How do you tie a tie?

This eHow has step-by-step instructions and a video. It usually takes a few tries to get the length just right. I would recommend that your husband practice in front of a mirror.

Beware there are many different ways to tie a tie. The standard knot is called a 'four-in-hand'. Try looking that up on eHow or any online search engine. Unless he has a spread collar (i.e. the gap between tips is wider than normal), or he's using a very skinny tie, avoid starting him with a gargantuan 'full windsor' or 'half windsor' knot. That trend is ridiculous and WILL die.

I have to disagree with manahouri; Current trend in collars make most of them definitely wide enough to support a half-windsor. (a beefier knot than the four-in-hand that [many of us] learn when we're teenagers). Plus, IMHO the half-windsor looks much more professional -- but like all clothing and fashion, it's about proportion and relationship (e.g. wide collar -- wide knot. It also makes a difference what the knot is made of).

You can get a long way with 2 knots: the four-in-hand and the half-windsor. And honestly, while you're at it, teach him how to tie a proper bow-tie, so he doesn't have to be one of those guys who wears a clip-on to a black tie event.

I wasn't really discouraging any one knot, just the damn fist-sized things people think are cool now. They're not. They're idiotic.

The half-windsor is great for a spread collar. I use it and the full windsor (with skinny ties) often. But if it's a normal spread, you should start with the four-in-hand.

If by “normal” you mean “Point,” then yes. But I find the Pratt is the most useful knot. It sits somewhere in between a four-in-hand and a windsor, but is completely symmetrical. It also has more of a triangular shape than other knots and seems to work well with both skinny and traditionally cut ties. It also naturally produces a dimple on wider ties.

Also, more expensive ties DO tie differently. Shop accordingly.