Tori Spelling's Kid-Friendly Holiday Entertaining Tips

USMagazine, Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 10:30am (PST)

Merry li'l makers!

As the holidays approach, mom of four Tori Spelling, 39, keeps her little ones occupied with projects. "I encourage my kids to make things," the star of The Mistle-Tones (ABC Family, December 9) tells Us Weekly. "That way, we can decorate with them for the holidays."

PHOTOS: Celeb families' holiday traditions

Here, the crafty mom of Liam, 5, Stella, 4, Hattie, 14 months and Finn, 3 months (with husband Dean McDermott, 46), shares her favorite crafts to keep tiny partygoers entertained.

FROSTY LIGHTBULBSMaterialsOld LightbulbsWhite and black acrylic paint and brushesGlue, glitter, pom-poms, rhinestones and sequins (optional)Paint pensFloral wire or twine

Instructions1. Paint bulb white. Brush on glue and sprinkle with glitter if desired. Let dry.2. Paint the silver top of the bulb black. Add glue and glitter if desired. Let dry.3. Draw snowman's face with paint pens.4. Embellish if desired. Wrap wire or twine on the black top to hang.

PHOTOS: Holiday gifts for the home

SNOW GLOBE MENMaterialsClear fillable ornamentsIridescent or white snowflake sprinklesFuzzy baby socksDouble-sided tapeBlack and orange paint pensPom-poms, rhinestones, glitter, glue (optional)Ribbon

Instructions1. Remove ornament hanger and fill ball with sprinkles. Replace hanger.2. Secure sock halfway down the ornament with double-sided tape. Cut the toe of sock down the center and tie ends in a knot.3. Draw face with paint pens. Embellish if desired. Tie ribbon around hat to hang.

PHOTOS: Holiday movie preview

SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTSMaterials2 cups plus a pinch of flour1 cup salt3/4 cups warm waterHoliday cookie cuttersDrinking strawBaking sprayPaints, glue and glitter to decorateRibbon or twine

Instructions1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Mix flour and salt. Add water. Knead until soft. (If dry, add more water.)2. Roll dough on floured surface to 1/4-inch thick. Cut with cutters. Add hole at top with straw. Place shapes on sprayed cookie sheet and bake for 2 to 4 hours until hard, flipping every 45 minutes. Let cool.3. Decorate. Tie ribbon through hole.

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Tori Spelling's Kid-Friendly Holiday Entertaining Tips