide what constitutes family Decide who is family. Will you include all branches of your family tree, or more immediate family members?
Step 3: Mail a survey Create a survey to mail to each household. Ask about preferences, interests, and ideas they may have for an enjoyable reunion. Set a reply deadline so the committee will have time to incorporate the responses into their planning.
Step 4: Set a date Select the date and duration for the reunion. Long weekends that include other family milestones are a great time to get together.
TIP: Avoid holiday weekends. Many people will already have plans.
Step 5: Select a location Select a location. If you can, go back to the town where your family came from so that the group can explore family history and visit nostalgic sites. Or choose a theme park, campground, or picnic area.
TIP: When choosing a location, consider the size of the group, the time of year, and the weather.
Step 6: Develop a budget Develop a budget. At minimum, it should include food, decorations, equipment, and booking fees. Knowing your budget will enable you to set a registration fee for each family.
Step 7: Choose a theme Choose a theme that can be reflected throughout the planning – on the invitations, on the menu, and through activities.
Step 8: Design and mail the invitations Design and mail your invitations. You can use regular mail or e-mail. Note all important details, including fees, times, and locations.
Step 9: Follow up Follow up a few weeks prior to the family reunion with a phone call or e-mail. Suggest items guests can bring, like old photos, awards, and memorabilia from previous reunions. Then wait for the date and enjoy your family. You deserve it!
FACT: The Family Reunion Institute at Temple University was established to provide a resource for families planning reunions.

You Will Need

A list of family members and their families
Survey forms
Invitations
Postage stamps
Contact information

How to Host a Proper High Tea

Howcast — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:02:30 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Invite your guests Invite guests to come by between 3 and 5 p.m. Afternoon tea is meant to tide people over from lunch to dinner.
Step 2: Set a proper table Put out a cloth tablecloth, cloth napkins, and your best utensils. Provide each guest with a teacup and saucer, and a small plate. Give each guest two spoons: one for their tea and one for their clotted cream and jam.
Step 3: Pick your tea Offer a variety of loose-leaf teas; tea bags are a no-no. Either limit your selection to the number of teapots you have, or provide each guest with a tea infuser that allows them to steep tea in their own cups.
Step 4: Prepare your menu Prepare a menu that includes small scones, miniature pastries, like petits fours, and finger sandwiches – egg or chicken salad, cucumber, watercress, and smoked salmon with cream cheese are all traditional fillings. Cut them into quarters, and remove the crusts.
Step 5: Serve food Place the sweets and sandwiches on separate platters or tiered serving trays and allow guests to serve themselves with tongs. Place pots of jam and clotted cream on the table for the scones.
TIP: If you can’t find clotted cream in your market, substitute creme fraiche.
Step 6: Prepare your tea Put the loose tea into the empty teapots. A good general rule is one teaspoon for every cup of water.
Step 7: Add the water Just before the water boils, add it to the teapots. Cover and let steep for two to four minutes.
TIP: Stir the leaves lightly a couple of times while they’re brewing. The tea will brew more evenly this way.
Step 8: Serve the tea Place a tea strainer across each teacup before pouring to catch the tea leaves. Offer guests sugar, lemon, or milk – but not cream.
Step 9: Relax Sit back, relax, and linger over good conversation. High tea is meant to be savored.
FACT: The tradition of afternoon tea was conceived in the 1800s by Anna Maria, the duchess of Bedford, who complained she got hungry between lunch and dinner.

