html controls instead of server controls

Question

hi ,
i am doing a cms project in which i have to use html controls instead of server controls.But i have been using server controls in all the projects i have done.how can i use html controls instead of server controls.how should i use html controls where i have to display the list of somethings in a dropdown list bound from database.Please give me some idea and examples if possible.
Hoping for your help.Thanks in advanced.