Where do I begin? That's the question we start with when thinking about throwing a party -- and for many of us, that's the question we end with, too. We may like the idea of entertaining friends and family in our home, but the details -- those how to's of planning the party, making the food, and playing hostess -- can quickly overwhelm us, prompting us to tuck away the idea, waiting for another, better time. But it doesn't have to be that way. With The Art and Craft of Entertaining, author Kimberly Kennedy provides all the information and inspiration you need to plan, organize, and carry out a successful no-stress event. Marry some of her ideas with your own, and you'll be on the way to developing your style, gaining confidence as a hostess and elsewhere in your life. Whether you're throwing a cocktail party, a baby shower, or an intimate dinner for two, The Art and Craft of Entertaining will take you there, step-by-step. Instructive and encouraging, this essential book lays the groundwork for entertaining with style, demonstrating how to craft a perfect invitation for any occasion, organize your supplies into versatile and efficient arsenals, and plan a satisfying meal without breaking your budget. The Art and Craft of Entertaining shows how to mix passion with planning so that you can throw the party of your dreams. Inspiration without intimidation. That's The Art and Craft of Entertaining.

What's the difference between a square knot and a granny knot? What kinds of knots do fishermen use? How do you make a rope ladder? A tourniquet? What's the best way to secure a boat to its mooring, or pitch a tent? How do you tie stretcher knots? These questions and many others are answered in Allan and Paulette Macfarlan's encyclopedic work on the practical art of knot tying. Knowing how to tie a variety of useful and reliable knots is a necessity for weekend sailors and campers: it's a passport to safety and success. Rock climbing, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities also inspire the enthusiast to pursue the requisite knots. In unusually clear illustrations rendered by artist Paulette Macfarlan, accompanied by precise written instructions, the authors of this book explain how to tie hundreds of knots, including basic knots, stopper knots and hitches, toggled knots, knots for joining two ends of rope, hitches and knots for typing ropes to things, whipping, seizings, loop knots, horsey knots and hitches, decorative knots, lashing, and splicing. Practical applications are also discussed: rappelling, raft building, tracking a canoe or small boat, heaving line, log rolling, making a travois, and rope tent-frames, beds, and bunks. In addition to discussing the practical side of knot tying, the Macfarlans cover the entertaining end of the craft: knots and ropes in history and literature, knot mystery and magic in ancient and contemporary times, and games, tricks, and stunts with ropes and knots. Nearly every aspect of knot tying is represented in this comprehensive and concise reference work. Boaters, campers, boy scouts, and others interested in practical or decorative knots will want to add this volume to their bookshelves.

The Complete Book of Arts and Crafts provides 256 pages of fun activities for children ages 5 to 9 that reinforce creative minds and motor skills! It includes paper, painting, musical, sculpting, and holiday crafts, as well as a complete answer key, user-friendly activities, and easy-to-follow instructions. Over 4 million in print! Designed by leading experts, books in the Complete Book series help children in grades preschool-6 build a solid foundation in key subject areas for learning success. Complete Books are the most thorough and comprehensive learning guides available, offering high-interest lessons to encourage learning and full-color illustrations to spark interest. Each book also features challenging concepts and activities to motivate independent study, and a complete answer key to measure performance and guide instruction.

If you have never heard of washi tape, get ready to enter a bright new world of paper crafts! Originating in Japan, washi paper is stronger than wood-pulp paper making it perfect for use in projects like origami and scrapbooking. The tape is low tack and slightly transparent, and add in a mix of adorable colors and patterns, a brilliant way to make all of your crafts even better. Perfect to use for parties. See how to create invitations, gift wrap, and goodie bags. Holidays have never been more colorful with ideas for ornaments, window adornments, and even garland. Decorations for your home and office are easy and inexpensive when you use washi tape. Wall de..cor, borders and lampshades can become unique works of art and give your home a personal touch. You can even use washi tape in fashion. Dress up your glasses, shoes and jewelry using these simple ideas and designs. And because it's safe to use on delicate items, washi tape is great for personalized gifts like vases and photo albums. Washi Tape by Courtney Cerruti offers 101 amazing ideas that will make this new craft tape your new favorite thing. It's safe to use almost anywhere and great fun for children!

From high-end magazines and design-inspiration websites to stores big and small, bar carts are a must-have piece of furniture. This book provides all the answers to the question—how can I get that look at home? The Art of the Bar Cart features 20 different styled bar setups—from tricked-out vintage carts to a collection of bottles tucked into a cabinet—themed around favorite libations, personal style, or upcoming occasions. Readers can choose from the warm and inviting Whiskey Cart, the fun and fresh Punch Cart, or mix and match to suit any style. With easy tips to re-create each look as well as recipes for the perfect drinks to pair with each cart, this beautifully photographed guide is an inspiration to anyone looking to create a unique décor statement, and a drink to serve alongside.

Don't throw that away! Everyday items such as paper cups, pipe cleaners, and milk cartons can be used to create fabulous art projects with children. CRAFT MANIA provides instructions and inspiration for making 36 easy, creative, and entertaining art projects out of paper cups, pipe cleaners, and milk cartons. Bright, colorful illustrations show what the finished product will look like and help demonstrate the steps along the way. Most of the materials necessary for these projects can already be found right in your own home. If you have some buttons, aluminum foil, and scissors lying as well, you are ready to get started.

Kids Create features more than 150 engaging and thought-provoking art projects and crafts for kids, ages three to nine. Arranged by season, and ranging from beginner to advanced, these projects are great for homeschooling, school projects, and weekends.