You Will Need

A cloth tablecloth
Cloth napkins
Silverware
Teacups
saucers
and small plates
A selection of loose-leaf tea
Teapots
Tea infusers
Scones and pastries
Finger sandwiches
Platters or tiered serving trays
Tongs
Jam and clotted cream
A tea kettle
A tea strainer
Milk
lemon
and sugar
Creme fraiche

How to Throw a March Madness Party

Howcast — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:47:24 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pick a date Pick a date for your party. March Madness involves 64 teams playing over three weeks, so you have plenty of options.
TIP: Many people like to throw a party when the Final Four teams compete, which is always on a Saturday.
Step 2: Plan the menu Plan the menu. You want food that can be prepared or ordered ahead of time and eaten easily while standing or sitting around. Nachos with the works, wings, and pizzas are all good choices. Don’t forget the chips and dips.
TIP: Consider renting a popcorn maker or hot dog warmer—like in the stadium.
Step 3: Buy beer Buy lots of beer. If you’re having a big crowd, consider getting a keg or a party ball. Have some soda on hand, too.
Step 4: Decorate Buy paper decorations, plates, and cups with a basketball theme—or get them in your team’s color. Order some basketball Mylar balloons.
Step 5: Let them eat cupcakes Order or bake some basketball-themed cupcakes. If you’re creating them yourself, look for inspiration online.
Step 6: Organize a pool Organize a pool. Make a betting card yourself. Draw a 10 by 10 grid that fills a piece of poster board, and label the axes zero through nine. Write the name of one team along the top and the other along the side.
Step 7: Several states officially bar all gambling, including pools in which the organizer does not profit. Know your local laws before organizing a pool involving money.
Step 8: Run the pool Have guests pay to write their name in a square, and put the money in a pot. At the end of each quarter, the person who has the square that corresponds to the final digit of each team’s score wins a quarter of the pot.
TIP: Have the hosts dress like refs in black and white stripes—to help command the crowd.
Step 9: Set up an indoor hoop Set up a hoop for free throw competitions. Have a gift for the person who sinks the most baskets—like a jersey or (for the less fanatical) a wine and cheese basket.
TIP: Provide face paint in team colors so partygoers can get into the spirit.
Step 10: Have a safe ride Have the number of a taxi service or designated driver on hand in case anyone has celebrated too much to drive home.
FACT: The greatest margin of victory in a college basketball championship game was 30 points, when the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, slaughtered Duke 103-73 in 1990.

You Will Need

Food
Drink
Decorations
Poster board
The number of a taxi or a designated driver
A marker
Referee uniforms
Body paint
Jell-O shots

How to Win an Oscar Pool

Howcast — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 04:05:25 +0000

Instructions

: Several states officially bar all gambling, including pools in which the organizer does not profit. Know your local laws before organizing a pool involving money.
Step 1: Don’t trust your gut Forget about who you think should win. The Academy consists of about 6,000 industry pros, and figuring out how they are going to vote is the key to taking home the prize.
Step 2: Go with the flow For Best Picture, choose the film that has the most nominations overall. Historically, this film almost always wins Best Picture.
TIP: A Best Picture win doesn’t guarantee other victories. The same film has swept the top five categories – Best Picture, Directing, Lead Actor, Lead Actress, and Screenplay – only a few times in Oscar history.
Step 3: Pick the period piece When it comes to the Costume Design and Art Direction categories, always go with the period piece, assuming there is one. In the past 20 years, nearly all Oscars in the two categories have gone to these usually lavish productions.
TIP: If more than one period piece is nominated in these categories, go with the one based on a book or play.
Step 4: Play the odds For Foreign Language Film, pick a movie from western Europe, which has nabbed an Oscar in this category 15 of the past 20 years. Unless it’s getting a lot of buzz, skip anything from Brazil or China: They get nominated a lot, but rarely win.
Step 5: Go with the cash cow doc As the popularity of feature-length documentaries has risen steadily over the past decade, the Academy has usually given the nod to the highest grossing nominated film.
Step 6: Pick the “ugly” starlet If an actress had to look ugly in her nominated role, choose her. The Academy tends to reward beautiful women who dare to look bad on the big screen.
Step 7: Pick the “stricken” actor If a nominated actor played either someone with a disability or someone with an incurable illness, pick him. Eight of the past 20 Leading Actor winners played characters in one of these two categories.
Step 8: Go conservative for screenplay Choose a solidly middle-of-the-road film for best original screenplay. Some of the quirkiest films of the year are nominated in this category, but it’s often the less oddball – but not least oddball – scripts that win this Oscar.
Step 9: Look for an atonement opportunity If the Academy has overlooked a nominee in the past, especially in the supporting acting categories, chances are voters will make it up to them now. That goes double if the person is getting on in years.
TIP: If two people from the same movie are nominated in the same category, don’t pick either one. They tend to cancel each other out.
Step 10: Cheat a little When it comes to technical categories like Film Editing and Visual Effects, read trade journals for their expert opinions, and check out web sites that specialize in handicapping the awards.
FACT: The trophy got its nickname in 1931, when the Academy librarian remarked it looked like her Uncle Oscar.

