Easiest way I have been shown for sector entries (apart from CC's first post) goes like this.
LH pattern.
Put left hand (fingers together, thumb open) with the 'v' of your thumb over the aid and fingers pointing away from the aid in the direction of the pattern entry. Then just picture your current track in relation to your hand. If you are tracking in over your fingers = parrallel entry, along your forearm = direct entry, through the 'v' of your thumb = offset entry.
RH pattern, do the same with your right hand over the aid.
Hope the explanation is clear, would be better in pictures, as it is very simple no thought required as you can see the entry required immediately.
As for flying the hold, the Poms taught me a great system using a 'gate'. Works anytime with any wind but would be difficult to explain here. It is simple when shown but hard to put in words.