How do you make a box around text in HTML and make it have a background or color?

[Brynn Goldinger]

I need this for Pokeplushies since the new forum is in HTML.When I make my posts I can give them backgrounds in text boxes etc.I really need help with this. If you dont get what I mean say a box with a background etc and if I post it will have my post text in it.Remember,this is HTML and is for Pokeplushies.