You Will Need

An Oscar pool
Film-industry magazines or web sites

How to Host an Event-Viewing Party

Howcast — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:06:01 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Optimize the seating Arrange seating around a coffee table facing your largest television. If you have smaller TVs, place them where guests could miss the action, like in the bathroom and near the buffet table.
TIP: Try to have a flat surface within reach of every seat so guests have a place to rest their plates and drinks.
Step 2: Organize a pool Prepare whatever betting grid or handouts are required for a pool. Make sure you provide enough pens or pencils for guests to fill out ballots. Have small favors on hand as prizes.
: Several states officially bar all gambling, including pools in which the organizer does not profit. Know your local laws before organizing a pool involving money.
Step 3: Set up a self-serve bar Set up a self-serve bar near the TV, but not in a position that will force people to walk in front of the TV to get a drink. Keep beer, soda, and water in ice-filled plastic tubs.
TIP: Whip up some cocktails and snacks that go along with the theme of the night.
Step 4: Plan a drinking game Plan the rules for a drinking game, when everyone takes a sip or does a shot if certain cliches are uttered or—if it’s a sporting event—certain plays are made.
: Don’t drink unless you’re of legal age. Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive.
Step 5: Cook in advance Make a one-dish crowd-pleaser that you can prepare in advance and guests can grab whenever they like, such as a tray of lasagna or a pot of chili. Set it up alongside a big salad, a basket of rolls, and plates, napkins, and utensils.
Step 6: Spread out the snacks Divide appetizers and snacks among several plates and bowls, and place them so everyone can conveniently reach for a treat.
Step 7: Humor the nonfans Cater to guests who have zero interest in the Big Event by setting up an area away from the action where they can congregate to talk, eat, and perhaps watch something else.
FACT: Football fans devour more than 40 million pounds of avocados, mostly in the form of guacamole while watching the season’s big game.

You Will Need

Strategic seating
A betting grid or ballots
Pens or pencils
Small bills to make change
A self-serve bar
Ice-filled plastic tubs
A drinking game
A one-pot dish
A big salad
A basket of rolls
Plates
cutlery
and napkins
Snacks
Small plates and bowls
Themed cocktails
Shots

How to Throw a Tailgate Party

Howcast — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 06:45:53 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Get a car Secure a car with enough cargo space to carry the food, beverages and whatever else you want to bring — cooking equipment, a table, folding chairs, a keg. An SUV, pick-up truck or van is ideal.
Step 2: Invite friends Invite your friends, making sure beforehand that everyone will be able to get tickets to the game. Try to show up at the venue together.
TIP: If it’s too late to go to the game, you can still throw your party; just bring along a radio or a TV and a power converter that plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter.
Step 3: Plan the menu Plan your menu. Good tailgating foods include salads, chicken, nacho layer dip, and ribs.
TIP: Football season can be cold! So serve something hot that can be made the night before, like chili or mac and cheese. And bring a special hot drink, like mulled cider or hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps.
Step 4: List non-food items Compile a list of all the non-food items you need so you won’t forget anything. Frequently forgotten items include a corkscrew, water, garbage bags, sunscreen, and sealable plastic bags for leftovers.
Step 5: Chill the beverages Start chilling the beverages you plan to bring. Freeze some bottled water to throw in the cooler. If you have a large crowd, consider bringing a keg.
TIP: Check the stadium’s rules on alcohol; kegs and glass bottle rules vary from venue to venue.
Step 6: Prep food The night before the game, prepare any food that you’re not planning to cook on site.
TIP: To prevent food poisoning, use a cooler and/or a thermal tray to transport food.
Step 7: Arrive early Show up at the stadium early! You’ll need time to set up everything and do the grilling. Turn on the tunes!
Step 8: Party Enjoy yourself. Eat, drink, relax in folding chairs, toss a football around, sing fight songs– do whatever gets you prepped for the big game. Just don’t get so drunk before the game that you make an ass of yourself.
Step 9: Clean up Clean up after yourself, then cheer your team on to victory.
FACT: The NFL banned tailgating at Super Bowl XLI in 2007, citing security concerns, making it the first Super Bowl without tailgate parties.

You Will Need

A vehicle
preferably one with lots of cargo space
Cooking equipment
like a grill
Plenty of hearty food
Drinks
like water and beer
Music
A radio or TV
A power converter to plug into your car
A cooler or thermal tray
Team jerseys
Face paint

How to Throw a Slumber Party

Howcast — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 06:00:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Plan the guest list Sit down with a parent several weeks in advance and discuss the guest list. Four to six girls is usually a good number.
TIP: Generally speaking, it’s more fun to have a few good friends spend the night than a lot of guests who may not get along.
Step 2: Spread the word Invite people—by written invitation, email, or word-of-mouth—at least four weeks in advance.
TIP: Include in your invitation what the guests need to bring—their own pillow, a sleeping bag, a blanket, etc.
Step 3: Make a list With your parent’s help, figure out everything you’ll need for the party, from snacks and beverages (pizza is always popular and easy) to paper goods and decorations to breakfast items for the next morning.
TIP: Buy a few inexpensive pillows and some extra toothbrushes to have on hand.
Step 4: Plan some activities Think about fun things to do. Make jewelry? Experiment with makeup? Do each other’s hair? Play dress-up? Have a karaoke contest? Make prank calls? Hypnotize each other?
TIP: Consider having a theme for your slumber party, like a scary movie marathon, an indoor campout, or spa night.
Step 5: Prepare for guests The day of the slumber party, clear and decorate a large area where you and your friends can party/sleep.
TIP: Put some nightlights around for middle-of-the-night bathroom visits.
Step 6: Welcome guests as they arrive Now it’s time to see who can stay up the latest!
FACT: Ninety-six percent of preteen and teenage girls have attended at least one slumber party.

You Will Need

A parent’s help
A guest list
Invitations
Extra pillows
blankets
and toothbrushes
Food and beverages
DVDs
Beauty and hair products
Jewelry-making kits
Music

How to Host a Sex Toy Party

Howcast — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 07:20:02 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find a party company Search the web for sex toy companies that help people host parties by providing sample products and a ‘sexpert’ to explain them. In return for hosting the party, you’ll get a hostess gift and free or discounted products.
Step 2: Invite guests Invite a mix of classmates, work buddies, neighbors, relatives, and anyone else you can think of who is adventurous and open-minded. The more people you invite, the more free product you’re likely to earn.
Step 3: Let guests mingle Allow at least half an hour for guests to mingle and unwind before the presentation starts. Serve finger foods that can be nibbled with a minimum of fuss, like crudités and dip or cheese and crackers.
Step 4: Begin the show When everyone is relaxed, introduce the Mistress of Ceremonies and turn things over to her.
Step 5: Keep things moving Make sure the items presented get passed around in a timely fashion so no one is still waiting to try the handcuffs while the MC has moved on to edible underwear.
Step 6: Provide a private area After the presentation is over and any questions have been answered, inform guests of the separate room or secluded spot where they can consult with the MC and make purchases in private.
FACT: In 2005, Norwegian military officials submitted a request for $460 in reimbursements for a sex toy party thrown ‘to boost morale.’ The request was paid!

You Will Need

A sex toy party company
Space in which to hold the event
Guests
Refreshments
Booze